Plants That Should Not Be Planted Around the House Because They Attract Snakes

When it comes to landscaping around your home, it's not just about choosing plants that look beautiful or complement your surroundings. Some plants can actually attract unwanted visitors, including snakes. This is a concern, especially if you live in areas where snakes are common, as they may find shelter in certain types of vegetation.

Here are some plants you should consider avoiding if you want to keep snakes away from your home:

1. Tall Grasses and Weeds

While tall grasses and weeds may seem like a natural addition to your garden, they can actually create ideal hiding spots for snakes. These plants provide cover and shelter for snakes, which they can use to rest or hunt. Snakes are known to seek out areas where they can remain hidden from predators or potential threats. To reduce the risk of snakes, it is important to keep your yard clear of long grass and weedy areas.

Tip: Regularly trim grass and remove weeds from around your home to reduce the chances of attracting snakes.

2. Ivy and Climbing Plants

Vines like ivy, especially English ivy, are known to attract snakes. These plants often form dense, tangled masses that provide perfect hiding spots for snakes, especially in shaded, quiet corners of your garden. The thick coverage offered by climbing plants can create an ideal habitat for snakes to nest or find prey.

Tip: If you have ivy or climbing plants around your home, consider removing them or replacing them with less dense ground cover.

3. Mulberry Trees

Mulberry trees are known to attract snakes, especially because they often attract rodents, which are a food source for snakes. Rodents tend to be drawn to the fallen fruit, and this, in turn, can attract snakes looking for food. Additionally, mulberry trees provide good shelter for snakes due to their thick foliage.

Tip: If you have a mulberry tree near your house, consider relocating it or ensuring that you maintain the area by keeping it clear of fallen fruit.

4. Bamboo

Bamboo is another plant that can attract snakes, especially because it creates thick, dense growth. While bamboo is an attractive plant, its dense stalks and foliage can provide a hiding place for snakes, making it easier for them to stay undetected. Bamboo can also attract small animals, which in turn attract snakes.

Tip: Consider removing bamboo or planting it farther away from your home if you live in an area prone to snakes.

5. Ferns

Some species of ferns, especially those that grow in shady and damp areas, can attract snakes. The moist environment provided by these plants creates ideal conditions for snakes to thrive. Snakes often like cooler, damp areas where they can regulate their body temperature, and ferns provide such an environment.

Tip: Avoid planting ferns near entry points to your home or areas with moisture and shade, such as around the foundation or under the porch.

Why Snakes Are Attracted to Certain Plants

Snakes are generally drawn to areas that offer shelter, food, and a cool environment. Many plants that attract snakes provide these conditions in abundance. Dense foliage, tall grasses, and plants that draw rodents all offer a perfect habitat for snakes, as they can find food, rest, and safety in these areas.

How to Create a Snake-Free Yard

If you want to create a snake-free environment around your home, here are some general tips:

1. Maintain your yard: Keep grass cut short, remove tall weeds, and avoid letting plants become too overgrown.

2. Use snake repellents: There are natural snake repellents, such as those made from essential oils, that can help keep snakes away from your yard.

3. Install a fence: If you live in an area with a high snake population, consider installing a snake-proof fence around your yard to prevent them from entering.

4. Seal entry points: Make sure that there are no holes or cracks around the foundation, windows, or doors of your home where snakes could enter.

5. Clear debris: Remove piles of rocks, leaves, or wood from your yard, as they can provide shelter for snakes.

Conclusion

While plants can beautify your garden, it's essential to consider their role in attracting unwanted guests like snakes. By avoiding certain plants and maintaining a tidy yard, you can reduce the likelihood of snakes coming too close to your home. Keep your environment safe, comfortable, and snake-free by being mindful of the types of plants you use and how they may impact the wildlife around you.