30 Effective Natural Snake-Deterrent Plants for Your Garden

Editor: Aniket Pandey on Aug 20,2025

Everything feels great when you walk in a garden with beautiful flowers complemented by the fresh air. But all of a sudden you see something moving in the grass which is enough to cause fear in most people’s mind. Snakes often find their way into gardens in search for food or shelter. Even though, they are part of nature, but no one wants them to be near their home.

That is the exact reason people have plants that repel snakes in their gardens.

This is a natural method for people to stop snakes from entering their garden. Most people use it instead of chemicals, to make sure that the nature is not damaged.

In this blog, you will learn about these plants that repel snakes and find out the best options for yourself.

Why Natural Snake Repellent Plants Matter

Snakes usually enter gardens because they are looking for food like rodents or frogs. Sometimes, they just want a cool place to hide. By planting the right plants, a person can make their space less welcoming to them.

Natural snake repellent plants protect your home perfectly, without even harming the soil, pets, or children. They send signals in the form of smell, texture, or even natural chemicals that snakes do not like.

The biggest benefit of these plants is that they are a permanent solution for issues. Unlike the chemicals and powders that most people use, which offer a temporary solution like a stop-gap.

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Best Snake Deterrent Plants for Everyday Gardens

The best snake deterrent plants are not rare or difficult to find. Many are common in households and farms. Some are flowers, others are herbs, and a few are tall shrubs.

These plants fall into two groups. The first group produces strong smells that snakes avoid. The second group grows sharp or spiky leaves that make movement uncomfortable. By combining both types, a garden can create a strong defense.

Garlic to Repel Snakes

For centuries, people have used garlic to repel snakes. Its strong smell comes from sulfur compounds that snakes dislike. Planting garlic along garden edges works like a natural fence.

Some people also crush garlic cloves and spread them near pathways or corners where snakes might enter. This simple method makes garlic one of the oldest and most trusted choices for keeping snakes away.

Marigolds Repel Snakes

Bright and cheerful, marigolds seem harmless. But many do not know that marigolds repel snakes. Their roots release a smell that snakes find disturbing. When planted in groups, marigolds form a colorful yet effective border.

They grow quickly, bloom for months, and do not need much care. For anyone who wants safety with a touch of color, marigolds are an easy choice.

Spiky Snake Plants to Deter Snakes

The tall and stiff leaves of the snake plant make it more than just a house favorite. Gardeners often use spiky snake plants to deter snakes. Their sharp edges are uncomfortable for snakes to pass through.

When planted in rows, these plants act like a wall. They are strong, low-maintenance, and grow well in many conditions. This makes them useful both indoors and outdoors.

30 Natural Snake-Deterrent Plants

spearmint leaves

The below list consists the 30 best snake deterrent plants which you can choose from to safeguard your garden.

1. Garlic

2. Onion

3. Marigolds

4. Lemongrass

5. Snake Plant

6. Cactus varieties

7. Clove plants

8. Rosemary

9. Mint

10. Basil

11. Rue

12. Tulbaghia (Wild Garlic)

13. Wormwood

14. Mugwort

15. Geraniums

16. Lavender

17. Lemon trees

18. Kaffir lime

19. Osage orange tree

20. Chrysanthemums

21. Peppermint

22. Spearmint

23. Thyme

24. Eucalyptus

25. Cedar shrubs

26. Pandanus (Screw Pine)

27. Citronella grass

28. Curry leaf plant

29. Bay leaf plant

30. Datura

The secret behind the effectiveness of these plants varies from one another because different factors. For example, some of these plants have a smell that snakes don’t like, some have sharp leaves, while some offer both.

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How to Use These Plants

Planting alone is not enough. The way these plants are arranged matters. To keep snakes away, they can be placed:

  • Along fences and walls to stop entry.
  • Near doors and sitting areas to guard living spaces.
  • Around pathways where people walk.
  • In corners where snakes might hide.

Combining different plants makes the defense stronger. For example, garlic, marigolds, and spiky snake plants together cover both smell and structure.

Why Plants Work Better Than Chemicals

Many people still use chemical sprays or powders. But chemicals do not last long and may harm children or pets. They can also damage soil and nearby plants.

In comparison, natural snake repellent plants are safe. They are part of nature, grow stronger over time, and often repel more than just snakes. Many of them keep away insects like mosquitoes or ants. They also attract bees and butterflies, which help gardens grow.

This makes them a healthy and lasting choice for any household.

Everyday Benefits Beyond Snake Protection

Having these plants in your garden will not only help you to prevent snakes from entering your garden. They can also help you with other benefits, which are listed below:

  • Garlic, mint, basil, and thyme can also be used in cooking.
  • Lavender and rosemary spread calming smells in the air.
  • Marigolds and chrysanthemums add bright colors.
  • Trees like lemon and lime will provide you the opportunity to consume fresh fruit.

This means homeowners are not just planting protection, but they are also improving their garden for daily life.

Final Thoughts

Keeping snakes away does not need to be difficult. By choosing plants that repel snakes, gardens can stay safe without chemicals or harmful methods.

The choices are many. People can use garlic to repel snakes, enjoy the way marigolds repel snakes, or line fences with spiky snake plants to deter snakes. With thirty different options, every garden can be protected in a natural way.

The real beauty lies in balance. These plants offer safety, but they also give color, fragrance, and useful leaves. They make outdoor spaces both safe and pleasant to spend time in.

By planting wisely, anyone can turn their backyard into a space that feels peaceful, welcoming, and free from unwanted snakes.


This content was created by AI