8 Plants That Repel Snakes

Snakes are fascinating creatures, but they can also be dangerous. If you're looking for natural solutions to keep them away from your home or property, you might want to consider planting certain types of plants. Not only do these plants have the ability to repel snakes, but they also offer other benefits like being visually appealing and sometimes even edible.

Here are eight plants that can help keep snakes at bay:

Marigolds

Appearance and Characteristics

Marigolds are a popular flower that come in several varieties, including African, French, and signet. They are typically bright yellow or orange in color and have a distinctive scent.

How it Repels Snakes

The strong odor of marigolds is believed to repel snakes. Additionally, marigolds contain a chemical called pyrethrum, which is known to be toxic to insects and some reptiles.

How to Use it

Plant marigolds around the perimeter of your property or in areas where snakes are known to thrive. You can also use marigold oil as a natural snake repellent.

Garlic

Appearance and Characteristics

Garlic is a bulbous plant that belongs to the onion family. It has long, flat leaves and produces a pungent aroma.

How it Repels Snakes

Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which is known to repel snakes. The strong smell of garlic can be overwhelming for snakes and cause them to avoid the area.

How to Use it

Plant garlic around the perimeter of your property or sprinkle garlic powder in areas where snakes are known to be present. You can also make a garlic spray by blending garlic cloves with water and spraying it around your property.

Lemongrass

Appearance and Characteristics

Lemongrass is a tall, grassy plant that has a lemony scent. It is commonly used in Asian cuisine and is often grown in gardens for its aesthetic value.

How it Repels Snakes

The strong smell of lemongrass is believed to repel snakes. Additionally, lemongrass contains citronella oil, which is known to be an effective insect repellent.

How to Use it

Plant lemongrass around the perimeter of your property or in areas where snakes are known to thrive. You can also use lemongrass oil as a natural snake repellent.

Indian Snakeroot

Appearance and Characteristics

Indian snakeroot, also known as Rauvolfia serpentina, is a perennial shrub that is native to India. It produces small, white flowers and has a bitter taste.

How it Repels Snakes

Indian snakeroot contains reserpine, which is a chemical that is toxic to snakes. The plant's bitter taste may also deter snakes from eating nearby plants.

How to Use it

Plant Indian snakeroot around the perimeter of your property or in areas where snakes are known to be present. You can also make a tea from the plant's roots and spray it around your property.

Wormwood

Appearance and Characteristics

Wormwood is a perennial plant that has gray-green leaves and produces small, yellow flowers. It has a bitter taste and is often used in herbal remedies.

How it Repels Snakes

The strong smell of wormwood is believed to repel snakes. Additionally, the plant contains a chemical called thujone, which is known to be toxic to insects and some reptiles.

How to Use it

Plant wormwood around the perimeter of your property or in areas where snakes are known to thrive. You can also make a wormwood spray by boiling the plant's leaves in water and spraying it around your property.

Onion

Appearance and Characteristics

Onions are bulbous plants that belong to the same family as garlic. They have long, flat leaves and produce a pungent aroma when cut.

How it Repels Snakes

Onions contain a compound called n-propyl disulfide, which is known to repel snakes. The strong smell of onions can be overwhelming for snakes and cause them to avoid the area.

How to Use it

Plant onions around the perimeter of your property or sprinkle onion powder in areas where snakes are known to be present. You can also make an onion spray by blending onions with water and spraying it around your property.

Mugwort

Appearance and Characteristics

Mugwort is a perennial plant that has silvery-gray leaves and produces small, yellow flowers. It has a strong, bitter taste and is often used in herbal remedies.

How it Repels Snakes

The strong smell of mugwort is believed to repel snakes. Additionally, the plant contains a chemical called thujone, which is known to be toxic to insects and some reptiles.

How to Use it

Plant mugwort around the perimeter of your property or in areas where snakes are known to thrive. You can also make a mugwort spray by boiling the plant's leaves in water and spraying it around your property.

Rosemary

Appearance and Characteristics

Rosemary is a perennial herb that has fragrant, needle-like leaves and produces small, blue flowers. It is often used in cooking and has many medicinal properties.

How it Repels Snakes

The strong smell of rosemary is believed to repel snakes. Additionally, the plant contains a chemical called camphor, which is known to be toxic to insects and some reptiles.

How to Use it

Plant rosemary around the perimeter of your property or in areas where snakes are known to be present. You can also make a rosemary spray by boiling the plant's leaves in water and spraying it around your property.

In planting certain types of plants can help keep snakes away from your home or property. From marigolds to rosemary, these plants offer a natural solution that is visually appealing and sometimes even edible. While these plants may not guarantee that snakes will never enter your property, they can certainly reduce the likelihood of encountering them.

FAQs

What is the most effective way to repel snakes?

There are several ways to repel snakes, including using snake repellent sprays, keeping your yard clean and tidy, and planting certain types of plants.

Are there any plants that attract snakes?

While there are no plants that specifically attract snakes, certain types of vegetation can provide an ideal habitat for them. This includes tall grasses and shrubs.

How do I know if there are snakes in my yard?

Look for signs such as shed skin, snake tracks, or sightings of the snakes themselves. Snakes are most active during the warmer months, so be extra vigilant during this time.

What should I do if I encounter a snake?

If you encounter a snake, it's important to stay calm and slowly back away. Do not try to handle the snake or provoke it in any way.

Can snake repellent sprays harm other animals?

Most snake repellent sprays are non-toxic and safe for use around pets and wildlife. However, it's always a good idea to read the label carefully and follow the manufacturer's instructions.