BEST OVERALL: Ortho Snake B Gon Snake Repellent. Other smelly plants include herbs, allium, and garlic, which can help keep snakes away from the garden. In this article, not only will we take a look at the snake-cucumber myth, but we will also take a look at the snakes musk. The worst thing about snake musk is that it is infamously hard to get rid of. So, if you are growing onions, and the snake brings into life another snake that means that onions will not deter the newborn snake. While some aromas might be pleasant for us humans, there are many of them that deter snakes. Not only does acid that onion contains irritate human eyes, but its also very hateful to snakes. The below home remedies are general examples only, for educational purposes, and may not be suitable for your pest control needs. Lemongrass. Snakes are highly sensitive to smells. Clinton Newman is a herpetologist and part-time blogger who loves to study snakes and their behavior. Its true that the smell of smoke is not liked by snakes. The Jacobsons organ is located at the root of the animals nasal cavity. However, it is worth noting that copperheads usually only do this when threatened. These can also be bought at most hardware stores near you. Rattlesnakes, which are recognized as pit vipers, are one of the more popular species of venomous snakes found in America. Some of these are morning glory, rosemary, and plants and flowerbeds of other plant species located beneath plant feeders. Enticing a mate. It is considered to be among the best natural remedies for repelling snakes away from peoples homes. We also offer furnace repair, water heater installation, electrician services, and more. Seal off all holes that have openings bigger than one-fourth inch. placing the bag in the same areas will repel the snakes. You Might Also Like: Can Snakes Smell Fear? Signs to Look Out For. Learn more about snake repellents and their effectiveness here. In truth, however, they have not been proven to repel snakes at all. To easily get snakes to be attracted to your garden, you may try some cost-saving and affordable methods that do not cost much money. This means that if you encounter a snake in the wild, theres a good chance that it wont secrete musk unless it feels threatened or stressed. When to Harvest Spinach? This wood has been used for millennia for worshipping Lord Shiva. Instead, it is a good idea to plant a combination of these repellent plants to make your strategy work. Lemongrass, including West Indian lemongrass, has a strong smell of citrus that some people say deters snakes. The next one sounds incredible, but snakes hate cinnamon or any cinnamon-related products. Garlic and onion work to repel snakes by emitting an undesirable smell that snakes do not like. The owner of this website does not guarantee offers on this site and all offers should be viewed as recommendations only. 7. Some of the more common ones include: If home remedies to keep snakes away arent working, consider calling a wildlife control company for snake removal, snake prevention recommendations, and possibly other exterminating services like rodent control that could be contributing to the issue. Overall, Id personally avoid using harmful chemicals like ammonia and naphthalene in my garden or around my house. Snake fencing is available online at stores like Amazon. Plants that are said to attract snakes include flowering plants, groundcover, sandalwood, queen of the night, and cedar. Whats more, they also protect it from drought. It is so easy to hunt from there for them. Some common examples include marigolds, lemongrass, and wormwood. In fact, its also used to create citronella candles which, similarly, produce a strong scent that repels mosquitos. You might have snakes in your garden! It is beneficial to use ammonia in different ways such as placing it in areas where the snake went or just opening a bottle so that the odor comes out. This may thus be the basis of the belief in flowers and groundcover plants being attractive to snakes. Mainly strong-scented stuff. The former is more effective and is also a better means of protecting our ecosystems. When they do so, they're trying to make themselves less appealing and delicious -- as potential meals -- to possible predators. . White vinegar is also often used to repel snakes due to its potent smell. These snakes are born in amniotic sacs, and not as eggs. There are many scents that snakes dislike, including smoke, cinnamon, cloves, onions, garlic, and lime. Snakes keep rodent populations under control, with a single snake able to eat 3 to 4 mice at one time. It is important to remember that if the snake is used to these odors, they will not be deterred. Metal soap: You know how regular soap doesn't seem to be able to take away strong smells such as fish, onion, and garlic? The best way to prevent a snake from spraying musk is to avoid distressing it. A garlic or onion-like smell coming from your breasts, underarms or groin; Social anxiety due to body odor; Doctors can diagnose bromhidrosis by swabbing and testing the bacteria on your skin. A good effective way to use the plant for snake control is by forming a barrier around the perimeter of your property. Though you can try to repel snakes on your own, it might only be right to do so if you cannot hire pest experts. Such plants do not kill the snakes; instead, they make them go away from their oppressive odor. Take one or two cinnamon sticks and place them in a pot of water. So, onion or any other garlic, which similarly contains sulfonic acid can be used as homemade snake repellents. This will suffice if you werent sprayed too directly. While it is true that some gardeners want snakes in their garden, it is more probable that most people want them out. Why Termite Control is Valuable to Your Home, Keep Wildlife in the Wild, Not In Your Home. Plants that attract and have a practical use for snakes include thick growth, rosemary, jasmine, morning glory, clover beds, plants under bird feeders, groundcover, brush, and low vines. