Do snakes like mothballs?

Moth balls are common old-time home remedy to keep snakes away, but this old wives' tale doesn't stand the test of science. Mothballs don't repel snakes. Snakes “smell” with their tongues, so methods like mothballs that rely on odors are unlikely to deter them.


What smells will keep snakes away?

What scents do snakes dislike? There are many scents snakes don't like including smoke, cinnamon, cloves, onions, garlic, and lime. You can use oils or sprays containing these fragrances or grow plants featuring these scents.

Do mothballs keep the snakes away?

Mothballs are commonly thought to repel snakes, but they are not intended to be used this way and have little effect on snakes.


What keeps snakes away from your home?

How to Keep Snakes Away from Your House
  • Replace grass or mulch with gravel. Snakes can't move or hide easily on gravel and other hard surfaces.
  • Remove bird feeders, birdbaths, and other sources of food and water. ...
  • Keep pet food inside. ...
  • Trim bushes and trees. ...
  • Reconsider water features. ...
  • Install snake-proof fencing.


What is the best snake repellent?

If you're looking to avoid snake encounters this season, read our suggestions to find the best snake repellent for your lawns or garden.
  • BEST OVERALL: Ortho Snake B Gon Snake Repellent.
  • BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Safer Brand 5951 Snake Shield Repellent.
  • BEST ALL NATURAL: Enviro Pro 16003 Snake Scram.


Moth Balls Detour/Repel Snakes! Fact or Fiction?



What will keep all snakes away?

Garlic and onions not only work when planted in your yard, but they also work as a natural snake repellent product as they both contain sulfonic acid which is known to repel snakes. Chop up both garlic and onions and mix them with rock salt. Sprinkle the mixture around your yard to repel snakes.

Can you spray your yard to keep snakes away?

One of the easiest ways to scare off a snake from your yard is to use your garden hose. Spray with snake with a steady stream from the hose until he slithers off. Consider installing a perch pole for hawks, owls, and other natural snake predators to alight on.

Does Irish Spring soap keep snakes away?

They will often avoid the strong odor of Irish Spring soap, so you can try to use the soap to repel snakes.


What chemical kills snakes instantly?

What chemical kills snakes instantly? Calcium cyanide is a good chemical for killing snakes taking refuge in burrows, while there are several gases that sometimes work in fumigating dens.

Are snakes afraid of dogs?

It's likely that most snakes won't choose to go near dogs. They're bigger, noisier, and more of a hassle than a good snack. Simply by having your dog around, you will likely help to keep snakes away.

Where do you put mothballs for snakes?

Place mothballs in holes, cracks, crevices, or any other areas around your property where snakes may be a problem. One caveat to using moth balls is they can be toxic and fatal to children or pets if they are ingested so use caution or avoid using them if you have pets or children in your home.


Does vinegar keep snakes away?

Vinegar: Vinegar is effective at repelling snakes near bodies of water including swimming pools. Pour white vinegar around the perimeter of any body of water for a natural snake repellent.

Is using mothballs outside illegal?

Some of these “off-label pests” include: squirrels, skunks, deer, mice, rats, and snakes, among others animals. Use mothballs pesticide products to control the pests listed on the label only! Outdoor use of mothballs is also a violation of the label. Remember mothballs are not legal for use as snake repellents!

What attracts snakes to your yard?

Too much landscape water may attract prey species such as worms, slugs and frogs, which in turn may attract snakes seeking a meal. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed and away from your home and garage, and keep branches off the ground.


How do you keep snakes away at night?

Avoid nighttime trail running.

Snakes also hunt at night. Their heat sensors allow them to detect pray unseen this way. You don't want to step in between a snake and its dinner. However, if you must run at night, run with both a buddy and a headlamp.

Does Clorox get rid of snakes?

Does Bleach Repel Snakes? The smell of bleach will repel snakes and if they drink it, it can kill them. However, you're more likely to cause harm to yourself, your pets, your children and your soil by using bleach than you are to deter snakes with it.

How do you get rid of snakes forever?

When in doubt, call animal control for help or your local pest control specialist for long-term management.
  1. Spray the Hose. ...
  2. Trap with a Garbage Can. ...
  3. Use Snake Repellent. ...
  4. Eliminate Standing Water. ...
  5. Set a Trap. ...
  6. Remove Shelter. ...
  7. Fill in Burrows. ...
  8. Keep Your Grass Short.


What spray kills snakes?

Toxicants employed to kill snakes include nicotine sulphate in water, strychnine in eggs, and various insecticide sprays.

Does Epsom salt repel snakes?

While this was a commonly used method of keeping snakes away, salt does not repel or deter snakes, and it has no effect on them. This myth has long ago been debunked, and snakes do not fear salt the way people once thought.

What chemical will repel snakes?

Research has shown that cinnamon oil, clove oil, and eugenol are effective snake repellents. Snakes will retreat when sprayed directly with these oils and will exit cargo or other confined spaces when these oils are introduced to the area.


What time of day do snakes move around?

Snakes are at their most active when it's cool out. They move around most in the early morning and around dusk. Snakes hunt in tall grass, weeds, and other sources of vegetation. Around your home, they'll seek out shady or dark places where they can rest and cool down.

How do I snake proof my backyard?

Haul off piles of leaves, weeds, brush, grass clippings, and unwanted vegetative material. Remove trash, clutter, junk and debris. Eliminating snake hiding places also removes rodent hideouts. Fill in any rodent holes or burrows in your yard with sod plugs or soil.

Will peppermint spray keep snakes away?

"Peppermint oil is an effective natural snake repellent. It works by masking the scents they use to navigate and hunt, making it difficult for them to find prey," says Mecham. "They also flat out dislike the strong, minty smell of peppermint itself.


Do snakes return to the same place?

Relocating snakes short distances is ineffective because they will likely find their way back to their home range. If you have one snake in your yard, that means there are others around! Removing one or more snakes often creates a false sense of security.