Do Snake Repellents Really Work?

Studies

• Commercial snake repellents are not recommended because they are too unreliable, according to researchers at Penn State University. Colorado State University researcher also do not recommend homemade snake repellents such as moth balls, cedar oil, cayenne pepper or synthetic skunk scent.
  
  

Exception

• Moth balls or naphthalene may work to repel a snake from a small, enclosed space such as a garden shed, according to the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. This is because not much air is available to cut down the smell. However, moth balls are poisonous to children and pets.
  
  

Expert Advice

• Snakes come into a yard or building following their food, rodents or insects. Keep the home and yard clean so insects and rodents are not attracted. Also remove hiding places for snakes such as rock walls, thick bushes that touch the ground and log piles.