And for many snakes, that means:
Mice and rats
Frogs and toads
Insects
Even leftover pet food or fallen fruit
How to Fix It:
Seal compost bins — use lidded, rodent-proof containers
Clean up fallen fruit from trees
Store pet food indoors — never leave it out overnight
Keep birdseed contained — use squirrel-proof feeders and sweep up spills daily
Reduce insect lights at night — they attract bugs, which attract frogs, which attract snakes
No food = no reason to stay.
🌱 2. Plant Lemongrass (and Other Snake-Repelling Plants)
Lemongrass isn’t just for tea.
It naturally produces citronella oil — a scent snakes hate.
Plant it around:
Patios
Garden beds
Entryways
Decks
Other snake-deterrent plants:
Marigolds
Strong scent, deters pests and snakes
Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Snake Plant)
Sharp leaves, uninviting texture
Wormwood
Bitter smell, disliked by many animals
West Indian Lemongrass
Citrusy, pungent, snake-repelling
Bonus: These plants also deter mosquitoes and deer.
🧱 3. Remove Hiding Places
Snakes love shelter.
They hide under:
Woodpiles
Rock piles
Tall grass
Unused pots or debris
Overgrown shrubs
How to Fix It:
Store firewood off the ground and away from the house
Keep your yard mowed and tidy
Clear away clutter, trash, and overgrown vegetation
Trim bushes so air and light can flow underneath
A clean yard = fewer snake hideouts.
💧 4. Eliminate Standing Water
Snakes are drawn to moisture — especially in dry climates.
Sources of water attract:
Frogs (snake food)
Insects
The snakes themselves
How to Fix It:
Empty birdbaths every few days (or use a fountain)
Fix leaky outdoor faucets
Clean gutters regularly
Avoid overwatering your lawn
Keep it dry, and they’ll keep moving.
🐭 5. Control Rodents Humanely
No rodent problem = no snake problem.
But don’t reach for poison — it can harm snakes, pets, and wildlife.
Try these humane rodent controls:
Seal entry points to your home and shed
Use live traps and release rodents far from your property
Encourage natural predators like owls (install a nesting box)
Fewer mice = fewer snake invitations.
🧂 6. Use Natural Repellents (Safely)
Some natural scents disrupt a snake’s senses and make them avoid an area.
✅ Safe, non-toxic options:
Vinegar – Pour around perimeter of patios or pools
Garlic & onions – Crush and mix with oil; spray in corners
Lime and peppermint oil – Sprinkle or spray in snake-prone areas
⚠️ Avoid: Commercial “snake repellent” granules — many are ineffective or harmful to pets.
🧱 7. Install Physical Barriers
For high-traffic areas (like play zones or decks), consider a snake-proof fence.
What works:
Fine mesh hardware cloth (¼ inch or smaller)
Buried 6 inches underground (to prevent tunneling)
Slanted outward at 30 degrees (snakes can’t climb it)
Even a low barrier around your deck or garden can redirect snakes away.
🔊 8. Use Vibrations & Motion
Snakes are sensitive to vibrations — they “feel” movement through the ground.
Disrupt their comfort zone with:
Wind chimes near seating areas
Motion-activated sprinklers
Vibrating landscape lights
These gently scare snakes away without hurting them.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Coexistence Doesn’t Mean Constant Company
We don’t need to fear snakes.
We don’t need to kill them.
But we also don’t need to share our porch with them every evening.
By making small, thoughtful changes, you can live in harmony with nature — while still enjoying your yard in peace.
So next time you see a snake in your garden…
Don’t panic.
Don’t grab a shovel.
Just look around.
Ask:
“What’s inviting them?”
Then make one small change.
Because sometimes, the difference between a snake-filled yard and a snake-free one…
Isn’t in the fear.
It’s in the fix.
And once you create an unwelcoming environment?
You’ll enjoy your outdoor space — without the slither surprise.