For many people, snakes aren’t just a nuisance; they are a legitimate danger, especially for pets and young ones. We will look at some of the most common snake repellents and some ways to help deal with them overall. Let’s learn how to keep snakes away!
What are Snake Repellents?
Snakes are incredibly common in many home environments, especially in the warmer climates to the south. While totally removing snakes from a property is borderline impossible, there are some things that will likely deter future snakes and even keep them from coming back. Snake repellent is usually classified into home remedies and commercial solutions. Within each category are different options, so we will cover both in some detail. For many, finding a home remedy is essential and a part of a more conscious lifestyle. For others, getting the snakes gone with the “strong stuff” is just as good an option as any. However what’s important to note is that NO snake repellent can truly claim 100% effectiveness. To a certain extent, snakes are here to stay. Still, there are some things that we can do to help. Let’s explore them below.
Home Remedies to Keep Snakes Away
Like all home remedies for snake repellent, there isn’t a lot of scientific research to back these up, making them mostly anecdotal in nature. Still, they are probably worth a try since they are so inexpensive and generally natural.
Garlic spray
Garlic spray is one of the many options that people rave about online. The spray contains sulfur compounds, and snakes really don’t like it. The main downsides to this method are that it takes a lot of oil, and it’s likely to wash away after a few rain showers. To make it, peel a head of garlic and toss it into a blender with a quarter cup of water, blending together. Once blended, add 1-2 cups of neutral oil and blend together again. After allowing it to sit for a few minutes, you should now have a potent garlic oil that can be used near doorways or perimeters.
Clove and cinnamon oil
Clove and cinnamon are among the most well-known snake repellants around. In fact, many commercially available options include some amount of each in their own recipes. These essential oils can be made and infused yourself, but many would find it easier to purchase them from a retailer or friend.
Lemongrass
Planting lemongrass on your property is one of the most natural methods that people use to reduce the presence of snakes. Aside from the herbal benefits lemongrass is known for, the plant is supposedly a natural repellant for snakes, ticks, and mosquitoes.
Guinea fowl
While this may not be an option for everyone, owning guinea fowl is one of the oldest and most effective methods for dealing with snakes. Guinea fowl are famous for their defensiveness in regards to their territory. These birds can live on most homesteads or larger properties and act as food sources and guard birds. If a snake happens across one of these birds, let’s say that it doesn’t end well for the snake.
Commercial Options to Keep Snakes Away
Ortho Snake-B-Gon
Victor VP364B Snake-A-Way Snake Repelling Granules
This snake repellent is unique in the fact that it is designed to repel snakes by confusing their senses. When a snake gets near the granules, its sensory receptors get gunked up, making it really uncomfortable for it to stay around. This repellent is also tested and comes with a 4.4/5 star rating. Each bag is designed to cover about half an acre.
Pufado Snake Repellent for Outdoors
Getting away from pellets, we have Pufado snake balls. These snake repellent balls contain essential oils, an ancient solution that has been used to keep insects and snakes from homes for a very long time. You would place the balls in a circle, creating an intense source of the scent. This will repel the snake immediately.
How to Deal with Source of Snakes
While chemical repellants may work, there are other preventative steps that can also work just as well. The most important thing to do when getting rid of snakes is to remove their food source. If your property has an excessive amount of a snake’s favorite food, it’s no wonder they are showing up for dinner! Dealing with large numbers of frogs, mice, rats, and insects through treatments and traps are a great way to handle an influx of snakes. If there isn’t any food, there won’t be any snakes.
Removing hiding places
Aside from removing their food sources, removing hiding places is a great second step. Snakes love cool hiding spots during the day, especially in places where their prey also likes to hang out. Here is a list of places that could house snakes:
wood pilesbrush pileslawn clippingsunkept barnsyard debrisshrubscrawlspaces
Either removing or sealing these hiding spots is a great way to reduce snake numbers on your property.
Accept your limits
At the end of the day, it’s important to realize that snakes aren’t actually harmful. While they may be gross, most snakes actually help the environment, and indiscriminately killing them isn’t a great solution. Do your best to remove places where a snake could accidentally harm someone, but otherwise, maybe it’s time to learn to get along!
