Snakes have poor eyesight but possess an incredibly sensitive sense of smell. As legless reptiles, snakes can move surprisingly quickly. They often venture into human living areas in search of food or shelter. The presence of snakes in the home is a concern for many people, especially those living in suburban or rural areas.

Homes with gardens or abundant vegetation provide ideal hiding and living spots for snakes. Depending on the species, some snakes are venomous while others are not. However, regardless of their type, snakes always pose a potential threat to human safety.

During hot and dry weather, snakes are even more likely to seek cooler shelter in homes, where food and water are more readily available. Additionally, houses that have rodents, poultry, or pets tend to attract snakes since these animals are natural prey. When natural food sources become scarce, snakes are driven closer to human habitats in search of sustenance.

Furthermore, homes that cultivate plants like jasmine, aromatic herbs, or night-blooming flowers tend to attract more rodents and birds, inadvertently increasing the likelihood of snakes coming to hunt.

To keep snakes away, here are some practical tips you can apply:

1. Plant Snake-Repelling Plants Around Your Home

Homeowners can plant certain aromatic plants that snakes find unpleasant to smell, effectively deterring them from approaching the house. Some of the most effective “snake-repelling” plants include purple garlic orchids, onion bulbs, and kudzu vines. These plants emit a strong, spicy fragrance that snakes instinctively avoid due to their highly developed sense of smell.

Lemongrass is another popular plant known for repelling snakes. Its natural scent also deters many insects like flies and mosquitoes. You can plant lemongrass bushes along your fence line or hang crushed lemongrass at entrances to block snakes from entering your home.

Planting purple garlic orchids around your home is a traditional folk method shared by many to keep snakes away. Besides their repellent properties, these plants also beautify the environment and add freshness to your living space.

However, it’s important to remember that while planting these herbs helps reduce the risk, it does not guarantee complete protection from snakes. Regular cleaning and vigilant observation remain necessary to prevent snakes from nesting inside your home.

2. Use Orpiment Powder (Arsenic Sulfide) to Repel Snakes

Orpiment powder, chemically known as arsenic sulfide, is a yellow substance with a distinctive unpleasant odor that effectively repels snakes. Sprinkling orpiment powder around the perimeter of your home and along pathways can help block snakes from entering.

However, because orpiment powder is toxic, it must be handled with great care. When using it, always wear protective gloves and a mask. Avoid contamination of food and water sources, and clean up thoroughly after application to protect the health of your family and pets.

Orpiment powder is known as a “nemesis” of snakes due to its repellent qualities, but it should be used cautiously and responsibly.

3. Keep Pets Like Dogs and Cats to Deter Snakes

Snakes are naturally afraid of the sounds made by dogs and cats. Therefore, having these pets in your home is an effective way to prevent snakes from entering. Beyond deterring snakes, dogs and cats also hunt rodents and other small reptiles, reducing the snake’s natural food sources and making your home less attractive to them.

Moreover, dogs and cats have sharp hearing and smell, so they can quickly alert you if a snake is nearby, giving you time to take appropriate action.

Additional Tips to Keep Your Home Snake-Free

Besides these three main methods, families should regularly clean their homes and avoid clutter where snakes might hide. Clearing the garden, trimming bushes, and maintaining a tidy yard greatly reduce the chances of snakes making your home their habitat.

If you encounter a snake inside your house, remain calm and avoid attempting to catch it with bare hands. Instead, contact professionals or experienced individuals for safe removal.

In the unfortunate event of a snake bite, immediately take the patient to the nearest medical facility for proper treatment. Avoid using folk remedies or home treatments, as these can delay proper care and worsen the condition.