Discover expert-recommended, up-to-date strategies to eliminate snakes and keep them away for good.
Snakes evoke strong emotions, from admiration to fear. Some people keep them as pets, while herpetologists dedicate their careers to studying these fascinating reptiles.
Snakes also hold significant cultural and religious symbolism. However, for many, even the thought of a snake triggers anxiety.
Encountering one, especially in or around the home, can be alarming and calls for immediate action.
Snakes are widespread, inhabiting every continent except Antarctica, and have existed for over 100 million years.

As carnivores, they play an important role in ecosystems by controlling populations of eggs, rodents, insects, and other small animals.
Despite their environmental benefits, snakes are often seen as pests when they encroach on human habitats.
Snakes as Pests
In their natural habitat, snakes are vital to controlling nuisance wildlife. However, when they enter residential areas, they become pests.
Snakes are attracted to yards in search of food and shelter and may find their way indoors through small gaps around doors, walls, and pipes.
Once inside, they often settle in basements or attics but can be found anywhere.
Signs of snake activity include:
– Shed skins
– Rustling noises in walls
– Unusual odors from tap water
– Excrement containing fur or bones
Snakes often follow rodent infestations, as mice and rats are a primary food source. If you have rodents in your home and live in a snake-prone area, there’s a chance snakes have also taken up residence.
Identifying Snakes
There are over 120 snake species in North America, each varying in size, color, and behavior.
While many are harmless, it can be challenging to identify whether a snake is dangerous without proper knowledge.
It’s essential to exercise caution around any snake, as even non-venomous species can evoke fear.
Dangerous Snakes in the U.S.
Though most snakes in the U.S. are harmless, there are 21 species with venomous bites, some of which can be fatal. Warmer states, particularly in the south, tend to have a greater variety of venomous snakes.
The four main types of venomous snakes in the U.S. are:
– Rattlesnakes: Known for the rattle on their tails, these snakes use it as a warning when threatened. There are 16 species in the U.S.
– Copperheads: Found in the Midwest and Eastern U.S., these tan-colored snakes are common in forested areas and rocky terrains.
– Cottonmouths (Water Moccasins): The only venomous water snake in the U.S., cottonmouths inhabit southeastern states near water sources like lakes and marshes.
– Coral Snakes: Recognizable by their red, black, and yellow bands, coral snakes are slender and grow up to 3 feet in length. They are found in the southern U.S.
When Are Snakes Most Active?
Snakes are typically more visible during warmer months when temperatures range from 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
In the spring, summer, and early fall, snakes are most active in the cooler parts of the day—early morning and late afternoon. During the hottest periods, they seek shelter to avoid the heat.
Snake activity tends to slow down as fall approaches, and many species enter a state of brumation—a form of hibernation common in warmer southern climates.
While brumating, snakes reduce their activity levels but may still emerge on warmer winter days.
Benefits of Home Remedies for Repelling Snakes
Using home remedies to repel snakes offers several advantages, making it a popular alternative to hiring pest control services. Here are some benefits of trying these natural solutions:
– Availability: Most home remedies use ingredients or methods that are easy to find and can be quickly sourced from household items or local stores.
– Affordability: Compared to professional pest control services, these remedies are usually much more cost-effective.
– Ease of Use: Many of these methods are straightforward to implement, requiring minimal time and effort.
– Safety: Most home remedies for snake control are non-toxic and safer for both humans and pets than many chemical-based products available on the market.
While professional pest control is a reliable option for managing snake issues, home remedies provide an accessible and eco-friendly alternative for keeping snakes away from your home and yard.
Home Remedies for Keeping Snakes Away
1. Eliminate Food Sources
Snakes are often drawn to areas where their prey, such as rodents, frogs, birds, moles, and insects, are present.
By addressing any pest problems in your yard or home, you can reduce the likelihood of attracting snakes.
Once these food sources are removed, snakes will naturally move on to find a new hunting ground.
2. Remove Hiding Places
Snakes prefer dark, damp areas to live and hide. Inspect your property for cracks, crevices, or holes that could serve as hiding spots.
Seal any gaps in walls, foundations, or ventilation ducts.
Snakes are also attracted to piles of wood, leaves, or mulch.
If possible, store firewood in sealed containers and clear away any debris piles to prevent snakes from taking shelter.
3. Modify Landscaping
If snakes are common in your garden or yard, consider making changes to your landscaping.
Regularly maintain your garden by clearing away debris, overgrowth, and potential hiding spots. Keep grass trimmed short, and if necessary, install snake-proof fencing.
Fencing made of steel mesh or plastic sheeting can be effective, especially if it’s angled outward and extends deep into the ground.
