Hate Snakes? Here Are 15 Plants That Will Help Keep Them Out of Your Yard This Summer
Summertime is all about hanging out by the pool, grilling scrumptious burgers and hot dogs, and just enjoying the warm weather outdoors with friends and family. While bugs are an unfortunate given during the summer, there's another (seemingly) menacing creature that could potentially ruin all your fun: snakes.
While not all snakes are venomous or even aggressive toward humans, it can still be a pretty frightening ordeal running across one! Most snakes are repelled by the same scents, and there are even a few tips and tricks you can utilize to help keep the slithering reptiles out of your space. Keep reading to discover the 15 best snake-repellent plants.
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15 Snake-Repellent Plants
1. Marigolds, 4 Pack $19.02 on Amazon
Aztec Marigold Flowers (4 Pack), Tagetes Erecta, Mexican Marigold Orange Flowers, Mexican Marigold Flowers, African Marigold Flowers, Orange Marigold Flowers, Marigold Plant Live by Plants for Pets
Both French and American versions of marigolds would do well in repelling snakes. They have a strong spicy scent that snakes definitely do not prefer. As an added bonus, marigolds would be a beautiful addition to any landscape! Marigolds, 4 pack $19.02 on Amazon
2. Mugwort plant, $18.00 on Amazon
Organic Mugwort, Artemisia vulgaris, Live Plant in 3-inch Pot
Also known as wormwood, mugwort attracts butterflies but is a great snake deterrent due to its strong scent. In modern medicine, mugwort has been used for digestive problems, irregular menstruation and high blood pressure. It can also be considered a sedative, laxative and liver tonic. Mugwort plant, $18.00 on Amazon
Related: Create Your Own Butterfly Paradise With These 35 Plants and Flowers That Attract Butterflies
3. Lemongrass plant, $19.98 on Amazon
Large Lemongrass Plant in 4-inch Pot, Cymbopogon Citratus, West Indian Lemon Grass, Fully Rooted for Kitchen Garden
With its citrusy scent, lemongrass repels not only snakes but mosquitoes, ticks and plenty of other bugs. It has also been used as a pain reliever and swelling and fever reducer, and is thought to reduce levels of sugar and cholesterol in the blood. Lemongrass plant, $19.98 on Amazon
4. Society Garlic, $5.49 on Amazon
Outsidepride Tulbaghia Violacea Society Garlic Herb Seeds - 100 Seeds
Its scientific name is "tulbaghia violacea," and is not directly related to the garlic we use for cooking. Its leaves and flower stems emit a garlicky odor that repels snakes but attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Society Garlic, $5.49 on Amazon
5. Allium Gallon Pot, $19.99 on Amazon
Millenium Flowering Onion Perennial - Allium - Gallon Pot
Alliums are perennial plants that contain hundreds of different species including onions, garlic, scallions, shallots, leeks and chives. Its strong scent is what keeps snakes far away from it, and the plants can last multiple years if properly taken care of. Allium Gallon Pot, $19.99 on Amazon
Related: 12 Best Privacy Trees for Peace and Solitude—No Fencing Required
6. King of Bitters Seeds, $8.97 on Amazon
Andrographis Seeds (Andrographis paniculata) Packet of 100 Seeds
"Andrographis paniculata" has bitter-tasting roots and leaves, and a strong smell that is unpleasant at best to snakes. What's more, the chemical smell that is emitted can irritate the snake's skin and it has anti-venom properties. It's a win-win-win! King of Bitters Seeds, $8.97 on Amazon
7. Clove Basil Seeds, $11.99 on Amazon
Ocimum Gratissimum Ocimo West African Wild Clove Basil Alfavaca, 20 Premium Heirloom Seeds, Edible, Perennial, Easy to Grow -QAUZUY GARDEN
Although the effects are stronger in the form of essential oils eugenol and thymol, clove basil plants deter snakes due to their scent. They have also been used in natural treatments for digestive issues, headaches, congestion and the flu. Clove Basil Seeds, $11.99 on Amazon
8. White Snakeroot Seed Packet, $9.17 on Amazon
White Snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum), Seed Packet, True Native Seed
