Snakes, like all other living things, are an important part of an ecosystem, but they might not want to be in your garden. Walking outside and finding them crawling across the floor is not an appealing sight. Even snakes that aren’t dangerous might bite in self-defense, and we all want to avoid getting bit by a strong snake.
We’re going to show you how to make them stay as far away as possible without hurting or killing them. Get to know the best plants that repel snakes and keep your garden safe and slither-free.
#Keep Snakes Away from Your Garden 15 Plants Snakes Hate
Many homeowners dread catching a glimpse of a snake slithering around their yard or gardens. While most species of snakes are harmless, it’s understandable to want to deter them from areas where you and your family spend time outdoors. The good news is that you can landscape your yard with plants that naturally repel snakes.
Certain plants have strong scents, textures, or even chemical compounds that snakes find unpleasant or disorienting. Incorporating these into your garden beds, borders, and landscaping can discourage snakes from taking up residence or hanging around.
Read on for 15 of the top plants and flowers known to deter snakes from yards and gardens.
Marigolds
Marigolds are inexpensive, easy to grow from seed, and blooming marigolds release a pungent odor from their leaves and flowers that repels a variety of pests, including snakes. For maximum impact, plant marigolds liberally along borders, in and around vegetable gardens, and near yard features like patios. Choose compact French marigolds or tall African marigolds. The bright orange color also adds cheerful curb appeal.
Holly
The spiny leaves and dense growth habit of shrubs like English holly and American holly make these plants unattractive shelters for snakes. The sharp foliage deters snakes from slithering through or nesting within these bushes. Plus the red berries provide winter interest. Use hollies as living screens, hedges, or specimen plants.
Snake Plant
True to its name, snake plant (Sansevieria or mother-in-law’s tongue) is a tough succulent that repels actual snakes with its thick spiky leaves and sharp edges. It also requires little care and tolerates low light levels so it’s perfect for indoor and outdoor use. Plant snake plants in pots on patios and walks, or bordering the yard.
Lemongrass
Grow clumps of lemongrass to deter snakes with its strong citronella scent or crush stalks and leaves to release the aroma around problem areas. Lemongrass also adds a tropical vibe to gardens. Related plants like citronella grass and lemon thyme have a similar effect. Use lemongrass in borders and beds or in containers.
Garlic and Onions
Planting garlic or onions around the perimeter of your veggie garden or yard helps mask the scent trails that snakes use to locate prey, essentially causing sensory confusion. Plus they have the added benefit of repelling insects. Be sure to leave some to harvest as well! Chives and other alliums also work.
Agapanthus
Sometimes called African lily, the downward facing blooms of blue or white agapanthus emit a scent that deters snakes. The globe-shaped flower clusters also make lovely cut arrangements. Agapanthus perform best in warm climates and full sun exposure. Use them in beds and borders.
Wormwood
With its strong herbal fragrance, common wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) masks predators’ scent trails and repels snakes and insects. It has lacy silver foliage and tiny yellow blooms. Note that wormwood may spread aggressively. Other Artemisia varieties like ‘Powis Castle’ also repel snakes.
West Indian Lemon Grass
Like regular lemongrass, the tropical grass Cymbopogon citratus deters snakes with its lemony scent. Crush the long, thin leaves or bruise the stems to release even more lemon oil. Grow it alongside walks and borders or in pots. It also makes a soothing tea!
Catnip
The aromatic herb catnip drives cats crazy, but repels snakes. Plant catnip as a groundcover in garden beds and borders or grow in pots placed strategically around the yard. It spreads readily, so some containment is useful. The leaves also make a calming tea.
Pitcher Plants
Adding carnivorous pitcher plants like Sarracenia to a wet, boggy area of your yard will help reduce local rodent populations, eliminating a key food source that attracts snakes. The unusual pitcher-shaped leaves also fascinate visitors to your garden.
Fennel
All parts of the herb fennel, including the foliage, bulbs, seeds, and flowers, emit a strong, licorice-like scent that naturally deters snakes. Grow fennel in beds and borders, around the veggie garden, and in containers or window boxes placed near entryways. Be sure to water it well.
Mint
Mint’s brisk, fresh aroma discourages snakes and other pests while attracting pollinators. Plant peppermint, spearmint, catmint, lemon balm, and other mint family members in garden beds, containers, or hydroponically. Just be sure to contain mint’s spreading roots.
Prickly Pear Cactus
The sharp spines and sturdy, stiff leaves of prickly pear cacti create uncomfortable barriers that snakes avoid. Plant prickly pear along walkways, borders, and slopes. Combine with rocks for a natural snake deterrent. Select spineless varieties for safety near play areas.
Milkweed
Like pitcher plants, monarch-friendly milkweed reduces prey animals in your yard by supporting beneficial insects. The plants’ milky sap also deters snakes. Use native milkweed species suited to your region. Site carefully, as milkweed spreads rapidly.
Aromatic Herbs
Snake-repelling herbs with strong scents include lavender, basil, oregano, rosemary, and sage. Plant them along borders or walkways, or pot them up for patios. Culinary use is an added bonus! Clip herbs often to encourage new growth.
The next time you’re landscaping your yard, consider incorporating plants that naturally discourage snakes. With strategic use of these aromatic, prickly, and pungent plants, you can enjoy your yard without worrying about uninvited reptilian visitors.
Frequency of Entities
Snakes: 16
Plants: 15
Gardens: 5
Yards: 4
Borders: 4
Snake plant: 2
Onions: 2
Garlic: 2
Marigolds: 2
Holly: 2
Lemongrass: 2
Scent: 2
Mint: 2
Cactus: 1
Lavender: 1
Milkweed: 1
Fennel: 1
Catnip: 1
Wormwood: 1
Agapanthus: 1
Prickly pear: 1
Pitcher plants: 1
What Do Snakes Hate?
Snakes are good for gardens because they get rid of other pests like bugs, rodents, and slugs, but they can also be a problem.
The thing snakes hate the most are strong scents. They depend on their strong sense of smell to find food, so anything too strong will throw them off and make them want to run away. This highly developed sense is a mechanism to make up for bad eyesight.
Does Lavender Repel Snakes?
No scientific evidence supports it, but Lavender is widely considered to repel snakes. It has some essential oils that are like those of clove and cinnamon, but it might not be the best choice.
10 Best Snake Repellent Plants to protect your outdoor Garden
What plants keep snakes away?
1. Onion (Allium cepa) A plant with a strong scent from the underground-up, an onion is just the kind of plant to keep snakes away. With so many varieties of onions, gardeners can choose from among plenty to suit their growing area and taste. Onions are best grown from seeds or sets of small bulbs.
Do snake plants repel snakes?
Snake plants repel snakes because of their sharp leaves and their higher-than-normal oxygen production. Most of all, snakes are frightened by the look of the snake plant. Have a lot of these as border plants if you suspect snake infestation. They are easy to grow and are very low maintenance plants. 3. West Indian lemongrass
Do snakes like smelling plants?
Snakes are surprisingly sensitive creatures and they will have no interest in going near plants that have strong smells, allowing you to keep your yard snake-free. Because snakes do not appreciate strong and unpleasant odors, they are not going to want to go near a yard that has a considerable amount of strong-smelling plants.
Do snakes like plants?
Many plants give off scents that we find appealing. However, snakes find them rather off-putting, which prompts them to avoid any area where the plants are found. Certain greenery can also release chemicals that annoy snakes and may even be toxic, while others have spiky surfaces that the creatures are not fond of slithering over.