05/22/2026
A reminder that it's the time of year for snakes! Be alert & safe!
Keep an eye out for snakes in your yard, especially when letting your pets out or for when your children play outside in your yard.....
After hearing a friends small dog was bitten by a snake in his yard, which was likely a Copperhead, I wanted to share some information I got from AI when I Googled pet safe ways to keep snakes out of your yard. Luckily after a quick visit to the vet & several days of medications his dog seems to be much better. Apparently, the anti-venom is not available at veterianian offices here at the lake.
Please get informed & be prepared to prevent a snake bite incident with your dog, child or even yourself!
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Is there a way to keep snakes out of a yard that's not harmful to pets?
Yes! You can easily deter snakes without endangering your pets by relying on natural scents, environmental modifications, and physical barriers rather than toxic chemicals.Natural Repellents. Snakes are highly sensitive to strong odors and tastes. The following natural options are safe for cats and dogs:
Essential Oils: Snakes hate the smell of clove oil, cinnamon oil, and cedarwood oil. Mix a few drops of these with water in a spray bottle and apply it around your yard's perimeter, porches, and entry points.
Onion and Garlic: The pungent aroma of onion and garlic disrupts a snake's ability to smell their surroundings. You can sprinkle garlic powder or spray an onion-powder-water mixture around your yard.
Pet-Safe Granules: If you prefer pre-made products, use organic, essential-oil-based granules (like Bonide Snake Stopper) instead of traditional naphthalene-based repellents, which can be toxic to dogs.
Yard Modifications Snakes enter yards in search of food and shelter. The best method is to make your property unappealing:Remove Hideouts: Eliminate brush piles, tall weeds, and rock piles. Keep your grass mowed short, and elevate firewood off the ground.Control Rodents: Snakes follow their food source. Keep pet food indoors and store animal feed in airtight metal or heavy plastic containers to avoid attracting mice and rats.
Install a Snake-Proof Fence: The only surefire physical barrier is a fence made of 1/4-inch mesh hardware cloth. Bury the bottom 2-4 inches into the soil and ensure it leans outward to prevent snakes from climbing over.
Some plant options to Grow Surrounding your patio or garden with plants that snakes dislike is a great, pet-safe preventative:
Lemongrass: Produces a citrusy smell that snakes (and mosquitoes) cannot stand.
Marigolds: Their strong odor naturally repels pests.These cheerful flowers emit a pungent aroma that snakes find repulsive, making them an effective snake deterrent. Plant marigolds around your garden.
Clove Basil & Holy Basil: Both emit a pungent clove scent that drives reptiles away.
West Indian Lemongrass These are some plants that keep snakes away. The plant is a perennial one that is easy to grow and maintain. It has a citrus scent.
The Mother-in-law's Tongue (Snake Plant) These are named such because of their shape, and act as a snake repellent.
