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.