The 9 Best Snake Repellents
Updated by · How we research
No snake repellent has independent proof, so we compared nine granules and sprays on labels, safety and value. Victor Snake-A-Way leads; yard fixes matter more. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
No snake repellent has passed an independent field test, and Mississippi State University found that sulfur, mothballs and other home remedies failed to turn back rat snakes. Many homeowners still want a scent barrier by the door, woodpile or chicken coop. This list is for them, ranked on what a buyer can check, alongside yard fixes that do help.
Editor's Notes
October 23, 2026, by Ezvid Wiki Admin:
The research changed the tone of this page. Extension specialists in Mississippi and Utah and a field trial in South Africa all found that common snake repellents, including the naphthalene and sulfur in Victor Snake-A-Way, did no better than doing nothing, and nobody has published a test of the plant-oil brands. So the order now rewards what a buyer can verify: ingredients printed on the label, clear directions, care around pets and a fair price. The buyer's guide starts with the yard fixes that do work. Victor Snake-A-Way takes the top spot as the current version of the old Dr. T's Snake-A-Way entry, with the same name and formula. Nature's MACE Snake MACE, EPIC Snake Scram, I Must Garden Snake Repellent and Ortho Snake B Gon stay under newer bags and jars, because the old ones are gone or changed. We dropped Snake Defense and Liquid Fence because of availability concerns and added Safer Brand Snake Shield. SerpentGuard stays for the many readers who look it up by name.
October 04, 2020:
If can certainly be startling to encounter a snake slithering across your path as you are tending your garden, even if it happens to be a non-venomous variety. To help you rid your grounds of those uninvited slithering guests, we have found the best snake repellents, many of which utilize all-natural formulas to interfere with their senses.
We generally favor chemical-free products when possible, so nearly ever option this list makes uses of essential oils to repel snakes. That being said, we do realize that for some, an all-natural formula may not produce the results they need. For those people, we have included Dr. T's Snake-A-Way, which contains naphthalene. Because of this, it should not be used around pets or children, or in enclosed areas, like sheds, garages, and crawlspaces. It can also be a smart idea to wear a [respirator](naphthalene ) when applying it to your grounds.
If you don't want to deal with frequent reapplications, you should consider Nature's Mace SNKGN, which is touted to last as long as four months, thanks to a time-released formula. Though it is made from natural ingredients like cedar, citronella, thyme, and rosemary oils, and isn't harmful, some may still prefer not to use a granular product, since it can take time to dissolve and there is more chance that kids or pets may come into contact with it. If you are in this group and don't mind having to reapply the repellent every month, you may prefer Serpent Guard or Snake Defense instead, both of which are sprays.
It is worth noting that snakes generally inhabit regions that meet all of their needs, which includes fresh water and a food source. That food source is often rodents, so a good strategy for keeping serpents off your property is to combine the use of one of the snake repellents we have selected with effective mouse traps, since eliminating their food source may naturally motivate them to move on to other grounds.
April 18, 2019:
Removed the Vensmile VS-312S Solar because there's little evidence that sonic vibrations actually deter animals — and in some cases it might even attract them.
We went back and forth as to whether or not to include Dr. T's Snake-A-Way. On the one hand, it's an effective solution, especially against rattlesnakes. On the other, though, it contains naphthalene, a compound that could be hazardous to animals and humans. Ultimately, we decided that there are likely users who have a need for an effective snake repellent and don't have pets or small children around to interact with the granules. So, be aware before you buy it that, while it should be helpful, it's not something you want to touch, breathe in, or allow others to come in contact with.
That underscores a basic consideration that many users will have to take into account before making a purchase: whether they're willing to sacrifice some effectiveness in the interests of safety. This can affect everything from the type of repellent used (granules are usually longer-lasting than liquids, but they also provide more opportunities for pets or children to come in contact with them) to the areas in which it is applied (some are OK for in-home use, but these are naturally less powerful than their outside-only brethren). We can't make that decision for you, so it will ultimately come down to whether you think the snakes pose a bigger risk than the repellents.
What The Research Says
Snake repellents sell well, but the evidence behind them is thin.
