16 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Snakes in Yard & Garden

Snakes can be a nuisance, slithering into your yard and garden and causing you to worry.

Even though several commercial products are available to get rid of snakes, many are toxic and potentially dangerous for the environment.

However, there are many natural ways to repel them that are safe for you and the environment.

How to Get Rid of Snakes Naturally

These are some of the best home remedies and organic solutions for keeping snakes away.

1. Clean Up Yard

Snakes find favor in yards and gardens that provide them with food, shelter, and water. So, to keep the critters away, you must thoroughly clean up and remove all the things that attract them.

Remove debris, including lumber, rocks, bricks, tires, and cans. Also, clean up areas where the grass is overgrown, or thickets provide cover.

Store firewood off the ground and far from the house. Additionally, keep the lawn low-cut and water plants only when necessary.

If you remove the things attracting snakes, they will go elsewhere.

2. Eliminate Standing Water

One of the simplest things you can do to reduce the chances of snakes around you is to eliminate any standing water.

This could be as simple as fixing a leaky faucet or drainage problem. It could also mean adding drainage to an area that holds water.

Also, fix any leaks in your irrigation system.

3. Keep Grass Short

Another great way to deter snakes from your yard is to keep the grass short. They don’t like to be seen. So if there’s nothing to hide them, they’re less likely to slither their way over.

You can do this yourself or hire someone to do it for you. If you’re going the DIY route, cut your lawn frequently, especially if it rains often.

4. Seal Your Home

Sealing up cracks and holes is one of the best ways to prevent snakes from entering your house.

Ensure all cracks and openings around your foundation, doors, windows, and HVAC unit are sealed. Doing so will also help prevent rodents and other small animals from entering your home.

5. Eliminate Food Sources

Eliminating snakes’ food sources will go a long way toward discouraging them from hanging around.

Keep your garden free of pests like rodents and insects, as these are the primary food sources for snakes. They also go after frogs and slugs.

6. Vinegar

Another popular home remedy for getting rid of snakes is vinegar.

All you need to do is mix white vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio. Next, spray it in the required areas. The scent acts as a deterrent.

You can also pour vinegar down any openings where the snakes might be entering. It will help keep them from coming back.

7. Natural Predators

One common predator of snakes is the owl. Owls are nocturnal birds and rely heavily on their sense of sight to hunt their prey [1]. They can see very well in the dark and spot a snake from a great distance.

Other predators of snakes include mongooses, the snake eagle, raccoons, foxes, and bobcats. These animals are opportunistic hunters. They will take advantage of a snake if they have the opportunity.

8. Essential Oils

Certain oils, when diffused, act as natural snake repellents. Some essential oils that work against the critters are peppermint, lemon, and eucalyptus.

Use any of them to make this snake-repellent spray. Add 15 drops of essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water. Next, spray the mixture around your problem areas.

Remember that while essential oils are a great option, they may not work for every type of snake. You might also have to experiment with other methods to repel snakes naturally.

9. Traps

Traps are an excellent non-lethal way to get rid of snakes in your yard or garden. There are many different types of traps available.

One popular DIY snake trap that works is the funnel trap. This trap comprises a funnel-shaped piece of wire mesh with a small opening at the narrow end leading to a mesh cylinder. This video explains how to do it.

But if the DIY method is too hectic, you can purchase a funnel trap like this one online or at a garden center. The idea is that the snake will enter the funnel but won’t be able to get out.

Another homemade trap is the glue board. You can use a flat piece of cardboard covered in sticky adhesive. When the snake crawls across it, it will get stuck.

However, if you’re using any of these traps, you must check them regularly. Relocate any snakes you catch to a safe place far away from your home and garden.

10. Repellent Plants

Some plants repel snakes, so incorporating them into your yard or garden is a great way to keep these pests at bay. Some of our favorites include:

• Garlic: Garlic plants release a smell that snakes find offensive, so they’ll stay away if you have them planted.
• Lemongrass: Lemongrass plants release a strong citrusy smell that snakes detest.
• Marigold: Marigolds produce an odor that’s known to repel many pests. Plant these wherever you see fit, and they will repel snakes.
• Mother-in-law’s Tongue: The sight of this plant frightens snakes. The leaves are so sharp that they irritate the pests.

Other snake-repellent plants include onions, mugwort, tobacco, cactus, and snakeroot.

11. Smoke

Smoke will drive the snakes out of their hiding places and cause them to flee. You can use a smoke bomb or make a fire pit that smokes for a few days.

To make smoke bombs, combine three tablespoons of potassium nitrate (saltpeter) with two tablespoons of sugar and enough water to make a paste.

Next, use a tablespoon of the mixture to create a lump. It will serve as the bomb. Afterward, let each bomb dry for about 2 days. Finally, light the dry bombs outdoors in areas where snakes might be.

These bombs do not explode, but they do burn, so take precautions when handling them.

12. Fill Burrows and Holes

Snakes like to live in dark, damp places, so if you can remove their homes, you’ll be well on your way to getting rid of them.

Be sure to fill in any holes or burrows in your yard. You can use a heavy object like a rock or cement block to cover the hole.

Check periodically to ensure the object hasn’t moved and the hole hasn’t reopened.

13. Spray it With a Hose

Another easy and cost-effective home remedy to keep snakes away is to spray them with a garden hose. Spraying will scare them away and cause them to leave your property.

However, spray them directly in the face so they know you’re not afraid.

14. Cut Back Branches

An excellent snake prevention method is to cut back branches. Snakes love to climb into trees, so cut back any branches or foliage hanging close to the ground, near the side of your house, or the roof.

15. Use Sharp Mulch

There are many different types of mulch, but we recommend using one that’s sharp because its abrasive surface will deter snakes. Some of these objects include eggshells, pine cones, or sharp rocks.

Spread it over the ground around your garden and flower beds. But keep it an inch or two away from your plants so they don’t get damaged.

You can also use it as a border around your property to create a barrier against snakes.

16. Relocate Snakes

There are many different techniques to remove snakes from a house or property. However, if you see one, the best thing to do is try to relocate it as safely as possible.

One way to do this is by placing a large trash can or bucket over the snake and gently scooping it up.

Another way to relocate snakes is by using a snake trap like the one highlighted above. You can then release the snake far away.

What Kinds of Snakes Are Common in Yards and Gardens?

You will most likely find the common garter snake in your garden, the black rat snake, and/or the northern water snake.

• The common garter snake is small, slender, and typically brown or olive. It can be found throughout most of North America.
• The rat snake is also common in North America and can grow up to six feet long.
• The northern water snake is typically tan, brown, or gray with dark-colored blotches. You’ll find it near ponds, lakes, and rivers.

You might also spot the copperhead snake, hognose snake, and/or corn snake.

Takeaway

Snakes can be a nuisance and even a danger to homeowners and their families. While commercial products are available to eliminate or help drive them away, several natural remedies can be just as effective.

Whether you want to get rid of these creatures permanently or keep them away until they’re gone for the season, these tips will help you get the job done.