Rocks, of any kind, will attract snakes. If it is hot, they will use the shade to keep cool, and if it cold, they will use the stored heat from the sun to get warm. The largest diamondback rattler I ever saw in the wild, was on a diorite rock outcrop.
Avoid using mulch and large rocks in your landscape, as they attract snakes and their prey and can create breeding and overwintering habitat. Instead, use smaller, tight-fitting rock such as gravel or river rock. Also avoid landscaping with water gardens and Koi ponds.
Cool, Dark Places: Snakes are cold-blooded so they seek out cool, shaded areas to regulate their body temperature. Piles of wood, debris, or dense shrubbery provide ideal hiding spots. Water Sources: Snakes need water to survive, so properties with ponds, birdbaths, or other water features can attract them.
Snakes hate the scents of cinnamon oil, clove oil, and ammonia.
Whether you choose large boulders, medium-sized river rocks, or white pebble rock, landscaping stones on your property could also be giving these slithering creatures a comfy hiding place. This can be a potential liability for businesses and a risk for homeowners as well, especially if they have children or pets.
Snakes need water to survive. Some species even thrive in wet environments. Common water sources include rain puddles, water features, birdbaths, pools, and ponds/lakes. Birdbaths not only provide a source of water but they also attract birds, another common food source for snakes.
"Snakes follow the scent of their prey, and since most snakes are ambush predators, they settle in areas that have the scent left behind by their prey," David explains. For example, snakes feed on bird eggs, so "the scent of birds, their droppings or their nests could potentially attract these species."
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.
Research also shows that cinnamon oil, clove oil, and eugenol are effective snake repellents.
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.
But they're not the only ones looking to enjoy the sunshine. Snakes typically emerge from brumation — a low-energy state that they enter during winter in order to survive colder temperatures — in March or April and remain active through October, largely because they rely on external heat for warmth.
Snakes have a few natural predators that can help keep them away. Common snake predators include cats, raccoons, pigs, turkeys, guinea hens, and foxes. Keeping any of these animals around your home will help deter snakes from coming near.
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.
To keep snakes from coming back, follow these prevention tips: Replace grass or mulch with gravel. Snakes can't move or hide easily on gravel and other hard surfaces. Remove bird feeders, birdbaths, and other sources of food and water.
Generally, snakes are most active during the twilight hours, which are the periods just before sunrise and after sunset. During these times, the temperature is often more favorable for snakes, allowing them to efficiently conserve energy and maximize their hunting opportunities.
They are most commonly seen in forested areas, particularly mixed hardwoods, but tend to shy away from open areas. Areas with rocks or rock piles are favored as well, and copperheads may occasionally be found in lowland riverine or swamp areas.
Epsom Salt: Sprinkling Epsom salt around your home or garden will create a strong odor snakes won't want to come close to. Oils: Certain essential oils, such as peppermint and cinnamon oil, can help keep snakes away from your property. Cedarwood has a strong smell that snakes don't like.
Mothballs are commonly thought to repel snakes, but they are not intended to be used this way and have little effect on snakes.
How long will a snake stay in your house? As long as a snake can find food, water and shelter, it can stay in your house for months.
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.
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.
“They usually don't smell like anything unless you pick one up and smell it a lot, you might smell a musky, really nasty smell.” People might see snake skin sheddings around the house if a snake has been there for a while. It is common to see snakes in a home if there is a mice problem.
Avoid wandering around in the dark. If you are out at night, always use a flashlight, because most snakes are active on warm nights. Never try to pick up a snake, even if it is dead. A snake's reflexes can still cause the snake to strike up to an hour after it has died.