I know how valuable snakes are to gardens as they eat rodents and bad bugs! We had gobs of them(gardeners) when we first moved here and I stood in the middle of the garden and told myself to stay in control, these things were harmless and helpful!! BUT..... I simply can't stand it when they move and I had to get rid of them! Basically, they live near lots of vegetation and weedy areas. We cleaned our property up near the house and garden and they left. We have Jack Russells and they don't care much for snakes although they will kill them for a little fun. Snakes don't move fast enough for them and they must taste bad!