Snakes can be unwelcome visitors in gardens and homes, especially in regions where they are common. Fortunately, certain plants are known to repel snakes due to their strong scents and natural properties. In this article, we will explore the top snake repellent plants in India, helping you create a safer environment around your home.
Top Snake Repellent Plants in India: Natural Ways to Keep Snakes Away
1. Marigold (Tagetes)
Characteristics:
- Appearance: Marigolds have bright yellow, orange, or red flowers and fragrant leaves.
- Benefits: Known for their strong scent, marigolds can repel snakes, insects, and other pests.
- Care: Marigolds thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
How to Use:
- Plant marigolds around the perimeter of your garden or home to create a natural snake barrier.
- Use marigold leaves and flowers in potpourris to keep snakes away from indoor spaces.
2. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Characteristics:
- Appearance: Lemongrass has tall, slender green stalks with a strong citrus scent.
- Benefits: The strong aroma of lemongrass is known to repel snakes as well as mosquitoes and other insects.
- Care: Lemongrass thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
How to Use:
- Plant lemongrass around your garden, particularly near entry points and pathways.
- Use lemongrass essential oil in diffusers or sprays to repel snakes indoors.
3. Garlic (Allium sativum)
Snake Repellent Plants in India
Characteristics:
- Appearance: Garlic has tall green leaves and produces small, white or pink flowers.
- Benefits: The strong smell of garlic is highly effective at deterring snakes and other pests.
- Care: Garlic thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
How to Use:
- Plant garlic around your garden, especially in areas where snakes are likely to enter.
- Crush garlic cloves and sprinkle them around the perimeter of your home to repel snakes.
4. Onion (Allium cepa)
Snake Repellent Plants in India
Characteristics:
- Appearance: Onions have long green leaves and produce white or yellow flowers.
- Benefits: Like garlic, onions have a strong odor that snakes find unpleasant.
- Care: Onions thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
How to Use:
- Plant onions around your garden and near potential snake entry points.
- Use crushed onion bulbs around the perimeter of your home to keep snakes away.
5. West Indian Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Snake Repellent Plants in India
Characteristics:
- Appearance: Similar to regular lemongrass, with tall, slender stalks and a strong lemony scent.
- Benefits: The strong aroma of West Indian lemongrass is known to repel snakes effectively.
- Care: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
How to Use:
- Plant West Indian lemongrass around your garden and home entrances.
- Use the essential oil in sprays or diffusers to repel snakes indoors.
6. Snakeroot (Rauvolfia serpentina)
Snake Repellent Plants in India
Characteristics:
- Appearance: Snakeroot has dark green leaves and small white or pink flowers.
- Benefits: Snakeroot contains compounds that are known to repel snakes.
- Care: Snakeroot thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil.
How to Use:
- Plant snakeroot around your garden and near entry points to create a natural barrier against snakes.
7. Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Snake Repellent Plants in India
Characteristics:
- Appearance: Also known as the snake plant, it has tall, stiff leaves with green and yellow variegation.
- Benefits: The strong fibers and sharp edges of the leaves are believed to deter snakes.
- Care: Snake plants thrive in low to bright indirect light and require minimal watering.
How to Use:
- Plant mother-in-law’s tongue around your garden and home entrances.
- Place potted snake plants indoors near entry points to deter snakes.
8. Pink Agapanthus (Agapanthus praecox)
Snake Repellent Plants in India
Characteristics:
- Appearance: Pink agapanthus has long, slender leaves and produces clusters of pink or purple flowers.
- Benefits: The strong scent of pink agapanthus is known to repel snakes.
- Care: Thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
How to Use:
- Plant pink agapanthus around your garden and near potential snake entry points.
9. Indian Snakeroot (Rauvolfia serpentina)
Snake Repellent Plants in India
Characteristics:
- Appearance: Indian snakeroot has dark green leaves and small white or pink flowers.
- Benefits: It contains natural compounds that repel snakes.
- Care: Indian snakeroot thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil.
How to Use:
- Plant Indian snakeroot around your garden and home to create a natural barrier against snakes.
10. Vetiver Grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides)
Characteristics:
- Appearance: Vetiver grass has tall, green, fragrant leaves and strong root systems.
- Benefits: The strong scent of vetiver grass is effective at repelling snakes and other pests.
- Care: Vetiver grass thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
How to Use:
- Plant vetiver grass around your garden and home to create a natural snake repellent barrier.
Conclusion
Using these snake repellent plants in and around your home can help create a safer environment by naturally deterring snakes. From the strong scents of lemongrass and garlic to the protective properties of marigolds and snakeroot, these plants offer a natural and eco-friendly solution to keep snakes at bay. Start incorporating these plants into your garden today and enjoy a snake-free space.
