7 indoor plants that may help repel snakes and lizards from home
1/7
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Lemongrass produces a strong citrus scent from its citronella content. Snakes rely heavily on scent to hunt, and overwhelming smells disrupt that ability. A review published in ScienceDirect's Toxicon journal lists lemongrass among plants traditionally used and studied as natural snake repellents due to citronella and related compounds.
2/7
Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus)
Sweet flag, known as Bach or Vacha in India, has the strongest research backing of any plant on this list. A study by Indian researchers published by DRDO's Defence Science Journal tested 15 plant extracts against snakes in controlled lab conditions and found Acorus calamus extract showed excellent repellent properties, outperforming all others tested.
3/7
Clove Plant (Syzygium aromaticum)
Clove contains eugenol, a compound that directly overstimulates a snake's Jacobson's organ, the sensory receptor snakes use to detect scent and locate prey. The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirms cinnamon oil, clove oil, and eugenol are effective snake repellents, with snakes actively retreating when exposed to these compounds. Dried cloves near entry points can help.
Amazon Top Deals
POWERED BY
Crompton Ozone 75 Litres Desert Air Cooler for home | Large & Easy Clean Ice Chamber | 4-Way Air Deflection | High Density Honeycomb Pads | Everlast Pump | Auto Fill| 3 Year Brand Warranty
₹9,999Buy Now42%
OFF
LG 32 L Convection Microwave Oven (MC3286BRUM, Black, 360° Motorised Rotisserie for Bar-be-queing, 301 Auto Cook Menu, Stainless steel cavity, Indian Cuisine, Tandoor Se, Steam Clean & Diet Fry)
₹19,090Buy Now20%
OFF
4/7
Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
Marigolds have a pungent root and flower odour that both snakes and lizards find unpleasant. Delta State University researchers, in a study documented in the International Journal of Plant, Animal and Environmental Sciences, identified marigolds among plants traditionally used in communities to keep snakes away from homesteads. Easy to grow in pots and widely available across India.
5/7
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Garlic releases strong sulphur compounds when bruised or crushed, which can confuse a snake's chemoreception ability and mask prey scent trails. The same DRDO-published India study tested garlic extract as part of its snake repellent research. Keeping a small garlic plant near doors or windows, or placing crushed garlic near entry gaps, is a commonly used traditional approach.
6/7
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The snake plant does not repel snakes through scent. What it does is create a dense, sharp-leaved physical barrier that snakes and lizards are reluctant to move through. The Delta State University study specifically listed Sansevieria trifasciata as a plant communities placed around homesteads to deter snakes, attributing its effect to its shape and sharp leaf margins.
7/7
Cinnamon Plant (Cinnamomum verum)
Cinnamon bark and leaves carry cinnamaldehyde, which is highly irritating to a snake's sensory system on contact. The USDA APHIS technical note on snake repellents confirms that cinnamon oil causes snakes to retreat and can draw them out of enclosed spaces when used as a vapour. A cinnamon plant near the home entry or dried cinnamon sticks in corners can serve as a low-effort deterrent.
(Disclaimer: This story is for educational purposes alone)
(Disclaimer: This story is for educational purposes alone)
READ MORE:
plants that repel snakes |indoor plants to keep snakes away |snake repellent plants India |lizard repellent plants |natural snake deterrent home |Acorus calamus snake repellent |lemongrass snake repellent |plants to keep reptiles away |home remedies for snakes India |snake repellent plants for house