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Certain plants can help deter snakes from your yard and garden.
If you’re wondering what to plant to deter snakes, the short answer is that aromatic, strong-smelling, and prickly plants are your best bet.
Snakes rely heavily on their sense of smell and vibration, so plants that confuse or irritate those senses can make your property less inviting.
But not every plant works the same way, and knowing what to plant to deter snakes effectively requires a bit of strategy.
In this post, we’ll cover the top snake-repelling plants, how to use them as a natural barrier, and other tips to keep snakes away.
Let’s dig in.
What to Plant to Deter Snakes: Top Snake-Repelling Plants
When deciding what to plant to deter snakes, focus on species with strong odors, rough textures, or dense growth patterns.
These plants discourage snakes from slithering through because they either smell overwhelming or feel uncomfortable to move across.
Here are the best plants to consider.
1. Marigolds
Marigolds are a classic choice for deterring snakes, and for good reason.
Their bright flowers release a pungent scent that snakes find unpleasant.
When you plant marigolds around the perimeter of your garden or near entry points, you create a natural odor barrier.
Plus, marigolds also repel other pests like mosquitoes and nematodes, which makes them a multi-purpose addition.
For maximum effect, plant marigolds in clusters rather than scattered.
2. Lemongrass
Lemongrass contains citral, a natural compound that gives it that fresh, citrusy smell – and snakes hate it.
If you’re looking for what to plant to deter snakes in warmer climates, lemongrass is a top contender.
It grows tall and thick, creating a physical barrier that snakes don’t want to cross.
Plant lemongrass along fences, pathways, or around patios to keep snakes at a distance.
Just be sure to give it plenty of sun and well-drained soil so it thrives.
3. Wormwood (Artemisia)
Wormwood is another strong-smelling herb that snakes actively avoid.
The leaves release a bitter, camphor-like aroma that lingers in the air.
When considering what to plant to deter snakes, wormwood works especially well near foundations or under decks.
It also has a slightly fuzzy, silvery texture that snakes find unappealing to crawl over.
Keep in mind that wormwood can be invasive in some areas, so plant it in containers or controlled beds.
4. Garlic and Onions
Garlic and onions are kitchen staples, but they also serve as natural snake repellents.
The sulfur compounds in their bulbs and leaves create a powerful scent that lingers in the soil.
Planting garlic and onions around your garden borders is a simple way to answer what to plant to deter snakes without extra effort.
Snakes rely on their sense of smell to find prey, and the strong odor masks other food signals.
Plus, you’ll get a harvest of fresh bulbs at the end of the season.
5. Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Snake Plant)
Despite the name, snake plant is actually a snake deterrent, not an attractant.
Its sharp, pointed leaves make it difficult for snakes to slither through comfortably.
When adding what to plant to deter snakes to your landscaping, snake plant works great as a ground cover near entry points.
It also releases oxygen at night, which is a bonus for indoor use near doors or windows.
Just note that snake plant is toxic to pets if ingested, so keep it away from curious dogs and cats.
How Planting Snake-Repelling Plants Creates a Natural Barrier
Choosing what to plant to deter snakes is only half the battle.
You also need to place those plants strategically to form a physical and sensory barrier.
Snakes prefer open, clear paths where they can move quickly without obstruction.
By planting dense, aromatic species in key areas, you force them to reroute.
1. Perimeter Planting
Create a living fence around your property using a mix of the plants listed above.
For example, line the outer edge of your yard with marigolds and lemongrass.
This dense, smelly wall signals to snakes that your space isn’t worth entering.
Make sure the plants are close enough together that gaps are minimal – snakes can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces.
2. Strategic Spot Planting
Focus on areas where snakes are most likely to enter or hide.
Plant wormwood near foundations, garlic around garden beds, and snake plant near patio doors.
When deciding what to plant to deter snakes, think about where you’ve seen snake activity before and target those spots.
Under porches, along rock walls, and near woodpiles are common hotspots.
3. Layering with Texture
Combine plants with different textures to make the area even less inviting.
Snakes dislike crawling over prickly, rough, or sharp surfaces.
Mother-in-law’s tongue is excellent for this, as are lavender and rosemary, which have woody stems.
By layering what to plant to deter snakes, you create a two-pronged approach: smell and feel.
Other Tips for Using Plants to Deter Snakes
Plants alone aren’t a silver bullet, but they work wonderfully when combined with habitat modifications.
Here are a few additional points to maximize your efforts.
1. Maintain Your Garden
Snakes love tall grass, piles of debris, and overgrown shrubs.
Even the best snake-repelling plants won’t help if you let the rest of your yard become a shelter.
Regularly mow the lawn, trim bushes, and remove leaf litter.
This keeps snakes from feeling comfortable while the deterrent plants do their job.
2. Remove Food Sources
Snakes follow their prey – rodents, frogs, insects.
If you have a lot of rodents in your garden, consider what to plant to deter snakes alongside measures to reduce the food supply.
Keep bird feeders clean, store firewood off the ground, and seal gaps in sheds or garages.
3. Use Mulch That Snakes Dislike
Certain mulches, like cedar bark or pine needles, have strong smells that snakes avoid.
Spread a thick layer around your plants as an added deterrent.
This complements what to plant to deter snakes by creating an inhospitable ground surface.
So, What to Plant to Deter Snakes?
To deter snakes, you should plant marigolds, lemongrass, wormwood, garlic, onions, and snake plant.
These plants work because their strong scents and rough textures disrupt snakes’ sensory abilities and make slithering uncomfortable.
When you know what to plant to deter snakes, you can arrange them as perimeter barriers or spot plant near entry points.
Combine these plants with good garden maintenance, removal of hiding spots, and rodent control for the best results.
Now you’re ready to create a snake-resistant yard using nature’s own repellents.
Happy planting.