I don’t actually dislike snakes. They’re shy creatures, generally peaceful, and prefer to stay out of the way. But let’s be honest—when one suddenly slithers by your feet while you’re gardening or enjoying a quiet moment on the back patio, it’s enough to make anyone jump! Whether you’re scared of them or just want to avoid an uncomfortable surprise, it’s perfectly reasonable to want your yard to be snake-free.
The good news is, you don’t have to resort to harsh chemicals or inhumane traps. There are plenty of safe, kind, and natural ways to keep snakes out of your yard. These methods are effective, simple to put into practice, and will help you create a peaceful outdoor space without harming any wildlife. Let’s dive into eight of the best humane ways to prevent snakes from setting up camp in your backyard.
1. Eliminate Their Food Sources
The first step to keeping snakes away is to make sure they don’t find your yard attractive. What draws them in? Food, of course. Snakes eat rodents like rats and mice, but they’re also known to go after other things. If you leave bird seed lying around, or if fruit falls from your trees and stays on the ground too long, you could be laying out an open invitation.
If you have a compost bin, make sure it’s sealed tightly. Compost can attract rodents, which in turn attract snakes. If you love having bird feeders in your yard, that’s fine—just place them as far from the house as possible, preferably along the outer edges of your property. Cleaning up fallen fruit regularly will also go a long way toward keeping both rodents and snakes at bay.
2. Plant Lemongrass
One of the easiest and most pleasant ways to deter snakes is by planting lemongrass. Snakes dislike the strong citrus smell it gives off. As a bonus, lemongrass also helps to repel mosquitoes and other annoying insects, making it a double win for your outdoor space. It’s a low-maintenance plant, too, so you won’t have to do much once it’s in the ground.
3. Try a Citrus-Based Spray
If you want to boost your defenses even more, you can make a simple homemade spray using citrus. Take the peels from lemons, oranges, or any other citrus fruit and place them in a jar of water. Let them soak for a full day so the water absorbs the citrus oils. Then pour the mixture into a spray bottle and mist it around areas where you don’t want snakes—along porch steps, deck railings, or under patio furniture. The scent is a natural deterrent, and it smells nice to us, too!
4. Keep Your Yard Clean and Tidy
Snakes love places where they can hide. That includes tall grass, weeds, piles of sticks, and any clutter you might have lying around. If you want to make your yard less inviting to snakes, stay on top of yard maintenance. Mow the lawn regularly, trim back overgrown bushes, and clear away debris. If you have firewood stacked outside, make sure it’s neatly arranged and raised off the ground if possible.
5. Seal Up Your House
No one wants to deal with a snake inside the house! To prevent that, it’s important to inspect your home’s exterior carefully. Look for any gaps or cracks in the foundation, especially near doors and windows. Seal them up with caulk or another appropriate material. Also, check your window screens. If there are any holes or tears, fix them right away to keep snakes—and bugs—out of your home.
6. Make a DIY Snake Repellent
Chemical snake repellents can be harmful to kids, pets, and the environment. Instead, try making your own all-natural snake repellent. Mix equal parts clove oil and cinnamon oil in a spray bottle. Shake it well, then spray it around the perimeter of your yard, near the base of your house, and in any other areas where you’ve seen snakes before. The smell is unpleasant to snakes but won’t harm them—or you!
7. Use Mothballs with Caution
Mothballs can help deter snakes and insects, but they need to be used carefully. Place them around the foundation of your home and under the back porch where kids and pets can’t get to them. It’s important to remember that mothballs are toxic if ingested, so keep them out of reach and use them sparingly. This method works best as a last line of defense after you’ve tried the safer, more natural approaches.
8. Set Humane Snake Traps
If you’ve tried everything and snakes are still making appearances, you can consider humane traps. These traps allow you to catch the snake without hurting it. Once you’ve caught a snake, release it in a wooded area far from your home where it can thrive without bothering you. Humane traps are a great option if you want to protect both your family and the local wildlife.
By taking these simple steps, you can make your yard a less attractive place for snakes without causing them harm. You’ll enjoy a safer, more comfortable outdoor space—and so will the snakes, living peacefully somewhere else!
