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.
However, snakes can stay away from white vinegar because it confuses their sense, (smell), and organs. But, if there is a source of food that snakes like, they might not mind enduring the smell of vinegar, just to eat and enjoy the food there.
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.
Ammonia is a common snake repellent. Snakes hate the smell of ammonia and won't come near it. Soak rags in ammonia and place them in unsealed plastic bags. Leave the bags where you usually see snakes to keep them away.
Turpentine is effective against snakes because it is a natural repellent. When applied to the skin, it creates a barrier that snakes cannot cross.
Calcium cyanide is a good chemical for killing snakes taking refuge in burrows, while there are several gases that sometimes work in fumigating dens.
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.
Best Rattlesnake Deterrents
Vinegar and bleach can both be used to keep rattlesnakes away from your home. Bleach is less commonly used because it is a much stronger chemical that could be damaging to plants or other animals. Vinegar is most often used to keep snakes away from bodies of water.
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.
Dettol also contains pine oil, and pine is believed to be toxic to reptiles.
Ammonia: Snakes dislike the odor of ammonia so one option is to spray it around any affected areas. Another option is to soak a rug in ammonia and place it in an unsealed bag near any areas inhabited by snakes to deter them away.
It's costly, but you can snake-proof the entire yard with a concrete chain wall that extends six inches or so below the surface, noted AWR. "If you already have a wooden fence and the boards are very close together, a good solution is to snake-proof the bottom."
Plant marigolds around your home, they tend to deter snakes.
Victor Snake-A-Way repellent is proven to repel venomous and non-venomous snakes, including garter and corn snakes, from your property. The fast-acting formula uses a unique blend of ingredients that temporarily disrupt the snakes sensory receptors, causing them to flee the area in search of fresh air.
Exterminator's Choice - Snake Defense Spray - 32 Ounces - Natural, Non-Toxic Snake Repellent - Quick and Easy Pest Control - Safe Around Kids and Pets.
Do mothballs repel snakes? 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.
Snakes are most active at night and during early morning and late evening hours, the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension says. One of the most common species of snakes isn't venomous at all.
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.
In a nutshell, diesel does not keep snakes away. It is ineffective, and there is no scientific evidence that pouring it on a snake will kill it. It may have an effect if the snake ingests the diesel or gets drowned in it, but generally, diesel is not encouraged because it is toxic to people.
Garlic and onions contain sulfonic acid, which may be effective to repel snakes. Mix chopped-up garlic and onions with rock salt and sprinkle the mixture around your home and yard to deter snakes.