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Plant snake-repelling herbs and use strong-smelling sprays to keep snakes away this monsoon
Spraying strong-smelling substances in areas where snakes might hide or enter can make those spots unbearable for them, prompting them to leave. (News18)
As monsoon rains drench the ground and fill the air with humidity, snake sightings tend to rise, particularly in homes located near gardens, farms, or wooded areas. The wet season brings snakes out of their natural shelters in search of dry, safe spaces. Unfortunately, this often leads them right into human homes.
But don’t panic, as a wildlife expert with over 25 years of experience in handling snakes and wild creatures shares tried-and-tested natural methods to keep your home snake-free. These techniques, backed by years of field knowledge, focus on using strong natural scents and physical deterrents to make your home an unwelcoming environment for snakes.
Plant Power: Nature’s Snake Repellents
Many plants have naturally pungent aromas that snakes find overwhelming and unpleasant. By planting these in strategic locations like near entrances, along balconies, or around the perimeter of your home, you can build a botanical shield that deters snakes from slithering in.
What Are The Most Effective Snake-Repelling Plants?
- Naagdon or Common Wormwood: Known for its sharp, bitter smell that snakes dislike intensely.
- Snake Plant: Despite the name, it actually deters snakes due to its stiff leaves and air-purifying properties.
- Marigold: With its strong scent and thick foliage, it acts as both a visual and aromatic barrier.
- Lemongrass: Contains citronella, a powerful natural repellent that drives away not just snakes but also insects.
- Cactus: Snakes avoid spiny plants like cactus, as they pose a physical threat.
You can place these plants in pots or plant them in the soil around your home’s boundary, near gates, verandas, and windows—especially in areas where you’ve seen snakes or suspect they might enter.
Smell-Based Sprays To Repel Snakes
Snakes have an extremely sensitive sense of smell, which can be used against them. Spraying strong-smelling substances in areas where snakes might hide or enter can make those spots unbearable for them, prompting them to leave.
Few Effective Snake Repellents
- Navratan Oil: This cooling hair oil has a mix of herbs with strong scents that irritate snakes.
- Phenol (Carbolic Acid): Commonly used as a disinfectant, its sharp smell is a powerful deterrent.
- Baking Powder: Helps absorb moisture and irritates snake skin and smell receptors.
- Formalin: Used in small quantities (with care), it gives off a strong, unpleasant odour.
- Kerosene: Its fumes are effective in discouraging snakes from entering.
How to use: Dilute these substances in water and spray them in corners, near drains, behind cupboards, under sinks, and in storerooms; anywhere that’s dark, moist, and quiet.
Important: Never spray directly on a snake as it could provoke aggression or cause harm. Only spray around suspected hiding spots.
What To Do If A Snake Enters Your Home?
Despite all precautions, snakes may still occasionally find their way inside. Here’s how to respond calmly and safely:
- Spray strong-smelling pesticides near the area where the snake is hiding.
- Create a clear escape path; open doors or windows nearby.
- Do not disturb or provoke the snake. A threatened snake can become aggressive.
- Call a professional wildlife or snake handler for safe removal if the snake doesn’t leave on its own.
Expert-Recommended Prevention Tips
According to experts, snakes usually shelter in quiet, dark, and damp spaces, especially where they find food like frogs, rats, or lizards. Preventing such conditions around your home is key:
- Avoid piles of wood, trash, or old furniture where snakes can hide.
- Seal cracks and holes in walls, floors, and around doors.
- Don’t store grains, fish, or meat in open spaces; strong food smells can attract snakes.
- Keep your surroundings clean, dry, and well-lit.
Following these tips not only deters snakes but also improves overall home hygiene.
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