Prevent Snakes in Your Backyard
I have always loved going to the forest… places that is plentiful with nature. Even at a young age, I would go to Turkey Swamp to do meditations. I enjoy doing meditations, pujas and giving Dharma talks to my students in these natural environments. A few weeks back, I brought a few of my close students for a picnic in the forest. We had a good time, did pujas and also had a brief Dharma talk.
Being in the forest is great, but we should never forget that we are trespassing the habitat of other beings living in the forest. It can be quite dangerous especially if the animals feel threatened by our presence.
With much concern, Paris, my long time student, did some research on natural snake repellents that we can use whenever we go up to the forest. These snake repellents do not harm the snakes, but only deter them from coming to the area while we’re around! They are not guaranteed to work but from research, that is what others recommend.
I want to make sure that my students are always safe in the forest…
I have decided to make a blog post on these findings as I feel it will help many people. Below are just a few natural methods to repel snakes. Does anyone here know other snake repellents that originate from natural sources? Do leave a comment if you have any other information on natural snake repellents so that everyone can benefit from it.
Tsem Rinpoche
Before looking ways on how to repel snakes, lets look at the ways to prevent snakes from entering our backyard:
- Get rid of covered or hidden places to keep snakes away.
- Removing or reducing areas where snakes are found will force the snake to seek a different place to hide. Some of these areas include: Tall grasses, shrubs, wood or rock piles, and boards, logs or anything that will allow the snakes to crawl under.
- Eliminate access to other areas the snakes may find appealing such as under a table.
- Be sure your place is free from the sources of food a snake would depend on which are: Rats, mice, frogs, and lizards; which are the staple diet of a snake.
- Have a skilled person to remove them from your backyard. In Malaysia, this is usually done by the Fire Department.
Some popular methods that claim to repel snakes but are not effective:
- Roping off affected area with hemp rope.
- Spreading mothballs around the affected area. No effect.
- Flooding snake dens. They don’t drown, they just crawl away.
- Spreading gas or diesel around. Very not effective.
- Sulfur powder.
Some Plants that Can Be Planted Around Your Backyard to Repel Snakes Naturally
1. Wormwood (Artemisia)
Artemisia Vulgaris (mugwort or common wormwood) is one of several species in the genus Artemisia which have common names that include the word mugwort. This species is also occasionally known as Felon Herb, Chrysanthemum Weed, Wild Wormwood, Old uncle Henry, Sailor’s Tobacco, Naughty Man, Old Man or St. John’s Plant (not St John’s wort).
In some places, wormwood is considered as an invasive weed. It is a very common plant growing on nitrogenous soils such as waste places and roadsides. It is a tall herbaceous perennial plant with a woody root.
The down side of this plant is that it is an aggressive and invasive plant that takes over wherever it is planted which leads to another issue of management control.
Management control of wormwood can be done as the following:
- Manual removal – expensive and time consuming.
- Systemic herbicide glyphosphate – targets mugwort and not surrounding plants, may effect soil microbes and other life.
- Soil Pasturisation – using Solar to kill mugwort seeds and larger roots.
- Mulch
- Herbicides – toxic and pollutes the soil, can bring harm to people who come into contact with them.
2. Tulbaghia Violacea
Tulbaghia Violacea is a popular garden plant that is useful for difficult hot corners of the garden as it will tolerate prolonged drought. This attractive plan is ideal for the herb garden, as both the leaves and flowers can be used in salads and other dishes. The crushed leaves may be used to help cure sinus, headaches and to discourage moles from the garden. The smell repels fleas, ticks and mosquitoes when crushed on the skin.
The fresh bulbs can be boiled and the decoction can be taken orally to clear up coughs and colds. It has also been used as a remedy for pulmonary tuberculosis and to destroy intestinal worms.
It is also a very good snake repellent and for this reason the Zulus plant it around their homes.
3. West Indian Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon Citratus)
Snakes don’t like the citrus smell from the leaves. The leaves or the tips can turn brown in extreme heat in summer. It requires very little care.
4. Sarpgandha (Rauwolfia Serpentina)
Known by a variety of local names such as Sarpagandha, Indian Snake root and Insanity herb, this plant is known for its ability to repel away snakes.
Sarpgandha is found in many Asian countries, mainly India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, Bhutan, Nepal, Malaysia and Thailand.
5. Andrographis Paniculata
Andrographis Paniculata is a herbaceous plant commonly found in India and Sri Lanka. It is widely cultivated in south Asia for the treatment of some infectious disease. The leaves and roots was often used before antibiotics were created.
In Malaysia, it is known as ‘Hempedu Bumi’ literally means ‘bile of earth’ since it is one of the most bitter plant used in traditional medicine.
Other Common Repellents
1. Garlic Mixture
Garlic mixtures are effective as snake repellents. You can either get them commercially such as Snake Stopper or make your own.
Here are the ingredients to make your own garlic mixture:
- 10 garlic bulbs (purple ones are best as they are very potent)
- Four table spoons of garlic oil or any other vegetable oil.
- Some water.
Preparation:
- Take a blender and add some water.
- Separate the garlic into cloves and add them to the blender.
- Start blending it until a smooth nice paste is formed, then add the oil.
- Leave the mixture in a plastic container for an hour with the lid on.
- Now it’s ready, and place a few drops in any area you don’t want snakes to be seen. Repeat the process after it rains.
- The effectiveness of the mixture usually lasts for three weeks, then you will need to make a new batch.
2. Cinnamon Oil & Clove Oil Mixture
Research has shown that cinnamon oil, clove oil and eugenol are effective to be used as snake repellents. Snakes will retreat when sprayed directly with these oils and even vacate the area in confined spaces when these oils are introduced in these areas. However, application to hard surfaces will not prevent prevent the snakes from entering the area.
3. Non-Natural Snake Repellents that are Safe: Liquid Fence
Liquid Fence is a commercial product that is safe to be used as it do not contain naphthalene, a harmful chemical that can be hazardous to the health of both humans and animals. The ingredients in Liquid Fence irritate and confuses the snake’s ability to gather information, forcing the snake to retreat from that area to another.
It is very simple to use, it is effective just by spraying the repellent around areas where snakes are present or likely to be present. Liquid Fence have been proven to be safe, effective, easy to use, and long lasting.
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Thank you for the excellent post. I will be planting as many of these plants as I can around the perimeter of my new home/yard. I will also try the Liquid Fence. I am moving into rattlesnake country and am concerned about my dog. Your list is the best I’ve read. Most grateful.
Thank you for the wonderful all natural manner to prevent snakes from entering our backyard. A knowledgeable article sharing on plants to grow to keep away snakes and useful information to have our home remedies to prevent without killing them.
We as human dont owns the earth but share it together with other living things. Snake live in the forest, it is their home, they should not feel threatened in home.
To share space in harmony, the nature always has its solutions for us. We use natural methods to keep boundaries from each other, so we are safe and enjoy the environment together.
Always remember to be kind to all kinds, because we want to be treated in a same manner.
Didn’t know that lemongrass plant can act as a snake repellent plant. I have one at home and it’s great to have this to repel mosquitoes ( help to lessen it) and on top of that can be used for cooking. Here in Penang, we use it quite often for most of the dishes such as acar, Ulam, sweet and sour fish and etc.
Thanks for sharing this Rinpoche.
I thank you for this information l would like to recommend that any invasive plant simply be put in a pot. Thank you again.
Will plants that are planted along shoreline of lake work. If not any suggestions to repel snakes from shoreline in swim area.
Hello Beth, nice to see you here, and I hope the article gave you some interesting information. To prevent snakes along the shoreline of a lake, there are slightly different suggestions. If the shoreline is not is use, by that I mean no one uses the area, then plants above will be useful.
However, it is more advisable to keep the shoreline completely clear of any plants or grass, as snakes use these as areas for cover. If you have the space, you should leave perhaps 15-20 feet of completely clear land at the shoreline. If there is grass, then it should be cut extremely short, other plants should all be cleared away.
This is because snakes like places to hide, therefore if you keep this area clear for long enough, snakes will learn not to come to the area as they would be exposed. Similarly, any objects that you would normally keep near the shoreline, like boats, hoses, swimming equipment, etc., should also be cleared away from the shoreline, either kept in a different location or at the least kept off the ground. This will prevent snakes from using these places as hiding places. I hope this helps.
