Do Snake Repellents Really Work?

Repellents are not reliable in keeping snakes away.

No known effective snake repellent exists, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The best way to keep snakes away from yards and homes is to make sure rodents and hiding places good for snakes are not available.

Studies

Commercial snake repellents are not recommended because they are too unreliable, according to researchers at Penn State University. Colorado State University researcher also do not recommend homemade snake repellents such as moth balls, cedar oil, cayenne pepper or synthetic skunk scent.

Exception

Moth balls or naphthalene may work to repel a snake from a small, enclosed space such as a garden shed, according to the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. This is because not much air is available to cut down the smell. However, moth balls are poisonous to children and pets.

Expert Advice

Snakes come into a yard or building following their food, rodents or insects. Keep the home and yard clean so insects and rodents are not attracted. Also remove hiding places for snakes such as rock walls, thick bushes that touch the ground and log piles.

References

• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: Removing Unwanted Snakes
• Colorado State University: Coping With Snakes
• Penn State University: Wildlife Damage Control: Snakes
• University of Massachusetts-Amherst: Snakes and People

Resources

• Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles
• Pet Snakes: How to Keep Snakes Away From Your Home
• Pet Place: Moth Repellent Product Poisonings