Nobody wants to run into a snake while watering the garden or relaxing on the patio. The good news? You don’t need harsh chemicals or pricey traps to keep them away. With a few smart home remedies—and some tried-and-true tricks gardeners swear by—you can make your yard way less inviting to these slithery visitors.
From strong scents they hate to natural barriers that actually work, these DIY methods are easy, affordable, and low-key effective. Ready to reclaim your outdoor space? Let’s get into 20 simple ways to keep snakes out, plus 9 bonus remedies seasoned gardeners won’t go without.
1. Marigold Plant
Colorful blooms can do more than please the eye. Marigold, with its bright, sunny flowers, is one such plant that naturally deters snakes. The pungent aroma and the secretions from the roots of marigold plants are something snakes dislike.
Why not plant some marigolds around your garden or yard? Apart from keeping snakes away, they add a pop of color that’s hard to miss. Who wouldn’t enjoy a garden that’s both beautiful and snake-free?
2. Garlic Spray
A strong scent that snakes find repulsive. In this case, garlic takes center stage. Crushing garlic and mixing it with water creates a potent spray that can be applied around your home.
Snakes prefer to slither elsewhere when they encounter this aroma. For those who enjoy a hint of DIY, making this spray can be quite rewarding. Why not try adding a bit of oil for extra potency?
3. Onion Barrier
Tears aren’t the only thing onions cause. Aside from their culinary uses, they also serve as an effective snake deterrent. Planted around the perimeter of a garden, onions emit a smell that snakes find unpleasant.
Why choose onions? Because their scent is unbearable to these reptiles, encouraging them to slither away. Besides, you get the added benefit of fresh onions for your kitchen, a win-win for any garden enthusiast.
4. Lemongrass
An aromatic herb with dual benefits. Lemongrass not only acts as a fragrant addition to your garden but also as a snake deterrent. The strong citrus scent emitted by lemongrass is known to keep snakes at bay.
Planting it around your home can work wonders in creating an unwelcoming environment for these slithery visitors. Plus, it doubles as a wonderful ingredient for teas and dishes. Who wouldn’t love such a versatile plant?
5. Cinnamon Oil
Spices aren’t just for cooking, you know. Cinnamon oil, with its warm, spicy aroma, is a natural snake repellent. Spraying a mixture of cinnamon oil and water around your property creates a scent barrier snakes dislike.
Not only does it protect your home, but it also leaves a pleasant fragrance in the air. For those who appreciate a multi-purpose solution, cinnamon oil fits the bill perfectly.
6. Clove Oil
A potent essential oil that keeps reptiles at bay. Clove oil, known for its strong aroma, is perfect for keeping snakes away. Mixing it with water and spraying it around your property creates an uninviting atmosphere for snakes.
It’s an effective and natural way to deter these creatures. In addition to being a snake repellent, clove oil has numerous other uses, making it a handy household item.
7. Naphthalene Balls
A classic method that still works wonders. Naphthalene balls are commonly used to repel snakes due to their strong odor. Placed strategically around your home, these balls create a scent that snakes find unbearable.
Why stick with traditional methods? Because they work! Just remember to keep them away from pets and children. A simple yet effective solution for any snake concerns.
8. Vinegar Solution
Snakes aren’t a fan of sour surprises. Vinegar, with its strong acidic smell, creates a natural barrier for these reptiles. Pouring vinegar around the perimeter of your home can discourage snakes from entering.
The acidity is something they tend to avoid. For those who enjoy simplicity, a vinegar solution is an easy and effective remedy, keeping your home snake-free without much effort.
9. Sulfur Powder
A mineral that snakes find offensive. Sulfur powder can act as a powerful deterrent when sprinkled around your property. Its strong smell creates an unwelcome environment for snakes, prompting them to leave.
Why choose sulfur? Because it’s a tried-and-true method for keeping snakes away. An uncomplicated solution for those who prefer traditional remedies with a touch of science.
10. Ammonia
A smell that snakes can’t stand. Ammonia is another effective remedy to keep snakes at bay. Soaking cotton balls in ammonia and placing them around your home creates a scent barrier.
Snakes tend not to cross this aromatic line. For those who appreciate chemical solutions, ammonia offers a straightforward approach to snake prevention. Just ensure it’s used safely.
11. Peppermint Oil
A refreshing scent that snakes dislike. Peppermint oil, known for its invigorating aroma, is a natural snake repellent. By mixing it with water and spraying around your home, you create an environment that’s unfriendly to snakes.
Why peppermint? Because its scent is both pleasant to humans and repulsive to snakes. A versatile solution for those who love a minty-fresh home.
12. Eucalyptus Oil
A powerful aroma that deters snakes. Eucalyptus oil, with its strong, fresh scent, is an excellent natural repellent. Mixing it with water and spraying around your garden can help keep snakes away.
Its scent is something snakes prefer to avoid. For those fond of multi-functional items, eucalyptus oil also serves many other purposes, making it a valuable addition to any home.
13. Coffee Grounds
A surprising use for your morning brew. Used coffee grounds can act as a natural deterrent for snakes. Sprinkling them around your garden adds a scent that snakes find unappealing. Plus, they enrich the soil as they break down.
For those who enjoy recycling and love coffee, this method offers a sustainable way to keep snakes at bay while benefiting your garden.