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer any . The snakes way of smell is the principle by which plants that emit strong odors can repel many snakes. Smoke has been used to repel some animals for centuries. Marigold also attracts birds. Spearmint and pennyroyal are especially helpful. Moreover, many people also use it to cover some scraps with it and put them in an enclosed bag. Metal soap: You know how regular soap doesnt seem to be able to take away strong smells such as fish, onion, and garlic? But, Im not convinced that any of the below known repellents will actually work. In addition, snakes also look for safe and secure hiding and nesting places. It may also be because snakes deliberately and quickly get attracted to these plants because they offer good hiding places and attract prey species that snakes love to eat, such as rodents, insects, and other reptiles. 3. The odor comes from their urine, poop, and the scent glands of an intact male that will intensify during the breeding season. We will therefore identify both the plants that attract snakes and those that repel them. However, in our experience, and a shown in several studies, snake repellents do very little to actually deter snakes. (Image Caption: The best way to prevent a snake from spraying musk is to avoid distressing it.). Copperheads are mostly found in North Carolina. So a snake will flick its tongue out to gather the scent chemicals in the air. Snakes love groundcover since they can hide in it and move freely. However, some species, such as the copperhead, emit musk with an odor that is likened to spoiled cucumbers. It has a strong smell that is particularly irritating for snakes. This makes them quickly leave your garden, and hopefully, they will remember the unpleasant experience enough to discourage them from ever returning. Snakes are predators, and like cats, rats, and owls, they eat mice. The Andrographis paniculata plant is aboriginal in India, with a bitter root and foliage taste that serves as a good repellent of snakes. The Hindus also say that Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and fortune, used to reside in a sandalwood tree because of this trees serene nature. 1. . Given that snakes dont have eyelids, it may be particularly irritable to their eyes. According to many opinions, copperhead musk smells a bit like cucumbers. Use ammonia. 7- Lemongrass. Both garlic and onions contain sulfonic acid, and this is both the chemical that makes us cry . It is especially useful if you have water areas near your garden, and you have snakes near them. Eliminating these hiding places can help deter snakes from taking up residence on your property. These include removing their habitats, such as piles of rocks, debris, and wood. The smell of smoke supposedly bothers snakes, which is why people think having an open fire in campgrounds may protect them. Snakes do not have an external ear, but they do have all the parts of the inner ear that we do. However, they can only hear a portion of the sounds we hear. Also, most of these plants do not need much effort to be planted or taken care of. Lime: Create a mixture of snake repellent lime and hot pepper or peppermint and pour it around the perimeter of your home or property. He is always called by neighbors to help them catch or get rid of snakes in their houses. You can include mint plants in your garden by planting them near plants that a deer is likely to try and eat. If youd like to try some of the natural remedies listed here around your garden, theres probably no harm. Vine is another plant that attracts snakes. If your yard or garden is prone to snakes, consider making changes that will deter these pests from coming in. Copperheads hate many herbs and spices. In addition, when we use these plants, we can maintain an organic garden. Snakes are one of the most frightening and widely-feared reptiles. However, when these two ingredients are combined, the snake repellent gains a new level of effectiveness. The cinnamon will help disguise the odor in your kitchen and house. One of the most interesting aspects of snakes is their ability to secrete musk, a pungent odor that serves as a defense mechanism against predators or a way to mark their territory. Snakes dont actually sleep in brumation but rather their bodies adjust to the lower temperatures, slowing down their metabolism, and making them less active. Therefore, you may use them to make a strong and effective snake repellent. A combination of the above scents are present in commercial snake repellents that you can buy off the shelf and distribute around your garden. Their rattling tails have been associated with venom. These snake species have various peculiar characteristics. WY Pest Control is a participant in Amazon Services LLC Associate Program. True or not, this is the reason that many people who are afraid of snakes do not want to plant this species in their surroundings. Garlic and onion work to repel snakes by emitting an undesirable smell that snakes do not like. An expert candy crusher. You can have a garden and yard that are free from snakes so that you can feel safe to wander and play in them. However, I dont find any of them to be particularly effective! They emit this musk through their pair of cloacal scent glands. It also has nice foliage that adds a pleasant ambiance to your garden. Investing in snake-repelling plants is