Whether you keep snakes as pets or consider seeing a snake as one of your greatest fears, discovering one in and around your home when it isn't intended to be there is a frightening circumstance. Snakes can be abundant in your outside environment, depending on where you reside. The best snake repellent is one of the most effective ways to keep snakes out of your house.
The majority of human snake bites occur when individuals attempt to transport snakes. Some snakes are relatively harmless, such as garter snakes and rat snakes, while others, such as rattlesnakes and cobras, carry venom that can be fatal. When used with good landscape upkeep, the best snake repellents can help both people and snakes avoid unwelcome interactions.
What is the Best Snake Repellent?
Snake repellents come in two varieties for homeowners to choose from. One is odor-based, and it repels snakes by emitting scents that they find repellent. These repellents are simple to administer and interfere with the snake's ability to identify prey, causing them to seek out locations where their sense of smell is not impaired.
Ultrasonic frequency snake repellents are also available. These snake repellents can be plugged in or solar-powered, and they create a high-frequency sound that is inaudible to humans but repels snakes. These repellents have a shorter range and are better suited to indoor use.
A recent trend has emerged from manufacturing outdoor-friendly ultrasonic frequency snake pellets that are solar-powered and come with pegs for convenient placement in the grass. Unfortunately, not all snake repellents are created equal. If you want to stay safe from snakes this season, check out the recommendations for the best snake repellent for your lawn or garden.
Rank | Product Image | Brand Name | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
1 |
| ||
2 |
| ||
3 |
| ||
4 |
| ||
5 |
|
1. Ortho Snake B Gon Snake Repellent Granules, 2-Pound
- Prevents snakes from entering, nesting and foraging
- Safe for people, pets and plants when used as directed
- Delivers long-lasting and rain resistant performance
- No-stink formula using essential oils
- Ready-to-use formula
Ortho Snake B Gon Snake Repellent Granules work by preventing snake access, nesting, and foraging when applied onto your garden soil. The compound works by obliterating the snake's sense of smell, preventing it from detecting its prey. After that, the snake will move on to locations with 'fresher' air.
All Ortho snake repellents have a 'no stink' formula and are backed by the Ortho Guarantee, so you may use them risk-free. People, pets, and plants are all safe. Always read and follow the Ortho Snake B Gon Snake repellent granules label instructions. To dispense, shake the bottle from side to side. Then, apply Ortho Snake B Gon Snake repellent liberally to the lawn and soil near flowers and other plants.
When using the product on edible crops, ensure no above-ground harvestable food commodities, such as blooms, are present. Reapply Ortho Snake B Gon Snake repellent granules every 30 days or whenever you see a new snake, whichever comes first. It weighs 2 lbs and covers 1,440 square feet. Apply it freely to the soil surrounding plants. The active ingredients are Cinnamon Oil, Geraniol, Castor Oil, Peppermint Oil, and Clove Oil.
Pros:
Cons:
2. Victor VP364B Way Snake Repelling Granules – 4 LB, Red
- Repels Snakes Outdoors – These granules begin working...
- Controls by Scent – The granules temporarily disrupt snakes’...
- EPA-Registered – Use this product with peace of mind knowing...
- Long-Lasting – One applications of Snake-A-Way lasts for up to...
- Protects up to 1/2 Acre – Use the granules along the perimeter...
The Victor Snake-A-Way Snake Repellent Granules include a unique mixture that repels venomous and non-venomous snakes, including garter snakes and rattlesnakes. The best snake repellent addresses the technique snakes utilize to discover prey. Snakes' sense of smell is overwhelmed by the formula, leading them to flee to a safer location searching for fresh air.
Spread the repellent completely around locations where you want to repel snakes, such as around residences, cabins, trailers, sheds, garages, and flowerbeds, for the best effects. Shake the grains carefully in bands or around an area after opening the container. It will serve as an effective barrier, keeping snakes at bay.
Make sure to cover the entire area you want to protect with repellent. Any cracks in the repellent lines could be a snake entry point. Reapply the Snake-A-Way after heavy or continuous rain to maintain its effectiveness and fragrance around sheltered areas. Apply the repellent in 4 to 5-inch broad bands for black snake and garter snake protection and 8 to 12-inch wide bands for rattlesnake and king snakes protection.
The Snake-A-Way is safe to use near people, pets, and plants when used according to the instructions. In addition, this repellent is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, ensuring that it has no negative impact on humans or the environment.