Additionally, you can plant natural snake deterrents such as marigolds, lemongrass, or wormwood.
4. Introduce Natural Predators
Certain animals, such as foxes, raccoons, guinea hens, turkeys, pigs, and even cats, can help keep snakes at bay.
If foxes are common in your area, you can also use fox urine as a natural snake repellent by spreading it around your property.
5. Use Smoke as a Deterrent
Snakes have a highly developed sense of smell and are sensitive to certain odors, including smoke.
To repel snakes, consider digging a fire pit and allowing it to smoke for several days.
Covering the embers with moss or leaves can enhance the effect, driving snakes away with the lingering smell of smoke.
Using Natural Products to Repel Snakes
Natural snake repellents can be effective and are widely available. Here are some commonly used options:
1. Naphthalene
Naphthalene is a key ingredient in many commercial snake-repellent products. It’s also found in mothballs, which emit a smell that irritates snakes without harming them.
You can place mothballs in areas where snakes are likely to enter, such as cracks and crevices.
However, be cautious as mothballs can be toxic to pets and children if ingested, so avoid using them in areas where they have access.
2. Sulfur
Powdered sulfur is another effective snake deterrent. When snakes come into contact with it, the sulfur irritates their skin, causing them to leave.
Be mindful that sulfur has a strong smell, so it’s best to wear a mask when applying it around your property.
3. Clove and Cinnamon Oil
A mixture of clove and cinnamon oil can repel snakes. Combine the oils in a spray bottle and apply directly on snakes if encountered.
However, be careful as snakes may retreat quickly. This oil mixture can also be used in a diffuser as an indoor fumigant.
4. Garlic and Onions
The sulfonic acid in garlic and onions, which causes teary eyes when chopping them, also repels snakes.
Combine chopped garlic and onions with rock salt and spread the mixture around your property.
Additionally, you can infuse garlic into essential oils and use this to fumigate hard-to-reach areas like basements or attics.
5. Ammonia
Snakes are sensitive to the smell of ammonia. You can spray it in areas where snakes are a problem, or soak a rug in ammonia and place it in a bag near snake-infested areas to discourage them from staying.
6. Vinegar
Vinegar is effective near water sources such as ponds or pools.
Pour white vinegar around the perimeter of any body of water to keep snakes away.
7. Lime
A mixture of lime, combined with hot pepper or peppermint, can be used around your home’s perimeter.
Snakes dislike both the smell and the itchy sensation it causes on their skin, making it a good natural deterrent.
10 Effective Tips for Keeping Snakes Away from Your Home
Snakes can be unwelcome guests around your property, but there are several practical ways to deter them and keep your home safe. Here are ten tips to help prevent snakes from entering your space:
1. Seal Off Entry Points: Snakes can slip through small cracks and openings. Inspect your home’s exterior, including walls, doors, and windows, for any gaps. Use caulk or concrete to seal these openings and block potential entry points.
2. Clear Brush and Debris: Snakes prefer dark, damp areas for hiding. Regularly remove brush, piles of leaves, and debris near your home to eliminate potential hiding spots.
3. Maintain Cleanliness: Keep your yard and surroundings tidy. Snakes are often attracted to places where they can find food and water, so avoid leaving food scraps and standing water that may invite them in.
4. Trim Your Lawn: Regularly mowing your lawn will reduce the number of places snakes can hide. Short grass discourages them from staying in your yard.
5. Use Snake-Repelling Plants: Some plants naturally deter snakes. Consider planting marigolds, lemongrass, or mother-in-law’s tongue around the perimeter of your home to repel them.
6. Set Up Decoys: Placing fake snakes or snake skins around your yard can trick real snakes into thinking the area is already claimed by other snakes, keeping them away.
7. Install Ultrasonic Devices: Ultrasonic snake repellents emit high-frequency sounds that snakes dislike, making them less likely to stick around.
8. Use Snake Traps: You can place traps such as glue boards or live traps in areas where snakes are likely to enter. These can help capture snakes before they get too close to your home.
9. Consult Pest Control Experts: If snake problems persist, contact a professional pest control company. They can provide safe, effective snake-repellent solutions suited to your property.
10. Make Your Home Uninviting: Snakes are less likely to stick around in clean, uncluttered spaces. Remove any unnecessary clutter, keep your home well-ventilated, and consider using natural repellents like garlic or lime to deter snakes.
By following these tips, you can minimize the chances of encountering snakes near your home. However, it’s important to remember that snakes play an essential role in controlling pests and maintaining a balanced ecosystem. If you do encounter a snake, avoid harming it. Instead, contact professionals who can handle the situation safely.
Taking proactive measures will help make your property less attractive to snakes and reduce the likelihood of them entering your home.
