There’s a certain plant — maybe you’ve planted it. Maybe your neighbor swears by it. Maybe you saw it listed on a Facebook post with three fire emojis and a caption that said, “Snakes hate this!”
I wanted to believe it too. The idea that something simple and green could ward off something slithery and scaly? That’s powerful stuff. Especially when you’ve got garden beds near brush, rocks, or anywhere a reptile might decide to sunbathe.
So people plant it. They swear it works. They tell their friends. The myth spreads like mint in a raised bed. And meanwhile, snakes? They couldn’t care less.
Let’s talk about the plant that’s been getting way too much credit — and what actually works when it comes to keeping snakes out of your garden.
🐍 The Plant? Lemongrass. Or Sometimes Marigolds. Or Maybe Garlic.
Ask around and you’ll hear it’s lemongrass. Or it’s marigolds. Or it’s garlic. Or possibly onions. The truth is, the internet can’t quite decide which plant it is — but it definitely promises they all “repel snakes.”
Lemongrass gets most of the hype. People say the strong citrus smell confuses snakes or drives them away. Some articles even claim snakes “hate the scent” and will slither in the opposite direction like they’ve smelled danger. The problem?
There’s zero science to back it up. Snakes don’t rely on scent the way insects or mammals do. They flick their tongues to collect particles and read them through a specialized organ — it’s not the same as smelling something and hating it. And guess what? No reputable herpetologist has ever confirmed that lemongrass does a thing.
Same goes for marigolds. Yes, they smell strong. Yes, they repel some insects. But snakes? They’ll gladly nap right next to a marigold if the spot’s warm enough.
The whole idea feels comforting. Plant something pretty, and no snake will dare show its face. But unfortunately, the snakes didn’t get the memo.
✅ What Actually Helps (Safely)
There’s no magic plant that drives snakes away. But there are safe, proven ways to make your garden less appealing to them. No chemicals. No traps. Just some smart cleanup and a few simple shifts in layout.
🧹 Safe, Non-Chemical Ways to Keep Snakes Out
- Keep the grass short: Snakes hate open spaces. A tidy lawn makes them feel exposed, not welcome.
- Clear brush and leaf piles: These are prime hiding spots. Don’t let debris build up near beds or sheds.
- Seal gaps in garden beds or foundations: If there’s a cozy hole, a snake might move in. Block off access to dens.
- Avoid stacking wood next to your garden: Woodpiles attract rodents, and rodents attract snakes.
- Use fine mesh fencing, if needed: For real snake-prone areas, a small-gauge wire barrier sunk a few inches into the soil can help.
Snakes aren’t out to get you — most are harmless, and many actually help by keeping rodent populations down. But it’s completely valid to want your garden to be a no-snake zone. And the good news is, you don’t need potions or gimmicks to make that happen. Just a bit of tidying up and a little strategy.
🔎 How to Tell If a Snake’s Been in Your Garden
Most snakes won’t announce themselves with a hiss and a dramatic entrance. In fact, they’d rather not be seen at all. But if you want to know whether a snake’s been slithering around your garden, there are a few subtle signs to watch for — and no, you don’t need to start setting up motion cameras.
- Shed skins: A papery, hollow snake skin — usually near rock walls, under decks, or in shaded garden corners — is a sure sign one’s been nearby.
- Winding tracks in loose soil: Especially in dusty or mulched areas, look for subtle S-shaped trails.
- Sudden rodent disappearance: If you’ve had mice or voles and they suddenly vanish, it might mean something higher up the food chain has moved in.
- Droppings: Snake droppings look like bird droppings but usually contain bits of fur or bone — not common, but possible to spot.
If you do see signs, don’t panic. Most garden snakes are harmless and keep things in balance. But if you’re concerned or unsure what you’re dealing with, always check with a local wildlife expert — not your neighbor’s Facebook post.
🐍 No Spells, Just Common Sense
I wanted to believe in the lemongrass trick too. A little plant that quietly kept all the snakes away? Yes please. But gardening rarely works like that. It’s not about charms or shortcuts — it’s about knowing your space and setting it up in a way that makes sense.
You don’t need to panic. You don’t need to reach for chemicals. Just clean up, pay attention to what invites animals in, and skip the snake-repelling hype. If your garden’s a little too welcoming right now, you’ve got all the tools you need to gently uninvite a guest or two.
🌿 Key Takeaways
- 🐍 Lemongrass, marigolds, and garlic are often said to repel snakes — but there’s no solid science behind that claim.
- 🧹 Keeping your garden tidy is far more effective than planting any “repellent” plant.
- 🪵 Remove brush, stacked wood, and other cozy hiding spots to discourage snakes.
- 🚫 Avoid encouraging rodents — they attract snakes looking for food.
- 🔍 You can spot signs of snake activity by looking for shed skins, winding tracks, or sudden rodent drop-offs.
- 📞 If in doubt, contact a local wildlife expert — not the internet rumor mill.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.