While some snakes pose no threat to humans, their presence in our gardens can still trigger unease, even for those not afflicted by ophidiophobia.
Yet, there are tangible motives to deter snakes from frequenting your outdoor area. Introducing lemongrass serves as a natural and humane method to prevent snakes from entering your yard or garden.
While snakes typically refrain from damaging buildings or consuming flowers, they contribute by controlling pests such as mice and moles.
However, the imperative to deter them arises from the potential threat posed by venomous species like copperheads and rattlesnakes to both your family and pets.
Even non-venomous snakes, while less concerning, may prey on beneficial creatures like earthworms and toads, disrupting the ecological balance you seek to maintain.
Moreover, safeguarding snakes from harm is essential; those concealed in your yard or garden face risks such as accidental trampling, attacks by household pets, or being harmed by lawnmowers. Hence, maintaining distance benefits both human and serpent safety.
The Effectiveness of Lemongrass
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citrates) contains citronella, renowned for its natural mosquito-repelling properties, which extend to deterring snakes.
Snakes heavily rely on their acute sense of smell during hunting, utilizing a specialized organ in their mouth’s roof to detect scent molecules with their forked tongues, enabling them to both smell and taste the air.
Due to their dependence on this heightened olfactory sense to locate prey, they are averse to potent scents that overwhelm their senses, hindering their ability to track down their next meal.
Citronella derived from lemongrass is one such scent. In regions where venomous snakes are prevalent, such as Asia and Africa, lemongrass is commonly cultivated around residences, educational institutions, outdoor spaces, and agricultural fields to discourage these hazardous intruders.
Additionally, other fragrances like cinnamon, garlic, and sulfur are popular choices for repelling snakes.
Furthermore, lemongrass offers the added advantage of serving as a physical obstacle to snakes. Its densely packed leaves feature sharp edges, creating discomfort for snakes attempting to navigate through them. Coupled with its unpleasant aroma, snakes encountering lemongrass typically opt to seek refuge elsewhere.