also a good idea. Nice tip if you accidentally choose french onion soup on your next dinner date. I am Kate. It is natural for their manufacturers to make exaggerated claims of repellent properties, even if this may not be true. As such, clutter is essentially an open invitation to snakes, giving them perfect hiding spots. It produces a sulphonic and corrosive emission hated by snakes. Smelly plants such as lemongrass, onion, and garlic can help keep snakes away. Use repelling plants: Snakes don't like the smell of particular plants, including garlic, lemongrass, and marigold. There are four plants that are excellent choices for encouraging snakes to move along and go away from your garden. A lot of people are frightened by snakes. Remove body hair (in places like the armpits) to control odor. According to Andrew H. Price, a herpetologist working in natural resource management for Texas Parks, each gland is enclosed by longitudinal striated muscle, and the duct leading to the cloaca is provided with a circular striated muscle sphincter This allows us to safely conclude that snakes secrete musk rather rapidly. Repair any damaged gutters, piping, and ventilation ducts. Boil cinnamon sticks. If you have ever experienced the smell of death, you will never forget that scent if you do not know what the death smells like-go to a funeral home, hospice, or nursing home. They are considered rather aggressive as they often bite without a warning. Botanical Name: Mentha. Ground nesting birds are fed on as well, as they are an easy catch. It is recommended to plant several of these plants and place them in strategic locations to get the maximum benefit. Many of us just dont like snakes regardless of their benefits or usefulness. Onions and garlic bulbs can be smashed together and mixed with water to use in a spray bottle. However, some species, such as the copperhead, emit musk with an odor that is likened to spoiled cucumbers. When you plant them once, they can last for several years. However, one should keep in mind that the ingredient is harmful to humans, children, and pets. Even a small fire pit made with pieces of wood and rock may scare them. It produces a sulphonic . Metal soap was designed for exactly this purpose. Therefore, to discourage them from taking residence in your yard, remove every kind of pile, whether it be lumber, rocks, wood, debris, or brush. It is a very sensitive and very effective means of getting information around them, including plants that can emit odors that they might find unpleasant. However, it is also possible to create a barrier by spraying the mixture around the boundary of the yard or the house instead of spraying it to the whole area. According to The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), cinnamon and clove oils have a chemical named eugenol, which has a smell that snakes do not like. Bonus: Some of the plants that snakes don't like also tend to repel insects. Its sour and bitter smell prevents insects and snakes from staying around. However, it is important to note that this is purely subjective, as cucumbers usually have a pleasant smell. These include cinnamonoil, castoroil, geraniol, cloveoil, peppermint oil, and others. These flowers are gorgeous, and they belong to the family of sunflowers. Because snakes hate the odor of ammonia, some gardeners use it in a spray to repel snakes. Naphthalene: Eliminate these food sources . About once a month snakes shed their skin, a process called ecdysis that makes room for growth and gets rid of parasites. But copperhead snakes are not the only venomous snakes that can emit an odor akin to cucumbers. The natural remedies likely wont do much harm, but they probably wont truly repel snakes either. This plant has flowers that are brightly colored, coupled with a pungent aroma, which attract pollinators and other beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies. Smoke; Cinnamon; Cloves; Onions; Garlic; Lime; Lemon; Dogs. While your first instinct may be to run the other way, there are several benefits to keeping them around. They have no venom that can be fatal to you. The smell can let a potential partner that they are sexually mature and are available to mate. This low maintenance plant does not put off a strong smell like the others included here. Like West Indian lemongrass, marigolds, and mugwort, the smells that garlic emits repel snakes. They will discourage snakes from staying around and urge them to slither away to look for more promising areas with better shelter and more food and other resources. Repair or replace any damaged screens on windows and doors. Even breathing it may result in serious health issues. You can also consider planting snake repellent plants that provide a natural deterrent. While snakes can be beneficial in controlling rodents, they can become an issue if they turn their attention to your fresh eggs or baby chicks. Setting up a barrier or a snake fence is another great way to keep copperheads away from your property. Terms and Conditions But how often do snakes secrete musk? Hi! Theyre truly a remarkable and useful plant! At first, the scent of garlic may smell like prey. Onion contains sulfonic acid, which is the chemical that makes us cry while cutting an onion. Garlic . If you have any questions about strange smells in your home or safety prevention, call the experts at Boulden Brothers Home Service at (302) 368-3848. There are severalplants that snakes dont likeso we can turn to those. Garlic is another plant that deters snakes. Cottonmouths also secrete musk. Pest control specialist and entomologist . The main reason why they are a threat to snakes is because of their roots. However, if you do encounter a snake, remember