Thanks
Very useful tips for us to know and learn to prevent snakes in our backyard.I did not other mean to prevent till i read this benefitual article. i only know of sulphur powder putting at corners of backyard to repel snakes ,this knowledge been passed from my parents. Now i know there are other ways to prevent it. Andrographis paniculata,cinnamon oil and clove oil mixture and lemon Grass are some of those wonderful plants and ingredients that helps to prevent snakes in our garden instead of harming them.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing.
Thank you, Rinpoche for the interesting article. We get to learn more about preventing snakes the natural way. It ‘s nice to know that we can rely on plants to repel snakes, and some of these plants are suitable to be planted in Malaysia. Garlic paste sounds not trying to make and a natural way to repel snakes. I wonder if it works to keep lizards away too?
This is a very useful and beneficial article to prevent snakes at the backyard. Thank you very much Rinpoche and blog team for this these great home remedies.:) _/\_
Dear Rinpoche,
When people come across snake, the first idea get into their mind is “killed” the snakes. Because snake is poisonous. After reading this article, it give an idea to me that actually nature has it ways to help us to prevent snake. We do not always need to think that killing is the way to stop the snakes.
Thank you for Rinpoche’s compassion that always lead us to have better ways to do prevention, better than killed the snake, which by killing the snakes, we also created bad karma.
Thank you for sharing this articles.
With Folded Hand,
Freon
Luckily I have wormwood in the garden it grows really easy just throw it in a it will grow
Dear Lily,
Welcome to Tsemrinpoche.com. Glad to know you have wormwood in the garden and that they grow easily over there. Natural herbs and plants have so many benefits and usages that we continue to discover or ‘re-discover’.
There are other similar topics that you may be interested in:
– 5 Ways To Keep Lyme Disease Out Of Your Yard
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/etc/5-ways-to-keep-lyme-disease-out-of-your-yard.html
– How to Prevent Mice and Rats in Your House
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/current-affairs/how-to-prevent-mice-and-rats-in-your-house.html
ETC category:
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/category/etc
Current Affairs & News category:
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/category/current-affairs
A couple of years ago my dad killed a huge venomous rattle snake that was at the front door of my room. My door to my room is made of glass and has a Namgyalma Mantra sticker on it. I got the Namgyalma sticker from Lama Zopas FPMT store. We get a lot of rattle snakes where I’m from and this was on of the biggest that I have seen so far. I’m so sorry and I hope the snake takes a better rebirth. Om Mani Padme Hum
Wait … I have just one more question…
Maybe it’s because i overdo things to much
But I’m wondering….if the garlic works , and the cinnamon and clove oils work….
Could one maybe mix them ALL together and maybe achieve an extra strength type of snake repellant perhaps ???
Hi Ele Woods, these are home remedies, there is no guarantee that it will work perfectly, but by all means go ahead and try adding those garlic and other oils together as you suggested and try because they are natural stuff and not chemicals. I am curious to hear your results, please do share here after you have tried.
We do not sell those plants here on this blogsite. You can try ebay in USA because buying within USA has no import restrictions for plants.
Thanks for dropping by this blogsite, I find it filled with tonnes of great information and various topics, do come back from time to time for more great past articles, as well as more interesting new articles to come.
SP
I’m curious
I live in southern California’s Mojave desert , ( USA ) and it reaches an easy 120 ° here in the summer….we’re right around the corner from Death Valley , if you’ve heard of it…
We have regular diamond back rattlers as well as the Mojave Green and plus there’s now a green tinted diamond back that’s been seen in the area….cross breading….great !
I would like to buy a some of those plants mentioned above , to plant here , and i was wondering where i could find them to purchase? And what would the prices be ?
I’ll take 2 of each , at least !!
Hi Ele Woods,
We do not sell those plants here on this blogsite. You can try ebay in USA because buying within USA has no import restrictions for plants.
Thanks for dropping by this blogsite, I find it filled with tonnes of great information and various topics, do come back from time to time for more great past articles, as well as more interesting new articles to come.
SP
Informative and definitely worth a try for those of us living in the jungle.
Dalai Lama teachs you to stole ideas?
http://www.hibiscuscoastseconds.co.za/natural-ways-repel-snakes/
Hi Jose,
Please scroll down, I believe this comment / topic has already been addressed by Pastor Adeline.