Pros:
Cons:
3. Safer Brand 5951 Snake Shield Snake Repellent Granular – 4 LB
- Repels Snakes Outdoors – These granules begin working...
- Controls by Scent – The granules temporarily disrupt snakes’...
- Long-Lasting – Starts working immediately and offers...
- Peace of Mind - These granules are safe for use around people,...
- For Outdoor Use – Use the granules along garden barn, and cabin...
Snake Shield by Safer Brand is chemical-free and employs a unique blend of natural oils and sulfur to repel snakes while causing no harm to your yard, pets, or family. Snakes are cautious creatures that collect chemical signals in the air to understand their surroundings better.
The Jacobsen's snake organ interprets these impulses and sends them to the brain to aid navigation. Snake Shield interrupts this vital communication and confuses snakes, leading them to depart the area instinctively. When applied, time-release granules activate and give long-term protection against snakes.
To construct an efficient snake-repelling barrier, shake the bag to scatter the repelling granules in 8-inch bands around or beside locations. Snake Shield protects house perimeters, yards, flowerbeds, parks, fence lines, and other outdoor areas.
Pros:
Cons:
4. Nature’s MACE Snake Repellent
- POWERFUL & EFFECTIVE REPELLANT: Our Snake MACE formula is...
- 100% All-NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Our snake repellent is strong and...
- SAFE FOR USE: Nature’s MACE products are bio-degradable and...
- YEAR-ROUND PROTECTION: Repel snakes all season long weather it...
- 7LB GRANULAR: Our Snake MACE formula will effectively cover and...
Nature's MACE Snake Repellent is a combination of an all-natural formula that is effective at repelling snakes from your property, and a small amount of this potent product can cover thousands of square feet. It is a non-toxic snake repellent, and it's safe to use around pets, children and even in gardens around plants. The snake repellent is packed in an easy-to-use plastic jug with a screw-top lid that makes it easy to use the product and sprinkle it around your property.
Nature's MACE Snake Repellent is made using a mess-free and clean formula, and it consists of small granules, so there is no risk of spilling or leakage. It is a great product to prevent snakes, and since it doesn't dissolve in the rain, it can help you get rid of your snake problems for good without making your family or pets sick. In addition, you won't have to spend a lot of money to get long-lasting results. As little as five pounds will cover up to 2500 square feet of your yard.
Pros:
Cons:
5. Exterminators Choice Snake Defense Spray
- Snake Repellent - Keep venomous and non-venomous snakes away from...
- Perfect for Indoors and Outdoors - Use the snake spray for...
- Non-Toxic Formula - Our snake deterrent features all-natural...
- Easy to Use - To use the spray bottle, just a few spritzes using...
- Long-Lasting - The reptile repellent for snakes comes in a...
Exterminators Choice Snake Defense Spray is a liquid scent-based snake repellent made of peppermint oil, clove oil, and other non-chemical and non-toxic active ingredients. The spray gives a sharp and overpowering scent that will quickly move snakes away but is safe for pets and people. Notably, always use caution when applying the product in known snakes territory as it's among the best snake repellents, and it may make them agitated and maybe a bit aggressive before they move out.
Exterminators Choice Snake Defense Spray is an outdoor perimeter for vehicles, sheds, flower beds, homes and barns. The snake repellent is more useful in the early year and late when snakes become more active and seek shelter from cold temperatures. Each application will last you between two days and a week depending on the weather, and therefore you may need to apply it more frequently, especially if you live in a wet area.
Pros:
Cons:
What are the Different Types of Snake Repellents?
a). Chemical Repellents
Chemical repellents usually have a distinct smell designed to be unpleasant for snakes and which snakes pick up using their tongue as they don't have a sense of smell. Instead, they pick up odor particles sensed by their mouth organs known as vomeronasal organs, but some repellents will be toxic to snakes, and no snake will go near them.
Most of these repellents contain the chemical ingredient called naphthalene produced from black walnut trees, and it's a potent ingredient that can cause nerve and retinal damage to serpents and other rodents. However, always keep it away from where children play.
b). Natural Snake Repellent
These natural snake repellents are made using natural ingredients, and they include various essential oils such as castor, peppermint and cinnamon oils. When coming up with the best snake repellents, developers and manufacturers like mixing these essential oils to get the most pungent scent.