that they use musk in defense. Cottonmouths are semi-aquatic snakes that are known for their venom. Snakes usually prefer gardens because they can find hiding places in there. Garlic plants are believed to be the best plants that repulse snakes. However, its not clear whether snakes are actuallydeterred from travelling into your garden if those smells are present. And a delicacy they enjoy most, bees and their honey. Marigold is also often used as a natural snake repellent. . Snakes will also hide in wood piles and compost heaps. So, they will stay away from it and your garden. These snakes usually have small sizes, and their moves are pretty quick. You should also locate stacks as far from your house and garden as possible. However, the list below is only based on peoples beliefs and has not yet been shown scientifically to attract snakes. Snakes do not like hiding places that are not in direct ground contact. Oftentimes, copperheads mix their musk with feces to make it smell even worse. Long-nosed snakes use musk, feces, and urine to smell bad. [The Right Technique in 2022], When to Harvest Spaghetti Squash? It eliminates strong smells. Promptly change out of sweaty clothing. So, generally, if theres a snake about your property, you would need to call a pest control company to get the snake professionally removed. My mission is to write valuable and entertaining information about animals and pets for my audience. Yellow Onions. Staphylococcus is typically . If you have a problem with any of these animals, consider getting rid of that pest issue first. These are the only scents recommended by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to repel snakes. This plant species is a bush with fragrant flowers. In essence, these beliefs center around the idea that plants and herbs that are fresh, possess strong fragrance, and provide groundcover are all attractive to snakes. Use an effective antiperspirant and deodorant (ask your doctor to recommend one if you haven't found one that works for you). Site Map, Plant & Animal Classification Guide (Biological Taxonomy), Red Dragonfly Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism (9 Omens), Dead Possum Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism (9 Omens), Green Grasshopper Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism (8 Omens). It is also known as the Vipers bowstring hemp, which some consider the best snake repellent plant owing to its sharp and long foliage. You might also benefit from planting these products since they are also very healthy for our body. It possesses nice flowers and leaves, which give off a strong odor that is apparently not liked by snakes. Foods such as onions, garlic, flavors, and vinegar are among the foods that can change the smell of sweat. You need to get onto some form of thyroid medication asap I would think. The program pays this website advertising fees for products purchased after users click the links to Amazon. Just like onion oil, garlic oil will disturb and disrupt the snake. Despite of the reason, taking a bunch of garlic or sulphur with us is definitely a good choice when we go to the jungle for camping or climbing. Even though it does not cause damage to them, the fragrance of naphthalene supposedly bothers snakes very much. You can easily use such oils by putting them together in spray bottles and then diluting them with water. Guinea hens, turkeys, pigs, and cats will also help keep snakes away. Good for: All recipesespecially carmelizing If a recipe doesn't specify what type of onion to use, your safest bet is a yellow onion. Always apply common sense and couple it with research on snakes habits and ecology to come up with effective ways to repel them from your yard or garden. Onions and garlic are exceptionally helpful plants for repulsing snakes. Try to see if these plants can help you keep snakes away from your garden. The Garter Snake has been said to have a cloying smell and Copperhead snakes are said to smell like cucumbers, although many say this is a myth. Copyright 2023 Northwest Exterminating. The predator tends to find it unpleasant for eating due to this foul, strong smell. All cedar trees feature cedar-shaped leaves. So, the strong scents of some essential oils and plants could theoretically bother them. The yellow and orange colors of marigolds are also beautiful, so even if they dont repel snakes, theyre worth having around! Smoke has been an effective practice used to repel some animals for centuries. They are unlikely to be deterred by dogs unless they see or hear them. These piles are open invitations for snakes to use them as a place to hide. Can Snakes Bite Through Hiking Pants? Snakes, like other varmints don't like the smell of garlic or onion. So, onion (and also garlic, which similarly contains sulfonic acid) can be used as natural snake repellents. We will also offer tips on how to repel snakes by other means. They love garden plants and flowers since they provide a hiding place for them. It has been said that the mere sight of the sharp leaves of this plant, as well as its striking appearance, already discourages snakes from continuing on where the plant is situated. Like many animals, snakes also have a strong sense of smell, which they use to access food sources. They find it very inviting, but certain types of veg can be used to keep them from setting up home. "Another reason you could smell like onions is that you have been eating onions - or other foods like garlic, shallots, etc., - that contain volatile sulfurous substances. These include rodents, slugs, lizards, toads, and frogs. Eliminate Food: Snakes feed on rodents, frogs, birds, moles, voles, insects, and even fish. These chemicals are designed