10 plants that repel snakes and other crawling reptiles. Plants that drives snakes away. Repelling snakes naturally.
I know you don’t like snakes or other crawling animals (reptiles) and you will do anything to keep them out of your environment, surroundings and household. Luckily, snakes do not like sharp leaves or repugnant smells and they avoid neighbourhoods that harbour such plants or strong smells.
Nobody wishes for a snake bite and bites from serpents are best avoided by keeping them at bay.
Below are a list of plants that repel snakes……
1. Marigolds
Marigolds are commonly used in an effort to deter pests. The reason is in the roots of the plant. It has traditionally been implemented to deter gophers and moles. The roots grow deep and aggressively, which give off a strong odor that repels many garden pests and critters. What’s more, the bright flowers look good on your property. Marigolds can provide a hiding spot for mice and other snake prey; however, the root’s strong odor keeps pests from settling in.
2. Mother-in-Law’s Tongue
Also called Viper’s Bowstring Hemp (Sansevieria trifasciata) . Mother-in-Law’s Tongue is one of the best plants that repel snakes because of its sharp leaves—but also because the plant rejuvenates the oxygen at a higher-than-normal rate. Unlike smelly plants, snakes find the sight of Mother-in-Laws Tongue frightening. It is a great-looking plant to have around the garden as a barrier against snakes and it is very low maintenance. The plant needs water only three times per week and this perennial plant will last for many years. If propagating from a single host plant, be sure to let the roots establish themselves first for at least three months after planting. It is used as a snake repellent for warm outdoor climates and indoors in cool climates.
Credit: DIY
3. West Indian Lemongrass
Lemongrass produces a citrus smell that deters snakes. Citronella is also a by-product of lemongrass, which mosquitoes detest. This is one of the best plants that repel snakes, mosquitoes, and even ticks from your garden. Lemongrass is drought-resistant and easy to maintain. What’s more, it is an attractive addition to any landscape. Use lemongrass to form a secure barrier from snakes and repel mosquitoes and ticks at the same time.
4. Onion & Garlic
Onions and garlic are very useful garden plants for repelling snakes. Both plants give off a smell that snakes not only dislike, but it also confuses them. Garlic plants are thought to be the best plants that repel snakes. The plant gives off an oily residue when a snake slithers over a clove. This oil acts very much like an onion does when we slice it: the aroma is disorienting like a pepper spray.
5. Indian Snakeroot
Also known as devil pepper or Rauvolfia serpentina, the Indian snakeroot is a plant used as a traditional medicine in India and other countries in East Asia. Both the foliage and the roots are used to repel snakes.
The Indian snakeroot contains reserpine, which is known to cause sleepiness and to slow down one’s heart rate. In addition, the Rauvolfia serpentina is used to treat snake bites. People either eat the foliage or rub them on the affected skin to hopefully cure themselves.
6. Mugwort
Otherwise known as wormwood or chrysanthemum weed, the mugwort plant has long been used as traditional medicine in China, Korea, and Japan. It has essential oils that have insecticidal characteristics. As for its physical features, the mugwort has stems that could easily reach a height of three feet or more.
While the reason isn’t exactly known, snakes tend to veer away from mugworts.
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7. Essential oils
Cinnamon, clove, and cedarwood essential oils will all repel snakes. It’s thought that snakes think the oils will melt the scales, so they stay away from them. True or not, they work to keep snakes away.
8. Bitter Kola
The seeds of bitter kola can be cut into pieces or ground into a smooth powdered form after the outer part has been removed and spread around the house and corners to repel snakes. Snake are said to strongly dislike the smell of bitter Kola making them stay away.
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9. Tobacco
Snakes do not like the appearance of this plant.
The appearance of tobacco leaves and odour also act as a snake repellent. Tobacco have been in use in traditional practice in the past as protective measure and are still in use in rural communities in the tropics.
Credit: zbz.com
10. Chilli Pepper
Chilli pepper is also collected and spread or placed in a different corner of a building, a house or homestead to repel snake. On the alternative, some seeds of chilli pepper and some bulbs of garlic are ground into powder and this mixture is sprinkled around the homestead. The harsh smell and the hot nature keep snakes at bay from those surroundings.
Other important snake repellents
These includes: Andrographis paniculata (King of bitters); neem; Datura stramonium (Thornapple); Vitex negundo; eucalyptus plant, tobacco plant; Ocimum gratissimum (Scent leaf); Sabadilla officinale; Quassia spp; Datura stromonium; Turnera ulmifolia (Yellow alder); and Vetiveria zizanioides (Poaceae Vetiver).
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