Natural Snake Repellents: How Essential Oils Work

Snakes play a vital role in our ecosystems, but their presence in your yard or home can make your skin crawl. For better or worse, the snakes are here to stay and are more than likely protected in your area…so put down your torches and pitchforks.  So what is a person to do if they find snakes in their yard or home?  While many attempts have been made to create novel chemicals that repel snakes, many people have found that natural methods work best, including essential oil blends like lavender, cedarwood, and clove oil.  Here at Rid A Snake, we help you answer the question that is on your mind: “How do I get rid of this snake”.  

Rid A Snake’s blend of essential oils has a powerful odor that snakes do not like.  Crucial to this mix is clove oil, made naturally of almost 90% eugenol, which is particularly disruptive to snakes due to their highly sensitive sense of smell.

Why Are Snakes Sensitive to Smells?

Snakes have a highly developed sense of smell, relying heavily on their Jacobson's organ (or vomeronasal organ) to detect chemical signals in the environment you share with them. This organ helps them track prey, avoid predators, and navigate their surroundings. However, this heightened olfactory ability also makes them particularly vulnerable to strong, pungent scents—especially those containing eugenol.

What is Eugenol?

Eugenol is a naturally occurring compound found in various plants. Known for its distinctive spicy, woody aroma, eugenol has long been used in aromatherapy, natural pest control, and even as an antiseptic in dental care. For snakes, eugenol's strong scent is overwhelming, interfering with their ability to process environmental cues. This makes it a powerful yet non-lethal deterrent.  Rid A Snake is the natural snake repellent that you and your family have been looking for.  

How Essential Oils Repel Snakes

1. Lavender Oil
   While lavender is known for its calming effects on humans, its potent aroma can irritate snakes. The strong floral scent disrupts their ability to "read" their environment, making them avoid areas treated with lavender oil.
   
   
2. Cedarwood Oil
   In addition to repelling snakes, cedarwood oil is also effective against other pests like ants and mosquitoes.
   
   
3. Clove Oil
   Clove oil, with its high eugenol content, is particularly effective as a snake repellent. Its spicy, robust aroma acts as a sensory overload for snakes, encouraging them to leave the area.
   
   

The benefits of Essential Oils

• Eco-Friendly: Unlike chemical repellents, essential oils are biodegradable and safe for the environment.
• Non-Toxic and Safe: When used as directed, Rid A Snake is a Natural Snake Repellent that is safe for your family, pets and environment.  It is even safe for the snakes, they just don’t like hanging around areas that have been treated with Rid A Snake. Essential oils provide a non-lethal solution, making them a humane option for deterring snakes.
• Multipurpose: In addition to repelling snakes, these oils can improve air quality and repel other pests.

Precautions

While essential oils are natural, they should still be used with care:

• Avoid Overuse: Snakes have a powerful sense of smell and it doesn’t take much to get them to head for more pleasant areas.  
• Keep Away from Pets: Some oils, like clove oil, can be toxic to pets in higher quantities.  Fortunately, when diluted and used correctly, there is little to no risk to your pets and family.
• Reapply every three to four weeks: Essential oils evaporate over time, so reapplication may be necessary.

Conclusion

Using essential oils like lavender, cedarwood, and clove oil as natural snake repellents is a simple, safe, and effective way to keep your home snake-free. Thanks to their strong odors and eugenol content, these oils disrupt a snake's keen sense of smell, encouraging them to steer clear of treated areas. Whether you’re protecting your yard, garden, or home, essential oils offer a sustainable solution that benefits you, your family, and the environment.