10 plants to help protect you, your yard from snakes

Although many snakes are not venomous or a threat to humans and animals, just having their presence so near to your home can be hugely unnerving, so it makes sense to deter them where possible.

One of the easiest and most environmentally friendly ways to do this is to grow key snake-repellent plants around your yard and home that they dislike.

These are our top 10, and you’ll be glad to know that there are many mosquito repellent plants and fly repellent plants amongst them.

READ ALSO: See 4 plants and trees you don’t know attracts snakes to your house

1. MARIGOLDS

These sturdy roots are the snake repellents. They emit a strong odor that repels snakes, gophers, and moles. They can also reach wherever a snake might be burrowing and hiding in, so the smell will reach deep into the soil.’

2. ALLIUM OR FLOWERING ONION

Thanks to their high sulfonic content and pungent smell, onions are very effective at keeping snakes at bay. Fortunately, they are striking flowers too, with their lavender and deep purple pom-pom blooms perched atop of straight stems to bring drama and color to the late spring yard.

3. LEMONGRASS

Lemongrass originates from the sunshine, humidity and warmth of Sri Lanka and southern India, and has a reviving citrus fragrance that is guaranteed to keep snakes well away.

4. MOTHER-IN-LAW’S TONGUE

Also called sansevieria or ‘snake plant’, it’s the sight of this plant’s tall and twisting sword-like leaves that snakes find off-putting. Whether it’s because they find the sight threatening in some way or due to the sharp leaf edges, these tough, perennial plants will thrive outdoors in warm climates.

5. WORMWOOD OR MUGWORT

The charm of wormwood or artemisia may appear to lie in its fine silver, feathery foliage but did you know that snakes can’t abide its astringent scent?

Easy and quick to grow in a sunny, well-draining spot, it’s perfect for surrounding your deck or porch with to keep these unwanted visitors well away.

6. PINK AGAPANTHUS

A member of the onion family, this stately plant with its fountain of pink trumpet-like flowers looks stunning in spring and early summer but, thanks to its strong aroma, will also keep snakes at bay.

7. GARLIC

As with onions and alliums, garlic contains high quantities of sulfonic acid which gives off a strong smell that snakes do not like.

8. SNAKEROOT PLANTS

Often called the devil pepper, the bitter leaves and roots of this herbaceous perennial discourage snakes from coming near.

9. YELLOW ALDER

With its cheery buttercup-like flowers that bloom continually in HDSA zones 9-11, this low-growing shrub is great for ground cover and deterring snakes. Preferring full sun or partial shade, this small shrub also has attractive oval shaped foliage with deeply serrated edges.

10. BASIL

Best grown from seed at regular intervals throughout spring and summer, this tender annual herb has a strong smell that we find inviting, yet snakes cannot stand.