When it comes to snakes, it’s better to be safe than sorry — especially if you live in one of the 15 U.S. states where snakebites are far from rare. These slithering surprise guests don’t always give fair warning, and one wrong step could land you in a world of hurt.
But don’t worry — you don’t have to turn your backyard into a fortress. Nature’s got your back. Certain plants pull double duty: they’re easy on the eyes and tough on unwelcome reptiles. If you want to keep snakes from making themselves at home, it’s time to dig deep and plant smart.
Let’s explore the snakebite hotspots across America — and some powerful plants that might just keep those legless intruders at bay.
1. Texas Tops The Charts
Texas tops the nation in snakebite cases, with rattlesnakes leading the charge. Hikers and rural residents face the greatest risk, especially in warmer months when snakes are most active. Home to over 15 venomous species — including coral snakes and copperheads — the state’s mix of wide-open wilderness and high population leads to frequent run-ins.
To help keep snakes at bay in Texas landscapes, consider planting marigolds, lemongrass, and wormwood — natural deterrents known to discourage slithering visitors.
2. Florida’s Venomous Variety
Florida ranks second in the U.S. for snakebites, thanks to its warm climate and expanding suburbs. The state is home to six venomous species, including the massive eastern diamondback rattlesnake and the water moccasin, which often startle swimmers and anglers in lakes and swamps.
As development pushes deeper into wild areas, human-snake encounters are on the rise. To help deter snakes in Florida yards, try planting mother-in-law’s tongue (snake plant), pink agapanthus, and garlic — all known for their natural repellent properties.
3. Georgia’s Snake Hotspots
Georgia ranks third in the nation for snake encounters, with copperheads causing the most bites. Their leaf-colored camouflage makes them hard to spot on forest trails. With 46 snake species — including six venomous ones like the timber rattlesnake — Georgia’s mix of mountains, plains, and swamps offers perfect snake habitat.
To help reduce unwanted visits, especially in wooded or rural areas, plant marigolds, mugwort, and West Indian lemongrass — natural deterrents that may help keep snakes at a distance.
4. North Carolina’s Dangerous Duo
North Carolina sees around 500 venomous snakebites each year, mostly from copperheads and timber rattlesnakes. The Appalachian region is a hotspot, especially in summer when hiking surges. In rural counties, delayed access to medical care can make bites more dangerous.
To help deter snakes around homes and trails in North Carolina, consider planting clove basil, garlic, and marigolds — natural repellents that can discourage snakes from settling nearby.
5. Arizona’s Desert Dangers
Arizona is home to 13 rattlesnake species — more than any other state — making it a hotspot for venomous encounters. In the Sonoran Desert, snakes often seek shade near rocks and homes during the blazing summer. Hikers near Phoenix and Tucson face higher risks at dawn and dusk, when snakes are most active.
The highly venomous Mohave rattlesnake adds serious danger. To help keep snakes away in Arizona’s dry climate, plant desert marigold, rosemary, and wormwood — hardy species known to naturally deter snakes.
6. California’s Coastal Concerns
California ranks sixth for snakebites, despite its urban image. The northern Pacific rattlesnake thrives from coastal trails to mountain paths, often catching residents off guard in developed areas. In Southern California, spring and fall hikes bring added risk, as the mild climate keeps snakes active nearly year-round.
To help discourage snake activity around homes and trails, consider planting California pepper tree, rosemary, and lemongrass — all known to repel snakes naturally and tolerate the state’s varied climates.
7. Oklahoma’s Prairie Predators
Oklahoma ranks seventh in the U.S. for snakebites, with western diamondbacks posing the biggest threat. Bites are most common in the state’s southwest, especially during farm work in fields and barns. Despite its cultural nod to snakes through the Apache Rattlesnake Festival, hundreds of bite cases are treated annually.
To help reduce encounters around homes and rural properties, consider planting marigolds, garlic, and prairie sage — hardy, natural deterrents that thrive in Oklahoma’s climate and may help keep snakes at bay.
8. Alabama’s Woodland Threats
Alabama’s humid climate, dense forests, and winding waterways make it prime territory for venomous snakes like cottonmouths and copperheads. Water moccasins are especially common near creeks and riverbanks, often surprising unsuspecting fishermen. Rural counties see more bites, especially during timber work and outdoor activities.