However, if your snake troubles are inside your house, you should use a small number of natural repellents since the pungent odor of these oils will also be felt by you and your family members. If you can manage the smell of peppermint and cinnamon and can be okay with it for several days, you should spray it across your house.
c). Sound Repellents
These sonic repellents are among the long-lasting snake repellent options that are completely safe and hence repels snakes and keep the local snakes safe. Unfortunately, these repellents repel snakes using sound, and they emit noise at a frequency which humans won't hear, but it can be heard by snakes and small rodents, and it's pretty unpleasant. Therefore all the snakes will try to move away from the sonic repellent.
Some sonic repellents use electricity to work while others use solar where the electricity sonic repellents are suitable for use indoors, and the solar ones are best used outdoors. These sonic repellent prevents snakes and doesn't kill them are pretty expensive since they are more durable and long-lasting.
What Attracts Snakes to My House?
Snakes are just like pesky visitors in your home or yard, and they are usually seeking either food or shelter. Unfortunately, some snakes will stay around if they have access to eating.
- Small farm animals
- Moles
- Rats
- Grasshoppers
- Mice
- Slugs
- Frogs
- Snails
- Fish
In addition, snakes also seek shelter in thick bushes, areas of water, piles of compost or leaves, firewood containers, broken gutters and even ventilation to take shelter from the heat. It can also be that your area has a low number of natural snake predators such as foxes and raccoons.
What are the Common Signs of Snake Problems?
If you saw a slippery creature slither by you, you may be concerned that there is a snake infestation, but you will need to be sure there are there to get rid of any snakes. There are a few signs to tell if the snake population is more than you think, including:
- Snake droppings
- Shed snakeskins
- Strange smells in enclosed areas or spaces
- Tracks in your dirt or dust from slithering
- Snake holes
What are the Main Differences Between Venomous Snakes and Poisonous Snakes?
Snakes vary widely in appearance, and it can be challenging to identify snakes accurately. As a result, below are some ways to determine whether you have venomous or nonvenomous snakes on your property.
a). Venomous Snakes
- They have triangular heads, but some poisonous snakes usually adopt this appearance to intimidate predators
- Their colors vary where red bands touch the yellow bands on coral snakes
- Thin vertical pupils in green or yellow eyes
b). Non-venomous Snakes
- Round or spoon-shaped head
- Rounded pupils
- Their color varies widely where yellow and red bands are separated by black bands on scarlet king snakes.
How Do Snake Repellents Work?
The best snake repellents don't kill snakes but rather scare them away using an unpleasant odor or ultrasonic waves. Even the best snake repellent cannot give you a 100% guarantee, and it has limits, but as long as the snake repellent works, you are your family. You are protected from snakes. Notably, every type of snake repellent works differently, and all you need to do is read the instructions:
- If you are using a liquid snake repellent, attach the sprayer to the bottle and cover the territory around your house that is visited by snakes. This will scare pets away from their nests and leave the area. Always wear glasses and gloves while doing this, even when using organic or natural repellents.
- For an electronic ultrasonic wave repellent, you will have to plug your item into a socket. Choosing one with blue light is recommended, and you can turn it off when you don't need it.
- Suppose you are using solar power ultrasonic wave repellents. In that case, you will not need electricity, and you can carry the product on any trip to ensure you will encounter no snakes on the territory. However, you will need to place the devices at the advised distance from each other and make sure they are correctly fixed.
- If you are using a dry product, you will need to scatter it around your main territory and not touch it with bare hands, even if it's organic and completely safe for children. Always use gloves and repeat the procedure after three to four weeks.
What Are Some Home Remedies to Keep Snakes Away?
Below are some remedies you can do or use to repel snakes. Notably, if the methods below don't work, you should consult a wildlife or pest control company for effective snake removal and snake prevention recommendations for a snake-free home.
a). Eliminate Hiding Places
Snakes hate the airy areas and prefer the dark and damp areas and are known to live in holes, cracks and crevices and therefore, eliminating these areas prevents snakes from occupying your property. You should carefully inspect your property and home exterior and repair any holes, crevices and cracks you may find. Replace any damaged piping, gutters and ventilation ducts that may attract snakes and repair damaged windows and screens.
