Did you know snakes have an extremely sensitive sense of smell? Certain scents can repel them instantly. Let’s break down 7 smells snakes hate and how to use them to keep these slithery visitors away from your home 🐍

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Citrus, lemongrass, and citronella
Citrus and other plants such as lemongrass and citronella are some of the most popular organic pesticides out there. These are the plants with strong fragrances that we usually love, yet bugs, and according to some snakes too, don’t.

Lemongrass stands out since it works against insects. The fewer insects you have, the fewer foods snakes will come for in your garden. In terms of citrus, you can use either dried or diluted fruit oils on patios. However, since they degrade very quickly, they need to be frequently reapplied, especially right after rainy days.

Cedar oil and cedar mulch
Cedar is yet another major player. Cedar has its natural oils, which produce the distinct “closet” odor, said to be particularly unpleasant for reptiles. Adding cedar mulch to your landscaping will also prove helpful since it helps maintain a dry environment that won’t attract insects.

This choice seems attractive, practical, and decorative; however, it is not an ultimate solution. One more aspect to consider is that it may drive away beneficial insects as well.

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Peppermint oil
Because of that intense menthol kick, peppermint oil is a frequent flyer on these lists. The thought is that the smell is just too overwhelming for a snake’s sensitive Jacobson’s organ to handle.

On the other hand, you need to be very careful when using peppermint oil if there are any animals around your home. It is highly toxic to cats and can also make dogs sick if they inhale it or come into contact with it.

The reality check