8 Easy Ways To Keep Snakes Away From Your Yard (Humane & Natural)

Inspect:
Foundation cracks
Gaps around pipes
Door thresholds
Crawl-space vents
Siding damage
Best fixes:
Caulk
Steel or copper mesh
Door sweeps
Hardware cloth
If daylight fits through a gap, a small snake might too.

5. Control Rodents Naturally
Where rodents go, snakes often follow.

Reduce snake food sources by:
Storing pet food indoors
Cleaning spilled birdseed
Using sealed trash bins
Keeping storage areas tidy
Helpful natural predators:
Owls and hawks can help naturally control rodents and snakes.

6. Try Natural Snake-Repellent Plants
Some gardeners believe strong-smelling plants may discourage snakes.

Popular choices:
Marigolds
Lemongrass
Garlic
Onions
Citronella
Mugwort
Important note:
Plants alone won’t solve a major snake issue, but they may help when combined with good yard maintenance.

7. Install Gravel or Rough Mulch Barriers
Snakes prefer smooth, soft surfaces. Sharp gravel can feel uncomfortable to move across.

Good options:
Coarse gravel
Crushed stone
Pine bark nuggets
Shell mulch
Best use:
Create barriers around:

House foundations
Garden beds
Patios
Decks
8. Encourage Natural Predators Carefully
Some animals naturally deter snakes.