10 Snake Deterrent Plants For Your Garden

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Snakes are fascinating creatures, but they can also be quite dangerous, especially if you have a garden or backyard where children and pets play. While there are many artificial snake repellents available in the market, one natural and eco-friendly solution to keep them away from your garden is by using snake deterrent plants.

Why use snake deterrent plants?

Using snake deterrent plants is an excellent alternative to using chemical-based snake repellents. They not only naturally repel snakes but also add beauty and brightness to your garden.

How do they work?

These plants work as natural snake repellents by producing certain odors or chemicals that snakes find unpleasant. When planted in and around your garden or backyard, these plants create a barrier that snakes try to avoid.

Top 10 Snake Repellent Plants

Here are some of the best snake deterrent plants that you can consider planting in your garden:

1. Marigold

   

   Marigolds are easy to grow and produce beautiful flowers that are known for their bright orange and yellow colors. Snakes are deterred by the strong scent produced by marigolds.

2. Lemongrass

   

   Lemongrass has many uses, including being an excellent addition to your food. However, this plant is also known for repelling snakes. The citrusy smell is what keeps snakes at bay.

3. Onion and Garlic

   

   Both Onion and Garlic are widely used in the kitchen, but did you know they also repel snakes? The strong smell of these plants is known to scare off many types of snakes.

4. West Indian Lemon Grass

   

   The West Indian Lemongrass has a citrusy aroma that is unpleasant for snakes. This plant is easy to grow and maintain; just make sure it gets enough sunlight.

5. Mother-in-Law's Tongue Plant

   

   One of the easiest plants to grow, the Mother-in-Law's Tongue plant, has tall, spiky leaves that produce oxygen at night, making it an excellent indoor plant. More importantly, the scent it produces is seen as intolerable by many snakes.

6. Tulbaghia Violacea

   

   Tulbaghia Violacea, also known as Society Garlic, has dark green leaves and lavender flowers. Its garlic-like smell makes it a good choice to deter snakes from entering your garden or home.

7. Indian Snakeroot

   

   Indian Snakeroot is native to the rain forests of South America and is used for medicinal purposes. The plant produces a bitter scent that snakes don't like, making it another great choice for your garden.

8. Wormwood

   

   Wormwood is known for its bitter taste and is used in some alcoholic drinks. This plant also has a strong smell that snakes dislike, making it an excellent addition to your garden.

9. Society Garlic Plant

   

   Society Garlic has long, narrow leaves and produces lavender flowers. The garlic-like aroma is unbearable for many snakes, making it another good choice for your garden.

10. Osage Orange or Hedge Apples

    

    Osage Orange or Hedge Apples are native to North America and have a green-yellow color. They have a fruity scent that many people describe as similar to an orange. It is advisable to keep these plants away from children and pets as they can be poisonous when eaten.

Using snake deterrent plants can be an efficient and environment-friendly way to keep snakes away from your garden. However, it's important to remember that no single plant can guarantee complete protection from snakes.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about snake deterrent plants:

Are there any poisonous snake repellent plants?

Yes, some of the plants listed above may be poisonous if ingested. It is essential to research before planting them and take the necessary precautions.

How effective are snake deterrent plants?

While these plants do produce unpleasant smells that snakes dislike, their effectiveness depends on the type of snake, the size of your garden, and the density of the foliage.

Can these plants be grown indoors?

Yes, some plants such as Mother-in-Law's Tongue plant and Lemongrass can be grown indoors.

Will snake repellent plants harm other animals in the garden or backyard?

No, these plants are not harmful to other animals. They only produce an unpleasant scent for snakes.

Where can I buy these plants?

You can purchase snake deterrent plants from most nurseries or garden supply stores. You can also order them online from various websites.

Is it safe to use snake repellent plants if I have pets or small children?

While these plants may be safe for humans, some of them can be dangerous to pets and small children if ingested.

How long do these plants typically last before they need to be replaced?

These plants can last many years if taken care of properly. However, some may need to be replaced after a few years.

Can these plants be used to prevent snakes from entering homes as well?

Yes, some plants such as Tulbaghia Violacea and Wormwood can be used to prevent snakes from entering your home.

Do the plants need any special care to repel snakes effectively?

No, apart from regular watering and pruning, these plants do not require any special care to repel snakes.

Are there any plants that attract snakes?

Yes, some plants such as tall grasses, bushes, and shrubs provide hiding places and shelter for snakes. It's essential to keep your garden clean and tidy to discourage snakes from entering.

Using snake deterrent plants is an effective and eco-friendly solution to keep your garden or backyard free from snakes. Make sure to research the specific plant's characteristics and take the necessary precautions when handling them. Plant these beautiful and beneficial plants in your garden and enjoy a snake-free outdoor experience.