Moth balls/crystals will keep snakes away.  Pour in a continuous line around your foundation, snakes will not cross it (they cannot take the ammonia on their bellies).  You will need to replenish after a HEAVY rain.  For inaccessible areas, chuck a few moth balls into the bushes.  **Watch so your dogs don't think they're a new treat/toy.**

Borax will also keep ants out, as well as kill some worms your dogs can pick up from the soil.

I have used the newspaper and window wash before — works fantastic.