Protect Family & Pets with These 8 Plants for Keeping Snakes Out of Your Yard
Rebecca West
For anyone living in an area where snakes are common visitors, it can be a challenge to keep kids and pets safe. But there is a way to reduce the probability of encounters with them, and the best part is it's through organic means.
We're talking about using plants as natural repellents for slithering pests. And since April showers bring May flowers, it's time to start planning ahead.
Citronellas
For instance, lemongrass — which mosquitoes don't care for, either — is a tropical, grass-like plant recognized for its strong citrus scent. The smell is said to be overwhelming to snakes, so it might be worth it to plant it on your property if it grows in your zone. It thrives in hot climates with full sun. As a bonus, it's super low maintenance and it's frequently used in cooking.
Summer Blooms
Then there are always marigolds, yet again another plant mosquitoes don't like. The orange and yellow blooms are an effective snake repellent, too, as well as warding off other pests. These ruffled flowers work through the release of alpha-terthienyl, a phototoxin snakes loathe.
Because their root system grows fairly deep, the strong smell can reach deep down into the soil, so they work double duty at running snakes off.
They prefer full sun and require dry conditions with well-drained soil.
Garlic & Onion Families
The smell of garlic and onions is said to be repulsive to snakes because of their high quantities of sulfonic acid, which gives off a strong odor. It's not difficult to grow garlic from cloves or onions from bulbs on your property or in pots.
There's also society garlic, a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the same family as onions, which is the Amaryllis (Amaryllidaceae) family. All it takes is brushing up against it or a breeze to stir the scent.
The plants feature small star-shaped flowers atop grassy stems that reach about a foot in height. one-foot-tall grassy foliage. With the flowers, they reach a height of two feet. Blooms are lilac-lavender in color and last from early summer to autumn.
Another idea is pink agapanthus, another member of the onion family.
A quick grower, it reaches 3 feet and sports colorful clusters. They don't tolerate soggy soil, which causes the bulbs to rot. Not only will it keep snakes at bay, but it will provide an attractive addition to your outdoor space.
Aromatic Herbs
Besides coming in handy for recipes, basil and sage also work as effective snake repellents. One basil in particular, the clove basil, has a distinctive smell heavy on the clove that snakes find unappealing.
This particular plant can grow up to 6 feet tall, which will increase the odor as it gains in size. The falling leaves breaking down and working their way into the surrounding soil will help prevent snakes from venturing into your yard as well.
You can grow fresh sage and basil in raised gardens and containers for convenience. While you're running snakes off you'll have a steady supply of delicious herbs.
