If you’ve ever spotted a snake slithering through your yard, garden, or patio, you know how unsettling it can be — even if you know most snakes are harmless. While many species are beneficial to the ecosystem by keeping pests like mice and insects under control, you still might prefer they stay out of your personal space .
The good news? There are simple, humane, and effective ways to keep snakes away from your yard without resorting to harmful chemicals or dangerous methods.
In this post, we’ll share 8 easy and natural strategies that help deter snakes from making your property their home — all while respecting wildlife and maintaining a safe environment for your family and pets.
Let’s dive in!
Why Snakes Are in Your Yard
Before we get into how to keep them away, it helps to understand why snakes are showing up in the first place:
They’re looking for food (insects, rodents, frogs)
They want shelter (tall grass, woodpiles, debris)
They’re escaping heat or predators
Some are simply passing through
Understanding these motivations will help you make your yard less appealing to them — naturally.
8 Proven & Humane Ways to Keep Snakes Out of Your Yard
1. ✂️ Keep Grass Short and Maintain Your Lawn
Snakes love tall grass because it provides cover and protection from predators. Keeping your lawn trimmed short removes one of their favorite hiding spots.
Tip : Mow regularly and trim around fences, bushes, and garden beds.
2. Remove Debris, Woodpiles, and Clutter
Woodpiles, old bricks, leaf piles, and unused pots create ideal nesting areas for snakes and their prey.
What to do :
Keep firewood elevated off the ground
Clear away clutter and store items neatly
Avoid stacking materials directly against your house
3. Eliminate Food Sources (Rodents & Insects)
Snakes come to your yard because something is feeding them — usually rodents or large insects .
How to stop the food chain :
Seal trash bins tightly
Don’t leave pet food outside
Fix leaks and remove standing water
Use traps or natural deterrents for mice and rats
4. Plant Snake-Repelling Plants
Believe it or not, some plants naturally repel snakes due to their strong scent or oils.
Try planting these around your yard:
Marigolds
Wormwood
Lemongrass
Garlic
Onion
These also help deter pests, making your garden less attractive to snakes.
5. Use Natural Snake Repellents
There are several non-toxic, eco-friendly snake repellents available that use natural ingredients like sulfur, clove oil, and cinnamon oil.
Where to apply :
Around the perimeter of your yard
Near entry points like sheds, patios, or decks
In corners where snakes may hide
Always follow label instructions and reapply after rain.
6. Set Up Fake Predators
Snakes are naturally cautious creatures. Placing fake predators like owl decoys or rubber snakes around your yard can scare real snakes away.
Tips :
Move decoys every few days to keep them believable
Place near rodent-prone areas like gardens or compost bins
Owls are natural snake predators — just the sight of one can send snakes packing.
7. Block Entry Points Around Your Home
Snakes often enter homes through small gaps in foundations, vents, or crawl spaces.
Prevent access by :
Sealing cracks with caulk or steel wool
Covering vents with fine mesh
Checking around porches, decks, and garages
This not only keeps snakes out but also deters other pests.
8. Protect Your Pets & Kids with Awareness
If you have curious kids or pets, it’s important to teach them to stay away from snakes and recognize common local species.
Safety tips :
Train dogs not to chase or sniff around snake-prone areas
Teach children not to poke sticks into holes or piles
Keep play areas clean and free of potential snake habitats
Also, consider calling a professional wildlife removal service if you spot venomous snakes on your property.
What NOT to Do When Dealing With Snakes
While trying to keep snakes away, avoid these ineffective or dangerous methods:
Using mothballs
Harmful to humans, pets, and the environment
Pouring gasoline
Toxic and illegal in many areas
Killing snakes
Often unnecessary and sometimes illegal
Using ultrasonic devices
Not proven to work consistently
Stick to safe, legal, and humane solutions that respect both nature and your peace of mind.
Common Snake Species You Might See
Knowing which types of snakes are common in your area can help you decide how concerned you need to be.
Always check with your local extension office or animal control for more specific information.
Final Thoughts
Keeping snakes away from your yard doesn’t have to mean using harsh chemicals or extreme measures. With a few simple changes to your landscaping and maintenance habits, you can make your outdoor space less inviting to snakes — and safer for your family and pets.
Remember: most snakes are harmless and actually beneficial . The goal isn’t to eliminate them entirely, but to encourage them to go elsewhere — like the woods or fields where they belong.
So go ahead, tidy up that yard, plant some marigolds, and enjoy your snake-free summer!