Keeping Snakes Out of the Yard - Ask Extension
My family recently relocated to Cheyenne. I am wondering if there are any plants that would be good to plant in our yard to help prevent snakes from ...
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Keeping Snakes Out of the Yard #176279
Asked April 21, 2014, 3:47 PM EDT
My family recently relocated to Cheyenne. I am wondering if there are any plants that would be good to plant in our yard to help prevent snakes from coming around. The previous owners of our house left a lot of "junk" around in the backyard and we found many snakes while cleaning up and clearing out the yard. Even after that, we still had a few snakes come around. I believe that they are just garden snakes, but I have a terrible fear of them and do not want to get close enough to check them out! Are there any plants out there that are safe for kids and dogs to be around, but that would deter snakes from wanting to visit our yard? If so, would I need to plant lots of them or just a few around here and there? Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Laramie County Wyoming
Expert Response
I have never heard of a plant that would deter snakes. The best option for minimizing snakes is to remove plants or any other material that might provide cover and the insects that are food. Eliminate moist areas that might have amphibians. Keep the grass mowed. If there are shrubs, clear underneath. Look for anything beyond your fence that might provide cover or food as in your neighbors yard or the alley if in town so that if possible you can minimize places proximate to yours that could harbor a snake.