In addition, a snake will also hide in a compost or wood pile, so if possible, store your firewood in lockable wood boxes and get rid of any leaves, wood chip mulch or straw mulch that may be collecting on your property.
b). Eliminate Food Supplies
Snakes are usually found in areas where there are rodents as this is one of their primary food sources as they are known to eat birds, frogs, voles, fish, moles and insects. If you struggle with these animals, you first need to get a pest control method and eliminate any other pests. Once their source of pet food has been removed, snakes will have to move to search for another food source.
c). Change Up Your Landscaping
If your garden is prone to snake infestation, you should make some changes to prevent the snakes from coming in and eliminate snake attractants such as overgrowth, holes or debris. For example, keep your grass short and eliminate snakes' hiding places as you don't know how many snakes can infest your yard. In addition, you can consider planting some snake repellent plants such as wormwood, marigolds and lemongrass.
d). Smoke Them Out
Snakes are ultra-sensitive to fumes and odors because of their elevated sense of smell, and one smell snakes hate smoke. One remedy would be building a fire pit, smoking for some days, and covering the embers with leaves and moss to get the best effect.
e). Use Natural Predators
Some of the most common predators of snakes are raccoons and foxes, but other animals such as cats, guinea hens, pigs and turkeys also help repel snakes. If foxes are indigenous in your area, then fox urine will be an excellent natural, long-lasting snake repellent to spread around your property.
Features to Look for in the Best Snake Repellent
1. Strength
The majority of snake repellents are odor-based. Snakes use a sensitive pair of organs in the roof of their mouth called the vomeronasal or Jacobson's organ to sniff in addition to smelling through their noses. Snakes are irritated or confused by the odors of scent-based repellents.
The key to success is odor strength. Pleasant scents like cinnamon and clove are used in some of the best snake repellents. In addition, higher concentrations of active chemicals are found in the best scent-based snake repellents, which means they function better and stay longer.
2. Duration
Snakes grow weary of repellant every day. Longer-lasting items are also less expensive. Though heavy rain will quickly disperse even the best repellents, the most excellent snake repellents can last up to a month. Higher concentrations of active chemicals and rain-resistant granular compositions provide long-lasting repellency.
In some situations, a liquid snake repellent is more user-friendly than a long-lasting granular solution. In addition, a more pungent aroma is more effective right away and lasts longer, so choose a highly concentrated snake repellent for your yard.
3. Method
The popular snake repellents are fragrance or odor-based. These treatments use a combination of natural essential oils and chemical components to overwhelm the snake's sense of smell. As a result, uncomfortable or confused snakes leave the treated area.
Ultrasonic sound is another snake repelling technique. Electric equipment plugs into domestic electrical sockets create noise that snakes can't abide by because it's outside their hearing range. Because of the discomfort, they gradually abandon the region. Again, these goods are best used indoors because of their limited range.
4. Ingredients
Educated buyers also like being aware of the ingredients used in their snake repellent. As a result, there is a massive demand for an all-natural snake repellent product with all-natural ingredients. Notably, just because a snake repellant uses an ingredient manufactured in a laboratory doesn't automatically make it dangerous. An ingredient like naphthalene is considered relatively safe for use around plants, pets and children.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
1. How Do I Reduce the Chances of a Snake Infestation?
Other than applying snake repellent, there are a few other things that you may take to reduce the risk of an infestation. Keep firewood stored away from the house, debris, and rock piles where snakes hide. Keep your lawn short and avoid overwatering it to prevent attracting snakes. Mulch attracts rodents and snakes. Rodents are an essential food source for snakes.
If you have a snake problem, make sure you don't have a rodent problem as well. First, seal all cracks surrounding your foundation, pathways, and concrete porches. Then, install a robust mesh fence with a height of at least two feet and bury it two to four inches into the soil's surface.
Birdhouses attract snakes and provide an excellent hiding place, so keep an eye out when approaching and avoid installing them if your yard is snake-infested. Ensure that all of the screens on your doors and windows are securely fastened. Cover drains and vents with galvanized screening.
2. Are Snake Repellents Harmful to People and Animals?
The excellent news about snake repellent is that it works because snakes are repulsed by odors that humans appreciate. Such odors include smoke, cinnamon, cloves, onions, garlic, and lime. Although most snake repellents do not have a strong odor, it is still vital to use caution when using them. Follow the instructions that come with each snake repellent to ensure that it's used correctly.
3. How are Snakes Entering my Home?
Snakes enter homes through holes in the foundation or spaces around doors. They also seek cracks in your siding and hiding areas in huge plants you might bring inside. Snakes may find their way into your basement, attic, or crawl spaces if you have a rodent problem.
4. Is the water in the yard attractive to snakes?
Yes, snakes will look for food in your yard's water features. But, unfortunately, water attracts the things that snake like to consume. Snakes frequently eat insects, amphibians, and other reptiles. Thus keeping them at bay is essential.
