WATCH: 10 plants that repel snakes

Updated April 17, 2025, 4:43 p.m. | By The Drive with Rob and Roz

Here are a few ways you can keep these sneaky snakes out of your garden.

Living in South Africa comes with many risks.

While we don't ride around on elephants and lions, some dangerous wildlife can be found in our backyards.

Snakes are some animals that enjoy creeping around in gardens across the country.

They might be scary, but they do play a vital role in the ecosystem, and they don't enter gardens because they want to harm people or pets.

There are natural ways to repel mosquitoes, flies, and mice, so it makes sense that the same applies to snakes.

Not only is this the most environmentally friendly way to keep these unwanted guests away, but it will also spruce up your garden!

Snakes dislike strong and bitter scents.

Here is a list of smells that will help repel snakes:

Marigolds: their roots emit a strong odour that also repels moles.
Lavender: they tend to avoid crossing through it because of its strong scent.
Rosemary: has a strong aroma.
Garlic/Onions/Chives: plant them in flower border or shallow planters.
Lemongrass: can disorient snakes making it harder for them to hunt.
Cactus: use to make a snake-repellent border as the thorns deter snakes.
Mugwort: has a bitter scent and can reduce a snakes food sources.
Mother-in-law's tongue (Snake plant): snakes find the sight of the plant and it's sword-like leaves off-putting.
Pink agapanthus: it is a member of the onion family, but much prettier, so the scent will deter snakes.
Basil: strong smell that snakes cannot tolerate.

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Main image courtesy of iStock