Thank you,
Pastor Jean Ai
Thank you Rinpoche for the post. I saw a rat hiding in my garden and yesterday I started cleaning up my garden, some plants just grew too thick..
How to control Snake
Touch me not plant’s root to control snake. Please plant some touch me not plant in your backyard. The moment you come across snake, uproot some and hold the root into your hand. Place your hand holding root of touch me not plant before forehead of snake.
Surprisingly snake bows down before your hand due to power of same root. It stops on the same spot and ceases its motion but the moment you remove, it resumes its natural motion. But be careful as this may not work everywhere. I tried the same after acquiring information from our director, who is also one of religious practitioner.
thank you very much i have planted some tobacco plant round my huse
Please help me to get rid of Spiders and Snakes. Thank you so much.
I’m not sure if the info you posted above is your friend’s original work or not, but this site out of South Africa has the exact same page with exact wording. They essentially lifted the text from here and re-posted. Hopefully they had your permission.
http://www.hibiscuscoastseconds.co.za/natural-ways-repel-snakes/
Research like this is very time consuming before a summary can be presented comprehensively and easy to understand. The content is very useful especially for people today who have little to no contact with wild life.
Hi Thomas,
The post in the link was dated 26TH NOVEMBER 2013 while this post was originally posted in 2012 inferring based on the earliest comment by Victor Phang at the bottom dated 2 April 2012.
Thank you for your concern,
Pastor Adeline
[…] https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/etc/how-to-prevent-snakes-in-your-backyard.html […]
I find the advise very useful…but what I appreciate about this article is that it does not push any product but gives simple & possibly effective homemade recipes to tackle the very same problem.
Nice post, have here about this snake repellent, Gallic; but i don’t believe it work, but now have believe.
Can the snake repelling plants (or seeds) be purchased and sent to me in the United states (Milwaukee,Wisconsin). Would be interested in the distribution of these plants in the U.S. Thanks Ken
Very useful post, thank you very much Rinpoche.
This will help keep everyone at home safe from snakes and it will also keep the snakes safe too!
Acording to Santideva’s “Siksa Samuccaya(A Compendium of Buddhist Doctrine) Translated by Cecil Bendal an WHD Rouse There is a chant to keep snakes at bay. The excerpt will follow:
“And a charm against poison, namely: ‘Ilimitte tilimite ilitilimitte, dumbe, dushe, duhsaliye dumbaliye, takke tarkarane, marmme marmarane, kasmira kasmiramukte adhane adhanadhane, ilimiliye, akhapye akhapye, sveta svetatunde anaurakshe, hail!’
He that hears this spell once is proof against snake-bite for seven year, and no poison will enter his body. If any snake bites him its head will burst into seven pieces like a splay of flowers.*arjaha ocimum grarissimum.
He that knows this spell is free for life from snake-bite, and no poison will enter his body. These magical charms which make the snake die must not be recited in the presence of the snake.
To wit:*(translators note) “Illa cilla, cakko … (ask HE Tsem Tulku Rinpoche, for the rest… )
So brethren, when the snake charmer recites this spell against poison in all the assemblies of all creatures all is real exact very truth, unassailable, incontrovertible : let this poison be no poison ; let it go back to the giver, let it go back to the biter, let fire and water mound or pillar or wall, let it pass in peace! Hail .(pgs 138-9)
My observation about reptiles and this chant, comes to me because the day I first recited this in my gompa upstairs away from my yard, I found dead lizard in and around my house.
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished
to say that I’ve truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
I WOULD LIKE TO KEEP AWAY FROM MY HOUSE ALL KINDS OF SNAKES BECAUSE THEY SCARE MY FAMILY. PLEASE ASSIST ME GET PLANT REPELLENTS
Thank you, Paris for your research. Snakes are not something that most people want around their homes. Finding them when trying to garden or do some work in the yard can be frightening to many people.
I was told that cat litter or very small pebbles annoy snakes as
these can get lodged under their scales and make the snake very uncomfortable. Another thing that snakes do not like is spicy smells. I think it’s because they “inhale” it through their skin. We can take spicy sauces or peppers and mix with a bit of water and spray around the area or we can spray ammonia mixed with lemon dishwasher detergent. I am not sure whether it works as I have not tried them as there are no snakes where I live.
Thank you, Rinpoche, for sharing this information.
