While I don’t personally have anything against snakes and can even appreciate that they’re generally shy, non-aggressive creatures that help control pests like mice and rats, I also understand that not everyone is thrilled to have them hanging around the yard. It’s one thing to respect wildlife from a distance, but it’s another to have a snake slither past your foot while you’re enjoying a peaceful afternoon on your back deck.
If you’re someone who would rather keep snakes at bay, there are some incredibly simple, humane, and chemical-free ways to discourage them from setting up shop on your property. One of the most effective things you can do to keep snakes away is to eliminate their food source. Snakes are opportunistic feeders, which means if they find a regular supply of rodents, insects, or even birdseed and fallen fruit, they’ll likely stick around. To prevent this, make sure your compost bins are tightly sealed and that your bird feeders are placed at the edges of your yard, away from your home.
Fallen fruit should be picked up promptly, and any signs of rodent activity should be addressed quickly to avoid attracting snakes. Another easy way to discourage snakes is to plant lemongrass in your yard. Lemongrass gives off a strong citrus aroma that snakes dislike, and as a bonus, it’s also great for keeping mosquitoes away.
If you want to take the citrus repellent method a step further, you can create a simple homemade spray using lemon or orange peels. Just place the rinds in a jar of water, let them soak for 24 hours, and then pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Spritz the solution around areas where snakes might try to enter or hide—like your deck stairs or patio furniture—to make the space less inviting. Keeping your yard neat and tidy is another crucial part of snake prevention.
Snakes love to hide in overgrown grass, piles of sticks, leaves, or wood, and other cluttered areas that offer shelter. By regularly mowing your lawn, trimming bushes, and removing debris, you eliminate those cozy hiding spots that snakes seek out. It’s also important to prevent snakes from getting into your home in the first place. Inspect your foundation, window frames, and doorways for any small openings, cracks, or holes, and seal them up to prevent any uninvited guests.
Don’t forget to check your window screens for tears and replace any that aren’t in good condition. You don’t want to deal with a snake indoors—that’s taking things to a whole new level. If you’re looking for a natural alternative to chemical repellents, consider mixing up a batch of DIY snake repellent using equal parts cinnamon oil and clove oil. Spray the mixture around the perimeter of your home, your deck, or any place you’ve noticed snake activity. These strong scents are unpleasant to snakes and can be enough to make them steer clear. While not everyone’s favorite solution, mothballs can also help deter snakes.
They emit a strong odor that reptiles dislike, and you can place them near your home’s foundation or around the perimeter of your yard. However, be cautious—mothballs are highly toxic to pets and children, so use them only in areas that are completely out of reach from little hands and curious animals. If all else fails and you still find yourself encountering snakes in the yard, humane snake traps are another option. These traps allow you to capture the snake safely and then release it in a wooded area far from your property. It’s a kind and effective way to remove snakes without harming them. With a little bit of effort and some simple preventive steps, you can enjoy your yard without worrying about running into an unexpected reptilian guest. Whether it’s trimming back overgrowth, planting snake-repelling herbs, or sealing up entry points, these methods work together to create a less snake-friendly environment that’s still safe, humane, and chemical-free.
