Snakes are beautiful and sensitive creatures. A lot of people fear and respect them, but it’s mostly they who fear us. They are an essential part of the natural world and play an important part in keeping the rodent population in check. Although useful, they can scare some of us and they are best left in their natural habitat. It would be a scary prospect to find a snake lurking around your home especially if you have pets or children.
Some people think mothballs can keep the snakes at bay, but this isn’t true. There are a few natural remedies that can keep our slithering friends away. It’s also important not to panic and hurt the snake in the process of getting rid of it. A scared snake can cause considerable harm. So natural repellants work well as these work with the snake’s sense of smell. They have an elevated sense of smell and these natural repellants can keep them away from your home.
When do snakes come out?
Snakes are more common when temperatures range between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, which occurs mostly in the spring and summer. They are most active in the early morning and late afternoon because summer temperatures are often too high for them to be out during the hottest times of the day. Snake activity will resume in the late summer and early fall before they hibernate or brumate. Brumation is more common in southern states, where the weather is warmer and snowfall is less likely. Snakes do not sleep during brumation; rather, their bodies adjust to the lower temperatures by slowing their metabolism and becoming less active. On warm winter days, brumating snakes will occasionally emerge to bask in the sun, often surprising unsuspecting people.
When do snakes come out?
Snakes are more common when temperatures range between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, which occurs mostly in the spring and summer. They are most active in the early morning and late afternoon because summer temperatures are often too high for them to be out during the hottest times of the day. Snake activity will resume in the late summer and early fall before they hibernate or brumate. Brumation is more common in southern states, where the weather is warmer and snowfall is less likely. Snakes do not sleep during brumation; rather, their bodies adjust to the lower temperatures by slowing their metabolism and becoming less active. On warm winter days, brumating snakes will occasionally emerge to bask in the sun, often surprising unsuspecting people.
Home remedies for snake repellent have several advantages, including:
Availability: Most home remedies for snake repellent use ingredients or methods that are widely available and simple to obtain. The instructions for using them are also easily accessible on the internet.
Affordability: Most home remedies for snake repellent are significantly less expensive than professional products and services on the market.
Ease of Use: Most home remedies for snake repellent are simple to prepare or apply.
Safety: When compared to professional snake repellent products on the market, most home remedies are non-toxic to humans and pets.
Here are some natural snake repellents that can keep your area snake-free.
1. Indian lemongrass
A sturdy and strong herb, the lemongrass can keep away snakes, mosquitoes, and ticks. Planting lemongrass around the perimeter of your property will help. They will thrive during the summer months. They don’t grow well in extreme temperatures, so during the harsh winter months, it’s better to keep them indoors. Not only will they keep away snakes, but they’ll also scent the air with a lemony fragrance. The plant is low maintenance and easy to care for.
2. Garlic and onions
Thought as the most effective ways to keep reptiles away, garlic and onions are widely used to keep snakes away. They contain a component known as sulfonic acid. This is the same chemical that irritates your tear ducts when chopping onions. Garlic odor is really potent. Make a spray with garlic and water and use that to spray the areas that need repelling of snakes and insects. The spray can be prepared by crushing around 10 cloves of garlic or mixing garlic oil with water and sealing it in a spray bottle. Large amounts of spray are needed to keep reptiles away and should be reapplied every few weeks.
3. Snake plant or Mother-in-law’s tongue
Mother-in-law’s tongue is also called a snake plant. It gets its quirky name from the fact that it’s sharp. It belongs to the succulent family. The plant doesn’t have a specific odor but is still very effective in keeping away snakes. Snakes have poor eyesight and the plant looks dangerous to them, which is why they steer clear. This plant is low maintenance, easy to grow, and attractive. They grow well indoors and outdoors.
4. Clove and cinnamon oil
Two potent essential oils that can keep snakes away are clove and cinnamon. The oils can be mixed with one and other and sprayed onto a snake when you spot one. However, it would be wise to clear the area while spraying as snakes get confused and can slither in any direction to get away from the spray. The 2 ingredients should be mixed in equal measure and put in a spray bottle. This can be used on any surface around your home. Ensure it reapplied every few weeks to keep snakes at bay.
5. Marigold
A popular way to keep insects and reptiles away, Marigold is often used as a repellent for mosquitoes. It seems to work on snakes too. The odor from the Marigold is what keeps the reptiles and critters at bay. They are easy to plant and require regular sun and moist soil. Best to plant these at the edge of your property.
There are many other ways to keep snakes away, but they will cause harm to the reptile. Try these natural and humane ways of keeping off your property instead. Some of the other things you can try are ensuring the food source is eliminated and getting rid of places they can hide in. If you have a serious infestation, then clearing debris and keeping the grass short can discourage snakes from entering your property.