to be as smelling and repulsive as possible. Every day A-Z Animals sends out some of the most incredible facts in the world from our free newsletter. The thistles and spikes of cacti repel snakes so that they usually avoid these kinds of plants. Medical Disclaimer: TheHomePestControl is a digital publisher and does not offer personal health or medical advice. Apparently, snakes can't stand the smell . Then sign up right now and you'll start receiving our daily newsletter absolutely free. If a snake persistently stays in your garden, it is enjoying some benefits that you have not yet detected. If possible, store firewood in sealed, lockable wood boxes. Simply by planting them in your garden or by keeping them in the garden, you can deter snakes. However, one can argue that they are actually attracted to the habitat and the presence of food in the flower garden instead of the actual, specific flowers planted in them. The ammonia can also be used as a food source for other animals, including birds, fish . Do not approach wild animals. This smell is not just unpleasant, but it also apparently serves to disorient snakes. The odor or the simple sight of these plants can deter these animals. While ferrets tend to get a bad rap for smelling up a room, sugar gliders are much worse. It is important to know which plants attract snakes and the plants that repel them so that the gardener can determine what to plant in the garden to suit their purposes. Snakes apparently find their elongated leaves very frightening. You can also use materials that make it difficult for snakes to slither over like holly leaves, pine cones, egg shells, and gravel. Adult cottonmouths are colored yellowish-olive to darker shades of black and gray. These plants can be cultivated because they naturally deter snakes. summary. West Indian Lemongrass is a specific type of lemongrass that snakes stay away from due to its strong citrusy smell. Consult a pest control professional for advice on whats best for your situation. An avid gardener. What Smell Do Snakes Hate? Listed below are some of the most effective smells to scare snakes away. As with onions and alliums, garlic contains high quantities of sulfonic acid which gives off a strong smell that snakes do not like. Did you know that their tongues actually help snakes smell? This vetiver plant has sharp leaf margins that serve the same purpose and effect that cacti have on snakes. Snakes, along with many other animals, supposedly do not like this smell. This is because snakes only secrete musk when they are distressed or have been captured. If a snake has a disgusting odor all over his physique, a predator probably isn't going to find him as enticing. It can be sprayed around a house, under doorways, and over rocks where you know snakes frequent, in order to discourage them from coming near. It is especially foul and is easy to trace, so if theres a cottonmouth in distress near you, its musk can lead you to it. Onions are a rich source of prebiotics, which help boost digestive health, improve bacterial balance in your gut, and benefit your immune system. Cracks can be sealed by mortar or caulking. The oily exudates of these plants also stick to the snakes' body, and its aroma has the same disorienting effect as that of pepper spray. Plants that Snakes Dont Likeand Actually Like. Animal repellents must be used in accordance with the product labels and local regulations. Maybe you have noticed a snake in your garden. Rattlesnake venom contains both hemotoxins and neurotoxins. While most of the time animals smell a bit on the musty or musky side, some produce scents that will make your mouth water. There are about 30 species of venomous snakes in the US. So, if you have one of these at home, you should definitely lookout. 5. You may argue that some people have said that these plants do not work to discourage snakes. One remedy is to dig a fire pit and let it smoke for several days covering the embers with moss and leaves can give you the best effect. Cacti planted in the yard will prevent snakes from staying around. But copperhead snakes are not the only venomous snakes that can emit an odor akin to cucumbers. Snakes have been known to bask a lot in flower gardens. Disclaimer: The best way to remove or discourage snakes from around your home is to contact a pest control agency. Snakes ability to smell is strong. The plant radiates a slick residue when a snake crawls over a clove. You might probably know that onion contains sulfonic acid, which is the chemical that agitates us and makes us cry while cutting an onion. They like food such as frogs and lizards. Due to the strong sense of smell possessed by snakes, the pungent garlic smell causes upsets. Try to wash with a washcloth or sponge but be careful not to scrub too hard. Other flowers that grow in low levels are also very desired by snakes since they can hide in these parts and hunt from them. However, considering that the alternative defense mechanism is its venom, perhaps being sprayed with musk is getting off lightly. Cotton wicks sweat and moisture away from your vagina, which can help prevent odor. Snakes scaly, legless creatures that slither into your yard and sometimes even your home. The snake is usually timid, and when it faces a threat, it will musk and roll around its feces and urine to smell worse. BEST LIQUID: Snake Defense Natural . Meanwhile, if you are residing in an area replete with cottonmouths, copperheads, rattlesnakes, and other venomous snake species, it may be beneficial for you to clear the plants that attract them. By encouraging beneficial animals to visit while driving away undesirable ones, marigold could be a sure choice for gardeners to plant in their yard.