14. Cat Litter
What’s that smell? Used cat litter may sound unusual, but its odor is something snakes avoid. Sprinkling it around your property can deter snakes from entering.
They find the scent of predators off-putting. For cat owners, this method offers a clever way to reuse litter while naturally keeping snakes away. Just be sure it’s used litter to ensure effectiveness.
15. Lime and Peppermint
A combination that snakes find intolerable. Lime mixed with peppermint oil creates a potent barrier. Spreading this mixture around your home can discourage snakes from lingering.
They dislike the scent and texture. For those who enjoy mixing remedies, this blend offers an effective and aromatic way to keep snakes at bay.
16. Rosemary
An herb that adds flavor and deters snakes. Rosemary, with its strong scent, can keep snakes away naturally. Planting it around your garden creates an aroma that snakes find unpleasant.
Besides, it’s a delightful addition to any culinary dish. For those who love a dual-purpose plant, rosemary is both a kitchen staple and a snake deterrent, adding value to your garden.
17. Snake Fencing
A physical barrier that works wonders. Snake fencing, designed to prevent snakes from entering, is a practical solution. Installed around the perimeter, it effectively deters snakes, keeping them out of your yard.
Who wouldn’t prefer a secure, snake-free garden? For those who value peace of mind, snake fencing offers a reliable and straightforward method of protection.
18. Cedarwood
A wood with an aroma that snakes avoid. Cedarwood, known for its strong scent, can deter snakes effectively. Using cedar mulch around your garden creates a barrier snakes prefer not to cross.
It’s a natural and aesthetically pleasing method. For those who love gardening, cedarwood offers both functional and decorative benefits, enhancing your outdoor space.
19. Ginger Plant
More than just a spice. Ginger plants, with their scent, can naturally repel snakes. Planting ginger in your garden adds a fragrance that snakes find disagreeable. Besides, you’ll have fresh ginger for your culinary creations.
For those who appreciate multifunctional plants, ginger offers both culinary delights and snake deterrence, making it a valuable garden addition.
20. Amish Paste Tomato
Not just a treat for the palate. Amish Paste Tomato plants can keep snakes at bay with their unique scent. Planting them in your garden adds a natural barrier that snakes avoid. Plus, you get to enjoy delicious tomatoes.
For those who love heirloom varieties, these tomatoes offer both culinary enjoyment and protection against unwanted reptilian visitors.
21. Bamboo Stakes
A natural barrier that doubles as decoration. Bamboo stakes, when used properly, can deter snakes. Placing them strategically creates an obstacle snakes find challenging to navigate.
Plus, they add an exotic touch to your garden. For those who enjoy a decorative flair, bamboo stakes offer a stylish and effective method to keep snakes at bay.
22. Fennel
A plant with a strong aroma. Fennel, when grown in your garden, can discourage snakes naturally. Its unique scent is something snakes tend to avoid, making it a useful addition to any garden.
Besides, it’s delicious in many dishes. For those who love cooking and gardening, fennel offers dual benefits, providing both flavor and snake protection.
23. Geranium
An ornamental plant with a purpose. Geraniums, known for their strong scent, can naturally repel snakes. Planting them around your home creates a fragrance snakes find disagreeable.
Plus, they add beauty to your garden. For those who appreciate colorful blooms, geraniums offer both aesthetic pleasure and a natural solution for keeping snakes at bay.
24. Mustard Plant
A plant with a pungent scent. Mustard, when grown around your property, can act as a natural snake deterrent. Its strong aroma is something snakes dislike, encouraging them to stay away. Besides, you can harvest mustard seeds for culinary use.
For those who enjoy spicy flavors, mustard plants offer a dual-purpose solution, adding both spice to your life and protection to your home.
25. Lavender
A scent that soothes humans but not snakes. Lavender, with its calming aroma, can naturally deter snakes. Planting it around your home creates an environment that snakes avoid, while adding beauty and fragrance.
For those who love aromatherapy, lavender offers both relaxation and protection against unwanted reptiles.
26. Rue
An herb with a strong scent. Rue, when planted around your property, can deter snakes effectively. Its aroma is something snakes prefer to avoid, making it a handy plant for any garden. Plus, it has historical uses in medicine.
For those who enjoy herbal remedies, rue offers a natural way to keep snakes at bay while exploring its other benefits.
27. Mint
A refreshing plant with a purpose. Mint, known for its strong aroma, can naturally repel snakes. Planting it around your garden creates an environment snakes find unpleasant, making it an effective deterrent.
Plus, you get fresh mint for your kitchen. For those who love minty flavors, this plant offers both culinary delight and a natural way to keep snakes away.
28. Society Garlic
A plant with a distinct scent. Society Garlic, despite its name, is not for culinary use but rather for repelling snakes. Planted around your garden, it creates a fragrance that snakes tend to avoid. It’s a natural and effective deterrent.
For those who appreciate unique plants, society garlic offers both decorative and protective benefits, enhancing any garden space.
29. Thyme
A herb with more than just culinary uses. Thyme, when grown in your garden, can deter snakes naturally. Its strong aroma creates an environment that snakes find repulsive, making it a useful addition to your planting scheme.
Besides, it’s a staple in the kitchen. For those who love cooking, thyme offers both a flavorful herb and a natural solution to snake prevention.