7 Scents Snakes Hate: Natural Ways to Help Keep Snakes Away from Your Home

Why snakes hate it: Some aromatic plants naturally deter snakes with their strong scents.

Plants to try:

• Lemongrass – Contains citronella, which snakes avoid

• Rosemary – Strong woody scent

• Marigolds – Bright flowers with a pungent odor

• Wormwood – Very strong, bitter scent

• Mint – Peppermint and spearmint are particularly effective

How to use them:

• Plant these around your garden, foundation, and entry points

• Crush leaves occasionally to release more scent

• Use dried herbs in sachets near potential hiding spots

Other Natural Snake Deterrents

Remove Food Sources

Snakes follow their food.

Control rodents, insects, and other prey to make your yard less attractive.

Eliminate Hiding Spots

• Keep grass mowed short

• Remove wood piles, rock piles, and debris

• Seal gaps in foundations and under doors

• Trim bushes and shrubs away from your house

Use Gravel or Sharp Mulch

Snakes prefer smooth surfaces. Sharp materials like gravel, pine cones, or holly leaves are uncomfortable for them to crawl over.

What Doesn’t Work

• Mothballs – Not designed for outdoor use; toxic to children, pets, and the environment

• Ultrasonic devices – No scientific evidence they work

• Fake predators – Snakes quickly learn they’re not a threat

When to Call a Professional

If you have a snake infestation or encounter a venomous snake, call a professional wildlife removal service. Don’t try to handle it yourself.

The Bottom Line

While these natural scents may help discourage snakes from entering your yard, they’re not guaranteed solutions. The most effective approach is

to make your property less attractive to snakes by:

• Removing food sources (rodents, insects)

• Eliminating hiding spots

• Sealing entry points

• Maintaining your yard

A combination of methods works best. Use these scents as part of an integrated approach to snake management.