Snakes play a vital role in the ecosystem. Some species possess defensive traits that are harmful, or even deadly, to humans. For this reason, if you live in a snake-prone area, use plants that repel both venomous and non-venomous snakes around your garden, activity areas, and household entryways. Snakes will not be attracted to your property by these plants.
You have undoubtedly considered the worst case scenario if you live in an area where snakes thrive. When children play, they are most likely to unwittingly wander into a snake’s habitat. The dangers are also present if you are a gardener or landscaper. Historically, snakes have been regarded as a mortal threat, which has made humans wary of them. If you don’t take measures to prevent snakes from entering your home, snakes will find their way inside. Discover the eight plants that are effective snake repellents that keep them out of your yard and home.
Creating an Anti-Snake Garden
A large amount of food is available in areas of dense covering, which is favored by snakes. Rats and mice are attracted to dense floral ground coverage, which in turn attracts snakes. It is possible to hide under small rock beds, in vines, or anywhere that can provide food. Consequently, create a garden that repels snakes by using plants that repel them.
Depending on your natural ecosystem, snake-repelling plants will vary. Snakes are not expelled from your garden by any single plant. The right uses of these tools can, however, have a tremendous amount of impact. The snake will be comforted by anything it smells from the moment it hatches. Therefore, if you are trying to rid your area of an existing snake infestation, it is an uphill battle. The process would be easier if you simply wanted to deter snakes from entering your property from elsewhere.
Snakes dislike strong, bitter, or foreign smells. There is, however, a difference between the kind of smell a snake is born with and what is considered “strong” or “unpleasant.” It is not good for the property owner if, for example, the owner has a garden with onions, and a pregnant snake is already living on the property. The newborn snakes will connect the smell of onions with protection and “home.” Snakes that are not native to the onion garden, however, will be strongly deterred by this smell.
There is much speculation as to what plants are most effective at repelling pests. The principle of design remains the same, regardless of what plants you use. You’ll need three key elements to design a snake-repelling garden: a snake barrier, a variety of deterrent plants, and a lack of food sources. Mice, rats, and other small animals are eaten by snakes.
As a result, snakes will not be interested in your garden if it doesn’t attract these critters. Plant one or more of the plants listed below to create a hedge barrier around your garden. Moreover, the more rows of barrier plants there are, the more effective they will be. A barrier row of onions is fine; a barrier row of onions and garlic is better; and a barrier row of onions, garlic, and tobacco is excellent.
Are Snakes Bad for the Garden?
Snakes are actually good for the garden, contrary to popular belief. Additionally, they will control other garden pests, such as rodents, which can ruin entire crop fields, wreak havoc on your plants, and destroy your home. Snake removal does not have an ecological value as much as it does a safety function. There are only a few species of snakes for which chemical solutions work well for exterminating your garden. Organic snake repellents have been proven effective all over the world, particularly in North Africa, Central and South America, and the mountains of the American Northwest.
Snake-repelling Plants
Four of the plants commonly found to repel snakes do so for known reasons, while others are less clear. The most effective way to deter snakes is to plant a wide variety of plants. Snakes do not like strong odors, so employing a mixture of plants will provide both above ground and below ground coverage. Snakes are known to be repelled by the following plants:
Marigolds
There is a common practice of using marigolds to deter pests. Plant roots are responsible for the problem. Moles and gophers have traditionally been deterred by this technique. Many gardening pests and critters are repelled by these deep roots and their strong odor. Further, your property will be adorned with bright flowers. The roots of marigolds can act as a hiding spot for mice and other snake prey, but their strong odor keeps pests at bay.
Snake Plant
As well as having sharp leaves, snake plants revivify the oxygen at a faster rate than normal, so they are one of the best plants to repel snakes. Snakes are scared of the sight of mother-in-law’s tongue, but not of smelly plants. As a snake barrier, it looks great around the garden and is very low maintenance. Perennial plants will last for many years if they are watered only three times per week. Be sure to let the roots establish themselves for at least three months after planting if propagating from a single host plant. Those in warm, sunny climates can use it to repel snakes outdoors, while those in cooler climates can use it indoors.
West Indian Lemongrass
Snakes are deterred by the citrus smell of lemongrass. Lemongrass also produces citronella, which mosquitoes dislike. It is one of the best plants for repelling snakes, mosquitoes, and even ticks from your garden. Drought-resistant and easily maintained, lemongrass thrives in a wide range of climates. Plus, it adds beauty to any landscape. You can repel mosquitoes and ticks while protecting yourself from snakes using lemongrass.
Onion & Garlic
Garlic and onions are very useful garden plants for repelling snakes. Snakes dislike both plants’ smell, as well as being confused by it. The best plants that repel snakes are garlic plants.