Snakes aren’t necessarily bad creatures. In fact, many are harmless, shy, and play an important role in controlling pests like rodents and insects. But let’s be real—most people don’t want to find one slithering by their feet while watering the garden or relaxing on the back deck.
If you’re someone who prefers to admire wildlife from a distance, you’ll be happy to know there are several simple and humane ways to keep snakes out of your yard without resorting to harsh chemicals or dangerous traps. The first step in snake-proofing your yard is to cut off their food supply. Snakes often show up where there’s a steady source of food, and that includes not just rodents like mice and rats, but also stray birdseed and fallen fruit. If you have bird feeders, keep them far from your home and preferably at the edge of your yard.
Make sure your compost bin is sealed tight so it doesn’t attract rodents, which in turn attract snakes. Eliminating the reason for them to visit makes your property far less appealing to them. One of the most natural ways to repel snakes is by planting lemongrass. It’s easy to grow, smells great, and is a known snake deterrent due to its strong citrus scent. An added bonus? Lemongrass also helps keep mosquitoes away, making your outdoor spaces more enjoyable in multiple ways. Speaking of citrus, you can create a simple homemade snake repellent using leftover lemon or orange rinds.
Place the peels in a jar of water and let them soak for 24 hours. Then, pour the solution into a spray bottle and spritz it on patio furniture, porch steps, and anywhere you think snakes might be tempted to visit. The strong scent can help keep them at bay. Keeping your yard clean and well-maintained is another critical step in deterring snakes. Tall weeds, piles of leaves, stacked firewood, and other debris are all perfect hiding spots.
When your yard is clutter-free and the lawn is regularly mowed, snakes are less likely to hang around. Trim shrubs, rake fallen leaves, and avoid leaving out piles of building materials or branches. Next, seal up any entry points that might allow snakes to find their way into your home.
Check the foundation for cracks and inspect the areas around windows and doors. Make sure window screens are intact with no holes and that there are no gaps in your door frames. A snake finding its way indoors is even worse than seeing one outside, so this step is crucial. If you prefer a DIY approach to chemical repellents, you can mix equal parts of cinnamon oil and clove oil to create your own all-natural snake deterrent. Spray this mixture around the perimeter of your house, your patio, and any areas that look like potential snake hiding spots. The scent is unpleasant to snakes and will often keep them away.
Another common method involves mothballs, which many believe help keep snakes at bay. Place them around the foundation of your home and in areas where you’ve seen snake activity. However, use caution—mothballs are highly toxic if ingested and can pose a serious risk to children and pets, so they should be used sparingly and only in places that are completely out of reach.
Finally, if you’re still seeing snakes after trying all of these tips, you can consider using humane traps. These can be placed around your yard to safely capture snakes without harming them. Once trapped, relocate them to a wooded or grassy area far from your property. This method is especially helpful if you’re dealing with recurring snake visits and want to ensure they’re relocated safely. With a few preventative measures and a little ongoing maintenance, you can enjoy your backyard without worrying about unexpected snake encounters. Whether it’s adjusting your landscaping, sealing your home, or trying a natural repellent, these easy steps can help you reclaim your yard in a safe and humane way.
