Adding plants that repel snakes is one potential way to keep them at bay.
Using plants as part of an integrated pest management strategy is best.
Studies show strong anecdotal evidence to support the use of certain species.
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However, science confirming their effectiveness is scarce.
Want more gardening tips?
Why not try the bitter melon (Momordica charantia)?
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Gardeners often use it for this purpose in its native country, India.
This edible tropical fruit is part of the same family as squash and cucumber.
When ripe, it has a bitter outer skin and a sweet red inner.
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Alternatively, it’s possible for you to grow it as an annual.
To avoid rot, grow this plant on trellises.
This is a rare tree outside of its home nation.
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Its also best suited to large yards, as it can grow to well over 50 feet.
Regular reapplication will be necessary, especially after rainfall.
These heat-loving, bushyperennial plantscan reach up to 4 feet tall.
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Growing in zones 9 to 11, they need a full sun position and moist, well-draining soil.
They are also easy to cultivate as annuals in cooler regions.
The seeds should be ready to spread a few months after planting.
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While cinnamon species can be slow growers, be careful about which one you select.
Clove trees are slow-growing, long-lived, species with attractive reddish-pink flower buds and aromatic foliage.
It also has an aroma sometimes likened to a skunk.
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This is likely why some sociocultural groups in West Africa have chosen it as a snake-repelling plant.
Be aware that only the leaves of epazote are edible.
The other plant parts, especially the seeds, are toxic to people and pets.
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The creeping vines of this fast-growing plant can reach up to 30 feet in length when conditions are right.
The species is invasive in Hawaii.
Rural communities in West Africa use a crushed bulb infusion to sprinkle around properties to repel snakes.
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The scent of the plant alone could also act as a deterrent.
Plant your garlic in a site with full sun, well-draining soil and even moisture.
Its best to let the soil go dry for two to three weeks before harvesting.
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Garlic is toxic to pets, so protect the planting site from curious cats and canines.
Geraniums
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While no studies prove their efficacy, Geraniums (Pelargoniumspp.)
Grow geraniums in hardiness zones 9 to 12 in full sun and well-draining soil.
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Allowing the soil to dry out between waterings anddeadheading spent bloomsencourages prolific flowering.
In some parts of Africa, people plant it to repel snakes.
This stunning, fast-growing shrub blooms prolifically when conditions are right.
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To make the most of the flowers, grow in hardiness zones 9 to 12 or as annuals elsewhere.
Tropical hibiscus does best in a full sun or part-shade location with moist and well-draining soil.
This evergreen, compact shrub can reach 3 feet tall and grows in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12.
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These plants are often drought tolerant and ideal for sunny, arid landscapes with good drainage.
The foliages strong smell and dense, sharp edges likely makes it aversive to snakes.
Marigolds
Marigolds contain naturalinsecticidal compounds called pyrethrinsthat could also be unappealing to snakes.
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Thats why you sometimes see these compounds listed in commercial snake repellents.
They do best in full sun or part shade and well-draining soils in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12.
Onion
As with garlic, growing onions (Allium cepa) could help keep snakes away.
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Keep the bulbs out of reach of your pets.
Onions, like their garlic relatives, are toxic to pets.
Pine oil typically comes from the Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris).
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It grows in full sun in USDA hardiness zones 2 to 9 and handles very poor soil conditions.
Scots pines are invasive in some parts of the US.
They believe the appearance and sharp leaf edges can scare away these reptiles.
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When you crush this aquatic perennial’s upright, sword-shaped foliage, it emits a pleasantly fragrant aroma.
This low-maintenance moisture-lover is especially useful as a decorative accent around water features and ponds.
The foliage can grow to 3 feet tall in zones 4 to 10.
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It prefers a full sun or partial shade location in medium to wet soils.
Mature specimens can grow to over 60 feet, so theyre best suited to expansive yards.
Tamarind trees grow best in zones 10 to 11 in full sun and fertile, well-draining soil.
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These plants grow readily in sunny spots with fertile, well-draining soil.
Thyme isnt just useful for cookingthe tiny flowersattract pollinators, and plant extracts can repel snakes.
Vetiver can grow in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 11 in full sun or part shade.
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This hardy plant can handle poor soils and drought and is highly pest- and disease-resistant.
The plant’s fragrance is thought to be undesirable to snakes.
This long-lived perennial can bloom year-round in zones 9 to 11.
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This species appreciates a full sun or part shade position and is adaptable to various soil types.
Yellow alder is invasive in Hawaii.
Sukumaran D.Evaluation of snake repellents against the principal venomous snakes of india in laboratory condition.
The Spruce / Alonda Baird
North Carolina Cooperative Extension.
Velez-Gavilan J.Argyreia Nervosa (Elephant Creeper).CABI Compendium, 2022, doi:10.1079/cabicompendium.690.
Assessing the Efficacy of Five Commonly Used Snake and Gecko Repelling Agents When Applied Outdoors.
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UPSpace Institutional Repository
Onion.
Observations on Snake Repellent Property of Some Plant Extracts.Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO).
University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
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