7. Lemongrass
Lemongrass earns its place here through its citronella content, a natural oil with a sharp, lemony aroma that repels a surprising range of pests. West Indian lemongrass is a variety that snakes avoid owing to its strong lemony odor. It’s also used to make citronella candles. Lemongrass plants are simple to find, easy to care for, drought tolerant, and may be used as a spice in cooking. The active ingredient in lemongrass responsible for its repellent property is citronellal, the natural oil found in the plant – the same compound used in mosquito repellents, which has been found to repel snakes as well.
This one is particularly attractive as a long-term solution because lemongrass functions as a physical planting, not just a product you have to keep buying. Plant it around the perimeter of your yard, near garden gates, or in large pots flanking doorways. It grows quickly and can reach several feet tall, creating both a scent barrier and a visual border. As a bonus, you’ll keep mosquitoes at bay at the same time, which is a worthwhile payoff during summer months regardless of any snake concerns.