With mild winters shortening snake brumation, these reptiles stay active longer each year. To help deter them naturally, consider planting mugwort, marigolds, and lemongrass — all known to repel snakes and thrive in Alabama’s climate.
9. Tennessee’s Mountain Menaces
Tennessee’s varied landscape supports multiple venomous snake species, placing it among the top states for snakebites. Timber rattlesnakes are common in the Appalachian region, especially along trails in the Great Smoky Mountains during summer. Copperheads are responsible for most bites, often in suburban zones where development meets wild terrain.
In western Tennessee, agricultural workers frequently encounter cottonmouths in swampy areas. To help deter snakes naturally, try planting garlic, mother-in-law’s tongue, and marigolds — effective repellents well-suited to Tennessee’s climate.
10. South Carolina’s Coastal Culprits
South Carolina’s coastal zones, swamps, and barrier islands make it a hotspot for venomous snakes like the eastern diamondback rattlesnake. Cottonmouths are common in the Lowcountry’s marshes, while copperheads are more frequent in the Upstate. Even beachgoers and golfers aren’t exempt, with dune trails and water features drawing in snakes statewide.
To help deter them naturally, consider planting lemongrass, wormwood, and pink agapanthus — attractive, low-maintenance plants known to repel snakes in South Carolina’s warm, humid climate.
11. Mississippi’s Delta Dangers
Mississippi’s fertile delta, rich farmland, and abundant waterways make it prime territory for venomous snakes like cottonmouths and copperheads. Agricultural workers are especially at risk during harvest, when snake habitats are disturbed. Water moccasins are common around rivers and bayous, often surprising fishermen and boaters.
In rural areas, limited access to antivenom can make bites more dangerous. To help deter snakes near homes and barns, consider planting mugwort, marigolds, and garlic — natural repellents well-suited to Mississippi’s warm, humid environment.
12. Louisiana’s Bayou Biters
Louisiana’s swampy bayous and humid climate make it a haven for venomous snakes, especially water moccasins known for their aggressive, stand-their-ground behavior. Fishermen, hunters, and cane field workers often encounter snakes during harvest and outdoor activities.
The state’s blend of wetlands, agriculture, and recreation keeps it high on the list for snakebite incidents, with hundreds treated each year. To help ward off unwanted reptile visitors, plant lemongrass, garlic, and West Indian bay leaf — all known to thrive in Louisiana’s climate and help deter snakes naturally.
13. Arkansas’s Ozark Offenders
Arkansas’s Ozark Mountains are as beautiful as they are snake-prone, earning the region its share of venomous run-ins. Copperheads and timber rattlesnakes are the main culprits, often lurking near hiking trails, rock outcrops, and wooded areas. Farmers and outdoor workers in the Arkansas River Valley also face risks, especially during warm months when snakes are most active.
With hundreds of bites reported annually, natural prevention is key. To help keep snakes away, plant mugwort, marigolds, and cedar-scented herbs — hardy options that grow well in Arkansas’s climate and may reduce slithering surprises.
14. Missouri’s Woodland Wrigglers
Missouri’s rugged terrain and rich ecosystems make it a hotspot for venomous snake activity, especially in the Ozarks. Copperheads account for most bites, thriving in rocky areas that serve as ideal hibernation dens. Though less common, timber rattlesnakes pose a greater medical risk due to potent venom.
Conservation areas often post summer warnings as hikers frequently encounter snakes basking on trails. To help deter them around homes and campsites, consider planting garlic, lemongrass, and marigolds — natural repellents that perform well in Missouri’s varied climate.
15. Virginia’s Mountain Vipers
Virginia’s diverse landscape — from Blue Ridge peaks to coastal plains — makes it a prime habitat for venomous snakes. Timber rattlesnakes are often spotted along mountain trails, including stretches of the Appalachian Trail, while copperheads are frequently encountered in suburban developments in the east. In southern counties, cottonmouths are a common hazard in low-lying agricultural zones.
With snakebite incidents spread across varied environments, natural deterrents like marigolds, garlic, and pink agapanthus can help keep snakes at bay in Virginia gardens and yards.