Snake repellents sell well, but the evidence behind them is thin. Mississippi State University Extension calls repellents "questionable at best" and notes that none is federally registered for snake control. In its trials with black rat snakes, sulfur, lime, mothballs, cayenne spray, artificial skunk scent and coal tar all failed (Mississippi State University Extension). A field trial in South Africa's Limpopo province found that geranium, naphthalene and a commercial repellent did no better than plain water, and the naphthalene lost its scent quickly in the heat (University of Pretoria).
Most plant-oil granules and sprays are sold under the EPA's minimum-risk rule. That rule limits which ingredients a maker may use, but it also means the agency never reviews whether the product works (EPA). Naphthalene products such as Victor Snake-A-Way do go through registration, and the maker publishes its active ingredients and coverage (Victor). If you buy a repellent, treat it as one small layer on top of the yard changes below, not as a fence.
Fix The Yard First
Snakes come for food, shelter and water, so the lasting fix is to take those away. Utah State University recommends keeping grass short, trimming shrubs so their lowest branches sit a couple of feet off the ground, and moving bird feeders and pet food, since spilled seed draws the rodents snakes hunt (Utah State University). Stack firewood and lumber away from the house and up off the ground, and clear brush piles, old boards and tarps.
Seal gaps around foundations, doors, vents and pipes. Swap thick mulch and large rocks near the house for small gravel, which offers fewer hiding spots. For a play area or coop, a fence of rigid quarter-inch mesh, buried a few inches and bent outward at the top, is the most reliable barrier Utah State lists. Skip outdoor glue traps: they catch birds, lizards and pets as often as snakes.
Using Granules And Sprays Safely
Read the whole label before you start, and follow it. Wear gloves for naphthalene granules, keep children and pets off treated ground until it settles, and don't spread any repellent near ponds, streams or pools. Naphthalene products carry state limits: Victor doesn't ship its granules to Alaska, California or Hawaii (Victor). "Pet safe" claims on plant-oil labels hold only when the product is used as directed.
Never scatter mothballs outdoors. They aren't labeled for snakes, so using them that way breaks label law, and they can poison pets, children and wildlife (Utah State University). Lay granules in an unbroken band and renew it after heavy rain. Most snakes are harmless and eat rodents, so leave them be. If you see a venomous snake near the house, keep your distance and call a wildlife or pest-control professional.
How we researched this
We compared 15 snake repellents and narrowed them to 9, read the makers' pages and the package labels for each pick, reviewed guidance from Mississippi State and Utah State university extension services, a University of Pretoria field trial and the EPA's minimum-risk rules, analyzed patterns in owner feedback, and checked every brand for recalls with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Updated October 23, 2026 by Ezvid Wiki Admin.
Sources (8)
- Mississippi State University Extension: Reducing Snake Problems Around Homes
- Utah State University: 12 ways to stop snakes
- University of Pretoria: field trial of snake repellents
- EPA: Minimum Risk Pesticides
- Victor: Snake-A-Way Snake Repellent
- EPIC Repellents: Snake Scram
- SerpentGuard
- Nisus Snake Out label
Frequently asked questions
Do snake repellents work?
There is no good evidence that they do. University trials found sulfur, mothballs, naphthalene and a commercial repellent no better than nothing, and no plant-oil brand has a published test. Removing food, cover and entry points works better.
Can I use mothballs to keep snakes away?
No. Mothballs aren't labeled for snakes, so using them outdoors breaks label law, and they can poison pets, children and wildlife. Studies also found they don't stop snakes.
Are snake repellents safe for dogs and cats?
Plant-oil products are labeled safe around pets only when used as directed. Keep pets off treated ground while it settles, and be most careful with naphthalene granules, which call for gloves.
How often should I reapply snake repellent?
It depends on the label. Victor says a treatment lasts about two to three months, while Nisus and EPIC say every two weeks. Almost every label says to reapply after heavy rain.
What attracts snakes to a yard?
Rodents, cover and water. Bird seed, pet food, woodpiles, tall grass, thick shrubs and debris all give snakes a reason to stay.
What should I do if I find a venomous snake?
Keep your distance, keep children and pets away, and call a wildlife or pest-control professional. Don't try to kill or move it yourself.
