HOA responsible for snake control?

Fellow board members in NC, do y'all provide snake control/removal for HOA-owned property?

About 85% of our common areas are fenced stormwater ponds or mowed regularly by our landscapers, but the last 15% is between a row of 10 houses and a tree protection area.

The grass the developer put down in that area is different from the rest of the common areas -- it's a DOT blend like what you see on the sides of highways. We were told to keep it between 9 and 12'' tall, so our landscapers do mow it every now and then, but a homeowner is concerned about snakes biting her dog.

Are we responsible for snake deterrent in that one particular area (about 15,000 sq. ft)? Or is it one of those "keep an eye on your surroundings" type things?

If we are responsible, any suggestions on how? I heard moth balls aren't effective

Christy,

Great and interesting question.

I don’t think the HOA is “responsible” for snakes.

It’s always interesting, as well, that the dog owner is concerned about snakes biting dog, but not person? 🙂

Homeowner: There are snakes over there.
Board member: Dont go over there.

I don't see the HOA being responsible here unless they are specifically doing something to attract them in the first place. They would be like any other wildlife, e.g. my HOA is not responsible for dealing with the coyotes that come onto the property.

To be serious, the associations (and political entities) in which we have resided in North Texas over the last 20 years face this issue, not necessarily involving snakes, on a regular basis (read daily) due to the residential development of land which a few years ago was used to raise cotton, graze cattle or whatever. The drought a few years ago made it even worse as we are surrounded by golf courses and wildlife came downstream in search of food and water.

The first coyote and bobcat calls went to the HOA. The boards swiftly realized the HOA is not responsible, nor should it take on the expense or responsibility. One call to Animal Control resulted in the oft heard response:

"They were here before you and we were. The City will not manage wildlife until there is an incident which is potentially life threatening or if a human is threatened--which means stalked. You, as a private citizen, are free to take whatever action you wish so long as it is in keeping with local and state laws which deal with wildlife management. We do recommend removing food sources from patios and do not let children, or small pets, in the yard unaccompanied. Do call us back if observe a threat or experience one."