No one wants to encounter a snake in their home, yet many people unknowingly plant certain species that create ideal conditions for snakes to thrive. Snakes are among the most dangerous creatures that can invade a household, and while there are many ways to deter them, some common plants can inadvertently attract them.
In this article, we’ll explore 5 plants that are known to attract snakes into your home and why they’re so appealing to these dangerous creatures. We’ll also provide solutions for removing them and alternative plant options that can help keep snakes at bay.
1. Sweet Woodruff, Queen’s Flower, Jasmine, and Patchouli
At first glance, the sweet scent of these plants may seem harmless, but they can actually draw in snakes. The fragrance from sweet woodruff, queen’s flower, jasmine, and patchouli doesn’t directly attract snakes due to its aroma. Instead, these plants lure small prey, such as insects, mice, and frogs, which are highly attractive to snakes looking for food.
Why Snakes Are Drawn:
While snakes are not attracted to the scent itself, they are drawn to the abundance of food sources in these plants. As small animals come close to these plants, snakes lie in wait, ready to make a meal out of them.
What You Can Do:
If you want to grow these plants, be sure to regularly trim them so they don’t become dense and overgrown near the ground. This reduces the likelihood of snakes finding a hiding spot among the branches and leaves.
2. Purple Snake Gourd
The purple snake gourd is often grown for its medicinal properties, such as treating stomach ailments, toothaches, and bloating. However, it is also an attractive plant for snakes.
Why Snakes Are Drawn:
The sweet, natural taste of the gourd makes it a favorite food for mice and other small creatures. Snakes, being predators, are naturally attracted to areas where they can find these small animals.
What You Can Do:
While purple snake gourd has valuable health benefits, it’s advisable to plant it away from your home if you’re concerned about attracting snakes. Consider growing it in a controlled environment or an area further away from your main living space.
3. White Spider Flower
The white spider flower is an elegant plant with small, delicate blooms. While it adds beauty to gardens, it also has a strong scent that attracts snakes.
Why Snakes Are Drawn:
The scent of the white spider flower is particularly attractive to snakes. The flower blooms year-round, peaking in May and June, and its fragrance can travel a long distance, making it easier for snakes to locate. Snakes are often drawn to the areas where these flowers bloom.
What You Can Do:
If you have white spider flowers growing near your home, it’s a good idea to remove them to prevent attracting snakes. Their strong aroma and year-round blooming make them a particularly enticing target.
4. True White Spider Flower
This plant, also known as “white snake tongue,” thrives in humid environments and produces stunning white flowers. However, it’s best to avoid planting it near your home.
Why Snakes Are Drawn:
The presence of true white spider flowers is often associated with the presence of snakes. Their ability to thrive in moist, shaded areas makes them a perfect breeding ground for these reptiles.
What You Can Do:
To keep snakes away, refrain from planting this flower in your garden or around your home. Instead, opt for plants that are less attractive to snakes and safer for your home.
5. Pineapple (Fragrant Type)
Pineapple plants are beloved for their sweet, fragrant fruits, but they also attract snakes.
Why Snakes Are Drawn:
The aroma of the pineapple plant is highly appealing to snakes. They are often attracted to the fruit’s sweetness and the animals that gather around it.
What You Can Do:
For safety’s sake, it’s best to plant pineapple plants away from your house, particularly outside the main yard. Keeping it distant from entryways will help reduce the likelihood of attracting snakes.
Additional Plants to Avoid
Plants that grow into large trellises and create cool, shaded areas—such as paper flowers or peonies—can also attract green tree snakes. These types of plants can create environments that snakes find ideal for hiding and nesting.
If you have any of these plants growing around your home, it’s advisable to consider removing them to prevent potential snake encounters.
How to Deter and Prevent Snakes from Entering Your Home
While certain plants can attract snakes, there are also steps you can take to deter them from your home. Let’s look at some ways to naturally prevent snakes from coming near your property.
1. Plant Snake-Repelling Ornamental Plants
Some plants, like purple garlic orchid and climbing cassava, have strong, pungent scents that snakes dislike. The tiger’s tongue plant, in particular, is very effective at repelling snakes. Not only will these plants help keep snakes at bay, but they will also add beauty to your garden.
2. Lemongrass
Lemongrass is another natural snake repellent. Its strong citrus scent is unpleasant to snakes. You can plant several clumps of lemongrass around your property or use lemongrass essential oil to create a barrier near doorways and windows.
For a more concentrated effect, place a few drops of lemongrass essential oil on cotton balls or cloths and place them in strategic locations around your home.
3. Strongly Scented Spices
Certain kitchen ingredients can act as natural snake deterrents. Garlic, onions, and shallots—with their pungent odors—can help keep snakes away. You can create a mixture of green onion, shallots, garlic, and shredded tobacco, and place it in small bags around the house. This will help keep snakes at bay, especially red-tailed green tree snakes.
4. Keeping Pets (Dogs and Cats)
While dogs and cats aren’t specifically trained to repel snakes, their presence can make snakes feel unsafe. The scent or sound of a barking dog or meowing cat can cause snakes to avoid your property.
5. Maintaining a Clean and Tidy Home
Keeping your home clean and free of clutter is an excellent way to prevent snakes from entering. Snakes are attracted to dark, hidden spots where they can hide. Regularly clean corners, under furniture, and other concealed areas where snakes may find refuge.
Additionally, make sure to seal any cracks or gaps in the walls, windows, or doors to prevent snakes from slithering inside.
6. Emergency Measures
If you do find a snake in your home, one emergency option is to sprinkle fluorescent powder (yellow phosphorus powder) around it. However, this method is not widely recommended as it can pose health risks. Only use it in emergencies when no other options are available.
Conclusion: Prevent Snakes and Keep Your Home Safe
By understanding which plants attract snakes and taking proactive steps to remove or replace them, you can protect your home from these dangerous creatures. In addition, planting snake-repelling plants, keeping your home tidy, and ensuring pets are around can help create an environment that snakes are likely to avoid.
Stay vigilant, and if you notice any signs of snakes around your property, take immediate action to ensure the safety of your home.
For More Information on Health Topics:
