You Can Grow Types of Snake-Repelling Plants

For many homeowners, the sight of a snake in the yard or near the home is enough to spark worry — even if most snakes are harmless and beneficial for pest control.

If you’d prefer to keep these slithering visitors away naturally, there’s good news: certain plants are believed to repel snakes. By adding them to your garden or around entry points, you can create a natural barrier that discourages snakes without using harsh chemicals.

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Why Plants Can Repel Snakes

Snakes rely heavily on their sense of smell to navigate their environment. Strong scents, oils, or chemical compounds released by certain plants are unpleasant to them, making those plants useful as natural deterrents. While no plant guarantees complete snake-proofing, a thoughtful selection can reduce the likelihood of encounters.

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Types of Snake-Repelling Plants You Can Grow

Marigolds 🌼 Known for their bright flowers, marigolds release a strong odor from both their blooms and roots. This scent is believed to discourage not only snakes but also pests like nematodes and insects.
Lemongrass 🌿 This fast-growing tropical grass contains citronella oil, famous for repelling mosquitoes. Snakes dislike its sharp citrus smell, making it a useful plant to border gardens or walkways.
Garlic and Onions 🧄 Members of the allium family emit a pungent odor that repels many pests, including snakes. Their natural sulfur compounds are especially unappealing to reptiles.
West Indian Lemongrass (Citronella Grass) 🌱 Often confused with regular lemongrass, citronella grass is another effective option. Its strong citrus aroma disrupts a snake’s sense of smell and drives them away.
Mugwort (Wormwood) 🌾 With its bitter, strong smell, mugwort has long been used as a natural repellent. Some gardeners plant it near fences or property edges as a protective barrier.
Society Garlic 🌸 This ornamental plant gives off a garlicky smell through its leaves and flowers. It’s attractive to look at and functional as a natural deterrent.
Cactus and Thorny Plants 🌵 While not repellents by scent, thorny plants create physical barriers that make snakes less likely to move into certain areas.

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Where to Plant Them

Near entry points: Around porches, patios, and doorways.
Along borders: Planting along fences or property edges adds a natural line of defense.
In gardens: Many of these plants double as ornamental flowers or culinary herbs, adding beauty and function.

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Additional Tips for Keeping Snakes Away

While plants help, they work best when combined with good yard maintenance:

Keep grass trimmed short.
Remove piles of wood, rocks, or debris where snakes may hide.
Seal cracks and gaps around the foundation of your home.
Reduce rodent populations — since snakes often follow food sources.

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The Bottom Line

You can’t control every creature that enters your yard, but you can make your space less inviting to snakes. Growing snake-repelling plants like marigolds, lemongrass, garlic, and mugwort provides a natural, chemical-free way to discourage them while adding beauty and utility to your garden.

With the right plants — and a little yard care — you’ll create an outdoor environment that’s welcoming to you, but not to snakes.