Mothballs are commonly thought to repel snakes, but they are not intended to be used this way and have little effect on snakes.
Many people still use mothballs around their home to try to keep snakes away. However, studies have shown that mothballs are not effective for this purpose.
Research also shows that cinnamon oil, clove oil, and eugenol are effective snake repellents. Snakes will retreat when sprayed directly with these oils and will exit cargo or other confined spaces when these oils are introduced to the area.
Snakes are highly sensitive to odors, so those currently denning in the home can be “evicted” by applying products such as vinegar, lime mixed with hot pepper, garlic or onions, Epsom salt, or oils such as clove, cinnamon, cedarwood, or peppermint to the perimeter.
Vinegar: Snakes are often deterred by the smell of vinegar. You can create a vinegar solution and spray it around potential entry points. Garlic: The strong odor of garlic can also repel snakes. You can spread crushed garlic or garlic powder around your garden.
Garlic and onions not only work when planted in your yard, but they also work as a natural snake repellent product as they both contain sulfonic acid which is known to repel snakes. Chop up both garlic and onions and mix them with rock salt. Sprinkle the mixture around your yard to repel snakes.
Some plants may repel snakes, including mother-in-law's tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata), West Indian lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), and other plants with strong, citrusy smells. Plant these species around your yard to help ward off copperheads.
Can coffee grounds repel snakes? No - there is no evidence that snakes dislike or are repelled by the smell of coffee grounds. This is not an effective snake prevention method - despite the many anecdotal accounts on the internet.
The strong odor of vinegar may temporarily deter snakes, but it is unlikely to provide long-term or reliable protection against snake intrusion. Moreover, different species of snakes may have varying responses to vinegar, further complicating its effectiveness as a repellent.
Rodent droppings
And if you have rodents, snakes can come after them because they are one of the biggest food sources. "The smell of rodents like rats and other types of rodents can attract many types of snakes," says David.
While it may deter some snakes due to its strong smell, it is not guaranteed to work for all types. Additionally, Pine Sol can have negative impacts on the environment.
Snakes enter a building because they're lured in by dark, damp, cool areas or in search of small animals, like rats and mice, for food. Snakes can be discouraged from entering a home in several ways. Keeping the vegetation around the house cut short can make the home less attractive to small animals and snakes.
Here are 13 tips for keeping snakes away from your house:
Spray ammonia around the perimeter of your property and nearer your house. Sprinkle epsom salt around the foundation and other areas you think they may be hanging out.
As with all regulated pesticides, mothballs must be used in accordance with the instructions on the label. Using them in a manner inconsistent with the labeling is illegal,” said Ryan Okey, assistant director of DPR.
One mothball in open air takes 3-6 months to dissipate entirely. If you place the mothball underneath clothing or otherwise not in open air, it will take up to 12 months to completely dissipate. The mothball smell stays in your home for months or years after dissipating.
“Unfortunately, mothballs are used in these locations to control pests other than clothes moths, including squirrels, skunks, deer, mice, rats, dogs, cats, raccoons, moles, snakes, pigeons and a variety of other animals,” Stock said. “Any such use is illegal and can be harmful to human health.
Essential oils spray
Oils from cedar, cinnamon, and clove research have shown remarkable snake deterrent properties. So you can mix equal tablespoons of clove oil, cinnamon oil, and cedar oil (about a tablespoon each) to 2 cups of water.
One of the primary natural predators that snakes fear are birds of prey, such as eagles, hawks, and owls. With their keen eyesight, powerful talons, and aerial agility, these avian predators pose a significant threat to snakes.
Garlic Spray: Garlic is a strong snake repellent and can be used in both the home and the garden.
Clove & Cinnamon Oil
A mix of clove oil and cinnamon oil can produce a strong scent that repels snakes when sprayed near potential entry points or around the perimeter of a property.
Likely, snakes don't even notice poop much. While no one can say for sure what goes on in their minds, it's unlikely that anything that we would consider nasty acts as a deterrent for a creature who lives constantly on the ground, slithering over or around anything that crosses their path.
These can range from a light , 'cucumber' smell from a Copperhead to the musky scent of a rattlesnake nest. Most snake scents are not particularly pungent and can't usually be smelled from afar by a human.
Kingsnakes are not the only creatures that prey on copperheads. Various other animals, including birds of prey such as hawks and owls, also feed on these venomous snakes. Additionally, mammals like foxes, raccoons, and even domestic cats have been known to hunt and consume copperheads.