If snakes aren't your thing—especially the venomous ones—you might want to look into a snake repellent. Some people are totally cool with snakes, but for others, it’s better to keep them at a distance. Snake repellents are made to keep these slippery creatures out of places like your yard, garden, or even your home.
There are a few types of snake repellents to choose from. The most common ones are chemical repellents, which give off a smell snakes really hate. Then there are electronic ones that make sounds or vibrations that bug the snakes. If you’re into more natural methods, plants or essential oils can do the trick too.
We’ve spent some time testing out different snake repellents to figure out which ones work best and are safe to use. In this guide, we’ll share our top picks for all kinds of situations.
Best Snake Repellents
Snakes can be a real headache, especially if you live in an area where they’re common. While some people choose to go the extermination route, we think there are better ways to keep snakes away. After a lot of research and testing, we’ve found some of the best snake repellents on the market. Let’s dive into our top recommendations to help you find the right one for your needs.
1. Bonide Snake Stopper Snake Repellent
If you're looking for a solid and safe way to keep snakes out of your yard, Bonide Snake Stopper Snake Repellent could be just what you need.
From what we’ve tested, it does a good job of keeping snakes at bay. We love that it uses natural ingredients, which means it’s safe for pets and people. The shaker bottle makes it easy to apply the granules, though over time, they can turn into powder, which makes them a bit trickier to spread.
The smell is pretty strong, but we didn’t mind it since it means the product is working. That said, it could be a bit much for some people. Just keep in mind that it might take a little while to see results, as snakes need to learn to stay away.
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2. Ortho Snake B Gon1
If you're looking for a snake repellent that actually works and is easy to use, we definitely recommend Ortho Snake B Gon1.
We were pretty impressed with how well it kept snakes away from our place. The granules were super easy to spread around, and we noticed way fewer snakes in the areas we treated.
Just keep in mind that you might need to reapply it after heavy rain, since the repellent can wash away. Also, while it's safe for people, pets, and plants when used correctly, you shouldn’t use it on plants you plan to eat. If you're dealing with snakes around your home, definitely give it a shot!
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3. Victor Snake-A-Way Outdoor Snake Repelling Granules
If you want to keep venomous and non-venomous snakes away from your outdoor areas, then you should consider purchasing Victor Snake-A-Way Outdoor Snake Repelling Granules.
We recently used Victor Snake-A-Way Outdoor Snake Repelling Granules to protect our garden from snakes. We applied the granules around the perimeter of the garden, and we also placed bands 4-5 inches wide to repel garter snakes and 8-12 inches wide to repel rattlesnakes. We noticed that the granules had a strong odor at first, but it became faint after a few days. We also observed that no snakes came near our garden after we applied the granules.
If you want to protect your outdoor areas from snakes, we highly recommend Victor Snake-A-Way Outdoor Snake Repelling Granules.
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4. Nature’s MACE Snake Repellent
If you want a natural, safe, and effective way to keep snakes out of your yard or garden, Nature’s MACE Snake Repellent could be the answer.
We’ve used it around our garden, and it’s worked pretty well. The granules are easy to spread, and we’ve noticed fewer snakes hanging around. Plus, it’s all-natural, so it’s safe for pets and kids, which is awesome.
One thing to keep in mind is that the granules can be a bit tricky to measure and spread evenly, so you might have to mess around with the amount you use. Also, while it says it covers 1,500 sq. ft., some folks have said they ran out before covering that much area.
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5. Safer Brand Snake Shield Granular Repellent
If you’re looking for a humane and effective way to keep snakes away, Safer Brand Snake Shield Granular Repellent is definitely worth considering.
We tried it in our backyard, and it worked pretty well. The granules start working right away by messing with the snakes’ sense of smell, sending them off in search of fresher air. It’s made with oils and sulfur, creating a barrier that signals to the snakes to leave. We liked that it’s safe for people, pets, and plants when used as directed.
It’s got long-lasting results, but you’ll need to reapply it after heavy rain for the best effect. We also found that you need to use a lot for bigger areas, so it can get a bit pricey. Some people say it has a strong smell, but we didn’t think it was too bad.
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Buying Guide
If you’re on the hunt for the best snake repellent, there are a few things to consider. Here’s what to look out for:
Type of Repellent
You’ve got options—sprays, granules, and electronic devices. Each one has its ups and downs, so it’s all about finding what works best for your space.
Sprays are quick and easy to use. Just apply them where you usually see snakes. Granules are perfect for larger areas and easy to spread around. Electronic devices emit ultrasonic sounds to keep snakes away, but they might not always do the trick as well as other types.
Active Ingredients
The ingredients matter, so look for repellents with proven stuff like cinnamon oil, clove oil, and peppermint oil. These natural oils do a good job of keeping snakes away and are safe around pets and kids.
Coverage Area
Some repellents cover a small area, while others can handle a bigger space. If you’ve got a large yard, go for something that can cover all of it.
Durability
How often do you want to reapply? Some repellents last a long time, others need to be reapplied more frequently. Pick one that works with how much effort you want to put in.
Price
Of course, price matters. You don’t want to overspend, but also don’t settle for something that doesn’t do the job. Find something that works well and is safe for your pets and kids.
Keep these factors in mind, and you’ll find the best snake repellent for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some effective snake repellent options?
You’ve got options—chemical sprays, natural repellents, and ultrasonic devices. Chemical sprays have ingredients that snakes don’t like, natural repellents use plant oils, and ultrasonic devices send out sounds that snakes find annoying.
Do ultrasonic snake repellents work?
Ultrasonic repellents have mixed reviews. Some swear by them, while others aren’t convinced. The science isn’t fully settled, so there’s still some uncertainty about how effective they really are.
What plants can be used to repel snakes?
Plants like marigolds, wormwood, and lemongrass can help keep snakes at bay. They give off smells that snakes don’t like, so planting them around your yard or garden can do the trick.
What is the best snake repellent for copperheads?
For copperheads, a chemical spray specifically made to repel them is your best bet. Just be sure to read the label and follow the instructions closely.
How can I keep snakes out of my yard?
Keep your yard clean by trimming grass, removing debris, and sealing up any gaps in your home’s foundation. You can also use snake repellents or natural deterrents to help keep them away.
What smells do snakes hate the most?
Snakes aren’t fans of smells like cinnamon, clove oil, and garlic. You can use these scents as natural repellents by spreading them around your yard or home to keep snakes away.