Not too long, my brother called to tell me that two very large snakes were seen around our house. His children were panicking and his wife called the Fire Brigade. By the time they arrived, the snakes were nowhere to be found. I guess they must have just slithered away after an evening stroll?
P/S : We have Lemon Grass in the backyard but that did not deter the snakes. Maybe we should plant more?
Thank you to Paris for your helpful research! I am surprised to read that sulphur doesn’t actually help repel snakes! In the haven, we had been using sulphur for ages to repel snakes from the surrounding area. Good job with the research so that we would not have been under the illusion that we were protected!
I also like the fact that majority of the snake repelling plants have their own medicinal or edible uses. We can plant loads of these in KFR and we sure will need them. Having retreats and activities in the forest is great, but we must ensure the safety of all who work or visit it.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this. It’s very important to know how to prevent snakes especially for those who has a tropical garden in your house compound or near their house. When I stayed i Ampang many years ago. My house was facing a jungle. Many times, snakes and iguanas came to visit us. We do not kill them but just chase them away with stick. I think they must be hungry and looking for food.
Among all the plants I think I will use Tulbahia Violacea to prevent snakes because the plant itself can be used as medicine to treat coughs and colds, easy to take care and the flowers has a very pleasant look too.
Thank you Rinpoche for posting information that many of us can use if we live or happen to go to places near where snakes resides. This advice may just save some one , don’t underestimate!
Thank you Rinpoche for this post. My housing area has been infested with snakes due to uncared bushes and tall grass from playground.
I had shared these info with my neighbours and they going to plant lemon grass plant in the house compound. There were few cases that morning joggers saw snakes in the ground.
Last month a neighbour across my had a 4 meter long black color snake visit their living hall. We had hire people to clear off the tall grass on the ground. We had check with the fire fighter, and they said to only catch these snake when we know where the nest are.
Snakes’prey are generally swallowed whole, and consist of everything, from earthworms to rabbits, though eggs are said to be the favourite. Snakes are said to be especially important in control of rodents, and can be a farmer’s best friend. It seems snakes occupy mainly underground and aquatic environments. Generally, snakes are shy and retiring. It is said that much of their behaviour is a function of survival within the limits and oppurnities. Snakes are normally ectothermic or cold bloodedness, i.e. snakes are unable to regulate the temperature of their body internally. However, snakes can absorb heat from the ground, from surrounding air and objects next to them, and can cool themselves byseeking shade, lying in shallow pools of water,or crawling down a rock-crevice out of the sun. It is advised that the best defence against venomous snakes is avoidance. Being careful, alert and knowledgeable is the best way to avoid getting bitten.
Years ago, I was at The Datai, Langkawi. Stayed in one of the villas in tropical jungle overlooking Andaman Sea. I was assured by the hotel staffs that it is safe to keep doors and windows open as there will be no snakes nor mosquitoes. Outside of the villa was heavily surrounded by West Indian Lemon Grass. It must have worked as I left the place in the same condition as when I checked in! Hahaha!
Thank you Paris the information is very useful.
Old folks say any repellents can try but the most effective one is still the sulfur powder.
I read in the paper recently that when there were floods in Klang town recently, a few people reported that they came downstairs and to their shock and horror, their floor was teeming with cockroaches and another person had rats running riot! I laughed out loud at the thought as it reminded me of a movie. Oops, not too loud lest I create the karma to have that misfortune happen to me too. Anyway, when their dens are flooded they migrate and sometimes encroach into another’s territory. Just like ghosts and spirits, we want to survive, we all co-exist, we don’t really like each other and we elbow each other for space. Isn’t it the “I” talking again?
Thank you for the research Paris. I will personally pick Liquid Fence as it is safe and not harmful. Also depending on which country I am in. Am trying my best to like nature now for the future as I am really terrified of creepy crawly…
Peacocks are a good repellant. They won’t go near their natural enemy especially if you live on a farm and they eat your eggs. The lemon grass also makes a good tea. I would go for the lemon grass that way you can enjoy a good cup of lemon tea in your snake-free garden.
Hmmm, I wonder if the Naga Queen could keep them away if we made a shrine in our backyard and made offerings to her.
This is a very useful information.
Thanks Paris for the hardwork and thanks Rinpoche for the sharing 🙂
thank you for the information i have garlic at home that i will make use of.