What terrifies me the most? Snakes. I can’t stand them! Just the thought of one slithering through my garden while I’m tending to my flowers gives me the creeps!
Naturally, I did everything I could to keep them far away. I didn’t want to use chemical repellents since they’d cause more harm than good (especially with pets and kids running around). So, I had to get creative and find a more eco-friendly solution.
My friend suggested using essential oil. Essential oil? I thought she was kidding!
But no, she was completely serious. So, I gave it a shot, and to my surprise, it worked! Ever since I started using it, I haven’t seen a single snake around.
So, this magic oil I am talking about is actually…
Peppermint Oil aka Natural Snake Repellent
Ahh, peppermint… the great herb for soothing our stomachs and calming our nerves. Turns out, it’s not just great for refreshing your mood; it’s also the best at deterring pests.
This oil can tackle everything from gnats to spiders, and even those creepy-crawly roaches (which, let’s be honest, we all want gone). One quick spray, and it’s like they can’t even find the veggies in your garden!
But here’s where things get really interesting – snakes can’t stand it either!
Since they have an extra-sensitive sense of smell, peppermint oil is like their kryptonite. The strong scent is just too much for them, and it keeps them far away from your garden, yard, or even your home.
PETA also gives it a thumbs up as a humane way to handle any slithery critters that might already be hanging around.
I’ve personally tried it, and it really is an honest deal – no more sneaky snake surprises in my garden!
To raise the stakes even more, you could try growing some of these 16 snake-repellent plans.
Just Spray The Oil Around And Let It Work Its Magic
The other reason I absolutely love peppermint oil is that it is super easy to use. You don’t need any special skills or fancy equipment – just a few common ingredients and a bit of shaking.
Just mix three to four tablespoons of peppermint oil with two cups of water. For an extra punch, you can also add other snake-repelling oils like cinnamon or cedar.
Since oil and water don’t naturally mix, give the solution a good shake. Adding a pinch of salt can help the oils blend better and spread more evenly, but remember to shake it up again before each use.
Once you’ve got your mix ready, pour it into a sprayer and cover your yard. Focus on spots where snakes might hide, like wood piles, under sheds, tall grass, and brush.
And here’s a pro tip: if you spot a snake while spraying, avoid aiming the spray directly at it (this might scare it).
Also, don’t forget to spray around your outdoor spaces like porches, decks, and around doors to keep your whole area snake-free.
Related: Here’s The Lawn Care Mistake That’s Bringing All Those Snakes To Your Yard