On top of deterring snakes, snakeroot was traditionally used to treat snake bites as well as earaches, toothaches, sore throats and colds. White Snakeroot Seed Packet, $9.17 on Amazon
9. Pink Agapanthus Seeds, $14.99 on Amazon
Elwyn 100pcs AGAPANTHUS African Lily Pink Flower Seeds
Although this plant boasts pretty pink flowers, it's actually a member of the onion family. Once again, its strong scent is what keeps snakes away. Once you plant it, it will be fast-growing and can be as tall as three feet! Pink Agapanthus Seeds, $14.99 on Amazon
10. Citronella Plant, $17.31 on Amazon
Live Citronella - Naturally Repels Mosquitos - Healthy and Fragrant - 15" Tall by 8" Wide in a 1.5 Qt Pot
A popular choice for warding off mosquitoes, a citronella plant will also help to keep snakes away. It has also been used for slowing or preventing the growth of bacteria, reducing muscle spasms, calming headaches and improving energy. (If you prefer the seeds, they're a little more on the affordable side.) Citronella Plant, $17.31 on Amazon
11. Blue Holly, $36.61 on Amazon
Ilex X meserveae 'Blue Princess' (Blue Holly) Evergreen, #3 - Size Container
Low-growing holly is most effective at keeping away snakes, but you can also clip the spiky leaves off any holly bush and spread them around any areas you want the snakes to keep away from. Blue Holly, $36.61 on Amazon (Holly Seeds, $9.29 on Amazon)
12. Cactus Plants, 3 Pack $17.99 on Amazon
Cactus Plants (Mix of 3), Mammillaria Cactus Plants Live in Cactus Soil, Opuntia Cactus Live Plants, Cacti Plants Live, Cactus Décor Succulents, Cacti Décor Drought Tolerant Plants by Plants for Pets
Snakes don't like anything spiky or thorny, so cacti are the perfect things to plant to keep them away! This variety pack of different cacti is the perfect starter kit for you to experiment with! Cactus Plants, 3 Pack $17.99 on Amazon
13. Mother-In-Law's Tongue, (Sansevieria) $14.24 on Amazon
While also repelling snakes, this plant is known to reduce airborne allergens and thereby ease allergic reactions in humans because it absorbs pollutants. While these benefits are mostly experienced when this plant is kept indoors, it does not minimize the fact that this plant is beneficial to have around! Mother-In-Law's Tongue, (Sansevieria) $14.24 on Amazon
14. Chives Plant, $16.00 on Amazon
Organic Chives Plant, (Allium schoenoprasum) 2.5-inch Pot - Kitchen Garden Herbs Live Plant
Snakes hate the smell of onion, and it just so happens that chive plants give off a rather strong scent of onions. Strong enough to keep snakes away from any area you choose to plant them! Chives Plant, $16.00 on Amazon
15. Sage Herb Plants, 4 Pack $19.77 on Amazon
Bonnie Plants Garden Sage Live Herb Plants - 4 Pack, Easy To Grow, Non-GMO, Perennial In Zones 5 to 8, Key Ingredient Of Poultry Seasoning & Turkey Stuffing
Much like basil, snakes do not like the scent of sage. Commonly used to help increase memory and thinking skills, lower high cholesterol, and ease symptoms of menopause, sage has also been thought to soothe sore throats and sunburns. Sage Herb Plants, 4 Pack $19.77 on Amazon
What Scents Will Keep Snakes Away?
Snakes hate anything minty or too citrusy as these scents really irritate them. You could sprinkle either peppermint oil or lemon oil in your yard to keep snakes away. Another oil you could use that emanates a scent snakes try to avoid is clove oil. Not only do these fragrances keep away snakes, but they repel mice as well and the lack of a food source will help to deter snakes.
How Do I Snake-Proof My Yard?
There are a few ways to help prevent snakes from entering your yard, here are some great tips!
Don't leave trash around that could attract a snake's food source: small rodents, lizards, slugs, etc.
Make sure there is nothing in your yard they could use as shelter. They like cool, dark places that are generally enclosed, like under rocks, logs, in leaf piles or in old branches.
Make sure there is no standing water. Snakes love water.
Trim bushes and trees as snakes like to use these as hiding spots.
Mow your lawn often, they prefer to hide in tall grass!
