Keeping snakes away from your yard doesn’t have to be complicated if you take some simple but effective steps to make your outdoor space less appealing to them. The first thing you need to do is cut off their food supply. Snakes are naturally attracted to places where they can find an easy meal, and that includes mice, rats, fallen birdseed, and even discarded fruit. If you have a compost bin, make sure it’s tightly sealed to avoid attracting rodents.
If you enjoy feeding birds, try to position your bird feeders along the perimeter of your yard and as far from your house as possible to prevent snakes from venturing too close. Another great method is planting lemongrass. Lemongrass gives off a strong citrus scent that snakes absolutely hate, and as a bonus, mosquitoes dislike it too, making it a smart addition to any garden. Continuing with the citrus theme, you can create a natural citrus spray to deter snakes. Simply place lemon or orange peels in a jar of water, let them soak for about 24 hours, and then use the water to spray around your patio furniture, deck, and porch stairs. The smell will help keep snakes at bay. Maintaining your yard is another important step.
Snakes love to hide in tall grass, piles of sticks, and cluttered debris, so keeping your yard clean and orderly removes potential hiding spots and makes your property much less inviting. Regular mowing, clearing brush, and disposing of yard waste are all essential parts of a snake prevention plan. Sealing off your home is just as important as maintaining the yard. You want to make sure that snakes don’t find their way into your house, so inspect your foundation, doors, and windows for any cracks or gaps, and seal them properly. Also, check your window screens to ensure there are no holes where a snake or other small creatures could sneak through. If you prefer a more natural approach to repelling snakes rather than using chemical-laden products, you can make your own DIY snake repellent.
Mix equal parts cinnamon oil and clove oil, and spray this solution around the perimeter of your home, your deck, and any other areas where you think snakes might be lurking. This natural repellent is not only effective but also safer for pets, kids, and plants. Another common method to keep snakes away involves using mothballs.
Although primarily known for deterring insects, mothballs are also effective at repelling snakes. Place them around the foundation of your home and near your back porch. However, be extremely cautious, as mothballs can be highly toxic to children and pets. Make sure they are placed out of reach to prevent accidental poisoning. If you’ve tried all these methods and still find yourself dealing with snakes in your yard, you might want to consider humane snake traps. These traps are designed to capture snakes safely without harming them. Once you’ve caught a snake, you can release it in a wooded area far from your home, giving it a new habitat and ensuring your yard remains snake-free. All of these strategies combined—cutting off food sources, strategic planting, regular yard maintenance, sealing potential entry points, using natural repellents, cautious use of mothballs, and humane relocation—can help you effectively keep snakes away without having to resort to extreme measures. With a little bit of consistent effort, you can enjoy your backyard without the worry of an unexpected slithering visitor making an appearance.
