Snakes in Your Garden

I am terrified of snakes, yet I love to garden and be outside. I had to find a happy medium if I was to continue gardening. I grew up in the South; I know what snakes we have, and I know which ones to be running really fast from. Even tho I know these things, they still scare me to death! I know I am not the only one that has this fear, so I wanted to share what we do, and I will say it has cut down on the snakes we see. The fact they are building so fast and taking away where these snakes would like to live, also has an impact. Please let me know if you have found a good remedy too! I have studied everything I can find. You will find below a list of the products I have tried and experienced success.

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Harmless Garden Snakes

Most snakes in gardens are harmless and can even help control pest populations. Species like the common garter snake thrive in various environments and are often seen in gardens.

Venomous Snakes to Watch Out For

While rare, venomous snakes like rattlesnakes or copperheads can pose a risk. It’s crucial to identify these species and understand their behaviors. Copperheads are what I have in my yard, with the occasional garden snake.

The Ecological Role of Snakes in Gardens

Snakes are natural pest controllers. They help maintain a balanced ecosystem by preying on rodents, insects, and other small pests that can damage garden plants.

Factors Attracting Snakes to Gardens

From lush vegetation providing ample hiding spots to water features that attract prey, gardens can be irresistible to snakes. I found personally, many of the snakes I saw were clearly out in the open. The last one was cozied up to my screen room on the foundation sunning. I also found plants like squash that have large leaves are another thing they like to hide under. This year, I planted an upright squash. It is a new variety and the leaves and squash grown upward, like on a stalk. Another issue is pine straw. These copperheads are almost undetectable if they get in the pine straw. I have several friends that were bitten this way. I also had a friend get bitten on his heal when he stepped outside in the evening and stepped on a snake on his steps trying to stay warm.

Seasonal Patterns in Snake Appearances

From my very long experience with snakes, I have usually found them in warmer weather. However, I have also seen snakes in the winter months. While it is true they move slower, they can still strike. I always think to myself, isn’t it too cold for snakes? Snakes do breed in the spring, so where you see a baby, there is a moma and a whole lot more babies, so be mindful.

Identifying Snake Presence

Look for slither tracks, shed skins, and snake holes. These signs can indicate the presence of snakes. Also look for where bugs are accumulating. Snakes eat crickets, spiders, moths and frogs so looked in areas you might find these. Snakes do live in holes. I cleaned around a pine tree ( they love putting nests here) and unearthed about 12 or more babies who chased me to the next block! Be careful where you dig. It is also a good idea to seal cracks or holes around your foundation.

Plants That Attract or Deter

Marigolds and lemongrass can deter snakes, while tall grasses and water gardens might attract them. I have both of these plants in my garden. I also planted fennel. I personally did not see any snakes near these plants. I do not have a water garden or tall grass.

Handling Bites

I personally feel any snake bite requires medical attention. It is not often a gardener may know what the snake was or if they are hand digging, may not see the snake at all. Any snake bite should be looked at.

Products I use

These are products I like to use and have used for the last several years. We did not see a snake last year. You will need more than one application of all of these products. The pouches I replace 3 times during the summer.

Bonide Snake Stopper Animal Repellent Spray For Snakes 32 oz.

I spray my yard with this product 3 times in the summer.


The Bonide Snake Stopper is the perfect home guard against snakes, lizards, iguanas and other reptiles. The formula used to create the spray will not harm animals. This product is safe to use around areas where children play as long as it is used as directed. It is perfect for keeping reptilian animals away, as the scent deters them and keeps them away from the area. This product works on venomous snakes, but do not attempt to touch or interact with the animals directly unless you have been properly trained to do so.

Victor VP364B-10 Snake-A-Way Outdoor Snake Repelling Granules 10LB Repellent - Repels Againts Poisonous and Non-Poisonous Snakes
$24.97

This is a product I use around my foundation


  • Repels Snakes Outdoors – These granules begin working immediately to repel venomous and non-venomous snakes, such as garter snakes or rattlesnakes
  • Controls by Scent – The granules temporarily disrupt snakes’ olfactory sense organ, sending them in search of fresh air
  • EPA-Registered – Use this product with peace of mind knowing that Snake-A-Way is the only EPA-Registered snake repellent
  • Long-Lasting – One applications of Snake-A-Way lasts for up to 3 months; Reapply after heavy rain for best results
  • Protects up to 1/2 Acre – Use the granules along the perimeter of outdoor areas you want to protect, such as houses, cabins, sheds, gardens, and more


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08/25/2026 02:26 pm GMT
Nature's MACE 3 lb Snake Repellent/Keep Snakes Out of Home, Yard, and Gardens. Powerful Outdoor Snake Deterrent. Plant Friendly, Outdoor Snake Defense Granule Formula.
$23.97

I use this around all doors

  • 3 lb Granules: Nature’s MACE Snake Repellent is easy to use and will cover up to 1,500 sq ft. Snake MACE repels snakes fast and prevents their return. For both commercial and home/garden use.
  • Safe, plant-based: A home-friendly natural snake repellent that helps prevent snake entry, roaming, and foraging. The granules repel by disrupting snakes Jacobson Gland, causing them to seek a new habitat. It is a safe, pet and child-friendly solution *when used as directed.
  • Snake repellent: Snake MACE uses more of the most potent active ingredients. Snake MACE helps protect gardeners, children, pets, farm animals, and outdoor enthusiasts from snakes. It's a powerful formula that uses powerful ingredients.
  • Lasting protection: Snake MACE works on most types of snakes. Also works on Iguanas, geckos, and lizards. Protect foundations, barns, coops, yard areas, cabins, gardens, flowerbeds, grow rooms, and more. Use in all seasons.
  • Money back guarantee: Your satisfaction is our top priority. If for any reason you are not satisfied, contact us for a full refund or replacement. Nature's MACE products are made with care in our home state of Pennsylvania. We stand by our products and are here to help the best we can.


08/25/2026 02:44 am GMT
Pufado Snake Repellent for Yard Powerful, Outdoor Snake Away Repellent, Snakes Repellents for Outdoor Pet Safe, Yard Snake Out Repellant Effectively, Snake Repellant Outdoor and Home-8 Pouches

I have used these for 3 summers now. I prefer the bags


  • [KEEP SNAKES AWAY NATURALLY] The snake repellents are able to repel copperheads, rattlesnake, cottonmoth and so on which are most common snakes in America.With scent that the snakes hate, providing barrier for your yard and home effectively. No more "Snake" Scream.
  • [EASY TO USE] No need to take a heavy bucket to sprinkle powder on the ground. Just simply place the snake repellents around the area where you want to protect. One pack repels snakes up to 120 sq ft for 2-3 months effectively.
  • [PROTECT OUTDOORS & INDOORS] You can place the snake repellents in the your home, garage, car, truck, RV, flowerbeds, garden. You also put the repellents around the camp to sleep safe at night, when you camp with your family.
  • [EFFECTIVE & LONG LASTING] The snakes will sense the intense scent when they get close to the sanke repellent, which scares them to escape from the area immediately. The effects will retain 2 months to 3 months, rain-resistant and sun-proof.
  • [SAFE FOR CHILDREN & PETS] The snake repellents are made from natural essential oils which the snakes hate. Safe for pets, human and plants when used as directed. No harm to snakes.


This post May contain affiliate links. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission from Amazon or other companies at no additional cost to you

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