Plants That Avoid Snakes: Natural Ways of Snake Repellent for Your Garden

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As a gardener, it can be frustrating to see your plants get destroyed by snakes. Using synthetic snake repellents not only harm the environment but can also be dangerous for children and pets. Why not try natural and safe solutions instead? Here are some top snake-repellent plants and ways to keep snakes away from your garden.

Why use snake repellent plants?

Using snake repellent plants is an excellent way to keep snakes away from your garden without using harmful chemicals. These plants work by emitting strong scents that repel snakes, ensuring the safety of your plants and family.

The importance of natural alternatives

Besides being safe, natural alternatives like snake-repellent plants are more environmentally friendly compared to synthetic pesticides. Over time, synthetic pesticides destroy the soil's natural microorganisms and kill beneficial flowers and insects in your gardens.

Top 10 Snake Repellent Plants

Here are ten plants that can help repel snakes:

Marigolds

Marigolds are floral representatives of natural pest control. These lovely plants have a unique aroma that deters snakes and various other pests.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass produces citronella oil, which has natural insecticidal properties that can repel snakes. These plants grow up to four feet high, so planting them around the borders of your garden bed ensure that snakes stay out of your space.

Garlic

Do you know the smell of garlic drives away pests? Yes! And it works against snakes, too. Plant garlic bulbs around the borders of your garden, and you'll see that snakes look elsewhere for their hiding places.

Onions

Onions produce a strong odor that deters snakes, rodents, and other pests. Planting these bulbs around the borders or inside your garden bed will make sure that snakes stay away.

Mint

The menthol scent of mint also works like a charm to repel snakes. Spearmint and peppermint can be an excellent choice to plant around your garden.

Rosemary

Rosemary is famous for its culinary uses, but it can also keep snakes away. Plant these fragrant bushes near doors, windows, or other potential snake entry points, and the strong scent emitted by this aromatic herb will do the job.

Fennel

Fennel has a unique smell that drives away snakes from your garden. Although fennel may attract aphids, planting them next to plants at risk can prevent snakes from entering your garden area.

Wormwood

Wormwood is excellent as a natural insecticide and a great snake repellent. Placing wormwood on the boundaries of your garden ensures that snakes do not cross over.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are an excellent choice to plant together with your other vegetables since they deter snakes from your vegetable gardens. The leaves of nasturtiums are densely packed and emit an odor that snakes dislike.

Indian Snakeroot

The name itself suggests that Indians have been using it for centuries as a natural snake repellent. Crushed and dried roots of the Indian Snakeroot plant emit an odor that repels snakes from your garden.

Natural Ways to Keep Snakes Away From Garden

Besides planting snake-repellent plants, you can try these other natural ways to keep snakes away:

Keep the garden clean and free of debris

Remove any clutter or debris around the garden since tall grasses or piles of leaves serve as hiding spaces for snakes. Be sure to stay vigilant and remove any potential hiding spots for snakes to reduce the risk of unwanted visitors.

Eliminate sources of food and water for snakes

Snakes will not visit your home if there is no food for them to eat. Eliminating rodents and insects in and around your property reduces the chance that snakes come to feed on these pests.

Use snake proof fencing and netting

Protect your garden beds by installing snake-proof fencing or netting like chicken wire fences with small holes to prevent them from entering the organic ambiance of your garden.

Encourage natural predators of snakes

Attract natural predators that eat snakes, such as hawks, eagles, owls or cats, to your yard to deter snakes from making your home their territory.

Herbs That Deter Snakes

Apart from the plants mentioned earlier, some herbs naturally keep snakes away due to their strong smell.

Basil

Planting basil has various benefits, and one of them is that it deters snakes. The scent emitted by basil plants confuses the sense of smell in snakes making them search elsewhere for hiding spaces.

Thyme

The herbal scent of thyme serves as a mosquito repellent, and with its fragrant qualities, it works well against snakes, too. Plant them around your backyard and you're free from unwanted snake appearances.

Sage

Sage produces a strong musky odor which most reptiles dislike. Plant sage plants all around your garden, and they will serve as effective natural barriers from those slithery reptiles.

Oregano

Not only tasty as a spice in food, oregano also has peculiar features that keep snakes away. Plant oregano around walls and gardens to keep them out.

Using natural solutions like using snake-repellent plants or encouraging natural predators of snakes is an eco-friendly way to protect your garden without hurting the environment. Stick to these methods, and you can have a safe and healthy garden that is pest-free.

FAQ

How effective are snake repellent plants?

Natural snake repellent plants work best in repelling snakes if planted strategically along borders and entry points. However, no plant can guarantee 100% snake-proof properties.

Do all snakes react similarly to these plants?

Most of the plants listed above are known to work on common snake species. Yet, different snakes may react differently to these plants, so it is best to research which plants work for the species in your area.

Can I use essential oils as a natural way of keeping snakes away from my garden?

Yes, you can use natural essential oils like cinnamon, cedar, and clove. Mix them with water and spray them anywhere that you think snakes would be able to hide or seek hiding spots.

Is it necessary to get rid of snakes completely from my property?

Snakes are living creatures, and they play an essential role in balancing our ecosystems. Instead of getting rid of them entirely, use methods like natural snake repellent plants to restrict their entry into specific areas of your property.

Can I use mothballs or other chemicals to repel snakes?

No, using mothballs can be toxic to humans and other animals in your garden. The same applies to harsh chemicals designed to kill snakes. It's better to stick with eco-friendly methods that are safe to use.