Jun 9, 2025

7 plants that attract snakes (and should not be near your house)

TOI Lifestyle Desk

These plants are a hangout spot for snakes

We all love a lush, green garden—but not when it becomes a cozy hangout spot for snakes. Whether it’s dense ground cover, strong scents, or their ability to attract rodents and frogs, these plants can unintentionally make your backyard a snake haven.

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Jasmine

Its thick, vine-like structure and heavy fragrance attract not just pollinators but also rodents and frogs—snake food, basically. Dense jasmine bushes give snakes the perfect place to hide, making it risky to plant near doors or walkways.

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Ground Cover Ivy

This low-lying plant forms thick mats that make perfect hiding spots for snakes. The shady, moist environment underneath helps them stay cool and hidden. Ivy also attracts insects and rodents, which further lures snakes closer.

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Bamboo

Bamboo forests may look serene, but the tall, shady stalks offer excellent shelter for snakes. They trap moisture and create dark areas snakes love. Plus, the dense coverage makes it harder to spot them until it’s too late.

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Palmetto Bushes

Palmettos grow low and dense, offering snakes great ground cover. The foliage provides cool, shaded spots, and the dry leaf litter underneath becomes a comfortable resting area. Great for reptiles—not so great for your patio.

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Lantana

Colorful and fast-growing, lantana draws in insects, lizards, and small rodents—all favorites on a snake’s menu. The tangled stems and sprawling branches provide perfect cover for snakes to move undetected near your home.

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Lemongrass

Although known for repelling mosquitoes, lemongrass’s dense clumps actually make a cozy hiding spot for snakes. The strong scent doesn’t bother them, and the cool, shaded base can harbor frogs and insects that snakes hunt.

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Sugarcane

Tall, thick, and closely packed, sugarcane fields are like luxury hotels for snakes. The humid, shaded space between stalks provides excellent hiding spots. These plants also attract rodents, which brings snakes slithering in for a feast—right under your nose.

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​Want to snake-proof your garden?​

Start by trimming back dense foliage, removing clutter, and rethinking these seven greenery choices. A beautiful yard shouldn’t come with unexpected slithering guests!​

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Thanks For Reading!

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