### 4. Garlic and Onions
Garlic and onions contain "sulfuric acid," which is a natural snake repellent. But what you might not know is that garlic also kills the insects that snakes eat, essentially starving them and encouraging them to leave your property.
**How to use it:**
- Crush 4 to 5 cloves of garlic
- Mix them with water in a spray bottle
- Spray the solution in areas of concern
- You can also use dried garlic powder sprinkled on the ground
- Mix crushed garlic with chopped onions and coarse salt, then sprinkle in your garden
---
### 5. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint does two things: first, it masks the scent of prey that snakes rely on to hunt, and second, its strong smell irritates snakes and makes them flee.
**How to use it:**
- Mix 10 drops of peppermint oil with a cup of water
- Spray the mixture in areas where you have snake problems
- Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them in entry points
- Plant peppermint in your garden (be careful, as it spreads quickly)
Mothballs have shown some effectiveness in repelling snakes. However, they evaporate quickly in the air, so you need to replace them frequently.
**How to use it:**
- Place mothballs in areas where you're concerned about snake entry
- **Important warnings**:
- This substance is toxic to humans and pets if ingested
- Only use this method in areas inaccessible to children and animals
- It's better to try natural methods first before resorting to this solution
---
### 7. Smoke
Snakes hate the smell of smoke. Any strong smoky scent will cause them to flee the area.
**How to use it:**
- Place a smoldering piece of wood (without open flames) in areas where you suspect snakes might be
- This method is particularly effective in campsites and open areas
- **Caution**: Be very careful not to start a fire, and avoid inhaling too much smoke
---
**Plants You Can Grow in Your Garden to Repel Snakes:**
There are additional plants you can grow in your garden to keep snakes away:
| Plant | Why It Works |
|--------|------------|
| **Marigolds** | Release "alpha-terthienyl," a substance snakes strongly dislike. Plant them near entrances and doors |
| **Lavender** | Its strong scent irritates snakes. Plant it along borders and pathways |
| **Rosemary** | Its scent masks the smell of prey. Plant it in pots near entry points |
| **Cacti** | The thorns physically prevent snakes from passing through. Use them as a natural barrier |
---
**Additional Tips to Make Your Home Less Attractive to Snakes:**
- **Mow your lawn**: Tall grass gives snakes places to hide. Keep your grass short
- **Clean your yard**: Woodpiles, stacked rocks, and fallen leaves provide hiding spots for snakes
- **Seal cracks and holes**: Any hole in the foundation or under doors should be sealed
- **Control rodents**: Snakes come looking for prey. If you have mice or rats, snakes will follow
- **Use gravel**: Instead of mulch or straw, use gravel in your garden. Snakes don't like crawling over it
continued on next page
For complete cooking times, go to the next page or click the Open button (>), and don't forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends.
