What Scents Do Snakes Avoid?

According to popular belief, snakes are repelled by the smell of lemongrass. Many people plant lemongrass around their homes, along fences, or hang bundles of it to keep snakes away. Some even use lemongrass essential oil as a natural snake deterrent.

Snakes are also said to be afraid of realgar powder, a mineral composed of arsenic sulfide with a distinctive yellow-orange color and a strong, unpleasant smell. Sprinkling realgar powder around your home or garden can help deter snakes, but since it is to.xic to humans, its use should be cautious and limited.

Another traditional remedy involves mixing crushed garlic with coarse salt in equal parts and spreading it around the house. This mixture is believed to effectively drive snakes away.

Plants That Snakes Tend to Avoid

1.  Lemongrass

Widely thought to deter snakes due to its strong citrus scent, lemongrass is often planted as a natural barrier. However, scientific evidence confirming this is limited. Additionally, dense growth of lemongrass can sometimes provide shelter for snakes and other small creatures, so care should be taken when dealing with large clusters.

2.  Chrysanthemums

These vibrant flowers are more than just ornamental; they contain pyrethrum, a natural substance known to repel snakes and many insects.

3.  Marigolds

Known for their bright colors and pungent aroma, marigolds are believed to discourage snakes from inhabiting nearby areas.

4.  Garlic Vine (Mansoa alliacea)

Also called false garlic vine, this climbing plant with purple blossoms emits a strong garlic scent that repels reptiles like snakes. Beyond its repellent qualities, it is also used in herbal remedies to treat skin irritations and reduce inflammation.

5.  Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

This hardy, evergreen houseplant is valued in Feng Shui and is thought to keep snakes at bay due to its bitter sap.

Additional Tips for Keeping Snakes Away

Besides planting repellent plants, maintaining a clean and orderly environment is vital to discourage snakes:

• Regularly trim grass and clear away thick vegetation to remove snake hiding spots.

• Watch for signs such as snake tracks, shed skins, or burrows near your property and take necessary precautions.

• If you encounter a snake indoors, avoid disturbing it. Instead, leave the area calmly and contact professional wildlife removal services.

Combining these habits with the use of natural repellents can significantly reduce the chances of snakes entering your home.