Are you afraid that snakes are coming onto your property? If you have small children or pets, keeping snakes out of the yard is important. You may be wondering, ‘does lavender keep snakes away?’
While most snakes are harmless, some can pose a real threat. One of the best ways to keep snakes at bay is to plant lavender.
Does Lavender Keep Snakes Away?
This is an age-old question that many people ask. In the past, people would grow certain plants around the home in hopes of keeping snakes away.
Lavender is one of the most popular herbs used to repel snakes. While there is no scientific proof that lavender will keeps snakes away, there are many people that swear by this practice.
How Does Lavender Keep Snakes Away?
Lavender is an herbaceous perennial that grows well in many areas of the world. It is often used as a border plant and for its beauty. Lavender gives off a strong scent that many people love.
The scent of lavender is known for its calming effect on humans. However, snakes can be overwhelmed by the smell of lavender. Snakes have a strong sense of smell and will avoid this pungent plant.
Other Plants That Keep Snakes at Bay
If you don’t have access to lavender, there are other plants that you can use to keep snakes away. Below are a few plants that have been known to repel snakes and other pests.
Marigold
Marigold is a beautiful orange flower that has a not-so-pleasant scent. This plant is often used in the garden to keep away bugs and other insects. When planted around the perimeter of the home it will keep snakes away.
As you have already learned above, snakes have a powerful sense of smell, and they hate the scent of marigolds.
Garlic
Garlic is a common garden plant that is used for cooking. However, this strong-smelling plant is also used to keep pests away. Garlic plants not only give off a strong odor, but they can also produce an oil that can get on the snake’s body. When this happens, snakes become irritated, and snakes learn to avoid garlic.
Onion
Much like garlic, the onion plant will keep snakes at bay with its fragrance and oil. Onions can be used as a companion plant and will protect the garden from bugs as well as snakes. Many people love to grow garlic for culinary purposes, and it is easy to take care of.
Clove Basil
Most of you are familiar with the basil plant. But have you ever heard of clove basil? This fragrant herb has many medical and culinary uses, and it can also keep away snakes.
Plant clove basil in the garden or in a flowerbed to keep snakes from coming onto your property. If you would like to protect other areas of the home from snakes, you can use clove basil oil.
Cactus
One of the best plants to grow on your property to keep away snakes is cactus. Cactus plants have needles that are designed to protect the plant from predators.
When snakes encounter a cactus plant, the needles get stuck in their skin and can cause irritation. Snakes as you might expect, avoid coming into contact with cactus whenever possible.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a good-smelling plant that many people like to cook with. But snakes hate it because of its sharp leaves and pungent fragrance. Lemongrass is easy to grow, and it will come back every year in many areas of the country.
This plant will cover a large area when full-grown, and needs plenty of sunshine to thrive. Lemongrass makes a great border plant and will help keep snakes from slithering their way into your yard.
Snake Plant
With a name like snake plant, you might think this next bush attracts snakes. But the snake plant does just the opposite. The sharp leaves of the snake plant isn’t something any snake wants to tangle with.
Plant this bush around the property, and snakes will avoid it, keeping your home serpent free.
Does lavender keep snakes away: Conclusion
If you’re afraid of snakes, then you should consider growing some of these plants on your property. Not only will they help keep your home snake-free, they will also provide you with yummy produce and culinary herbs for cooking.
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