All people talk about the beauty and goodness of green, fresh air, nice looks, and a quiet atmosphere when it comes to home gardening. But what most people do not know is that some plants may easily welcome unwelcome guests into your abode, particularly snakes. Even though not every snake is harmful and venomous, the presence of these reptiles in the vicinity of human homes can cause fear, conflict situations, and even accidents.
There are a lot of plants that provide shelter, food, or an ideal environment to snakes, particularly in hot and moist areas. This article discusses 7 popular plants that snakes are usually attracted to and the reasons why you need to think twice before having them grow around your home. It is a realistic, consciousness-raising manual for gardeners, homes, and families who would prefer to have a harmless and snake-free surrounding.
Why do snakes approach houses?
But before getting down to the list of the specific plants, it is better to have an idea of what actually attracts snakes in this case. All creatures, including snakes, are mainly seeking three things: food, shelter, and water. As long as your garden or backyard is supplying any of these elements, then you might unknowingly be harboring these reptiles.
Snakes usually live on rodents, frogs, and insects. This means that, in case these small animals are attracted to your garden, then snakes are also welcomed indirectly into your garden. On the same note, thick vegetation provides cover and shade where snakes can hide, sleep, and lay eggs. Even water bodies such as ponds and over watered places can sustain snake-friendly environments.
So, what are the seven plants in particular that can attract snakes to your house? Let us see.
Reasons Why Snakes Are Attracted to Bamboo
Bamboo is an extremely widely used decorative plant because of its fast development and graceful, tall stem. Nevertheless, it also provides an ideal hiding place for snakes. The dense clumps and hollow stems provide a shady, moist, and hidden retreat, which snakes consider highly attractive.
In the bamboo groves, snakes like to slide in and out of bamboo shooting holes because
The thicket provides shade and predator protection.
The debris and fallen leaves make perfect hideouts.
As sources of food, small animals and insects inhabit the bamboo.
Risk Factor
People who reside in regions with high snake populations should not plant bamboo close to doors, windows, or border walls. Frequent pruning and care are absolutely necessary even when you decide to grow them.
2. Lantana Bush
Reasons why snakes are attracted to lantana
Lantana is a plant with colored flowers and a powerful smell. But its shrubby nature and thick branches form good underbrush, and this makes a fine snake hiding place.
Such bushes also tend to harbor insects such as butterflies and bees; hence, other small reptiles and birds that feed on insects in the indirect food chain, that is, snakes, are welcome.
Risk Factor
Lantana is highly aggressive and turns out to be a hard task to control when established. Placing it in a children's play area or in an area that pets walk freely is not advisable.
3. Money Plant (Pothos)
The Reason Money Plants Get Snakes
One of the most popular climbers, both indoor and outdoor, in Indian homes is the money plant. Although they are regarded as auspicious in Vastu and Feng Shui, they may become dense, bushy messes when unchecked.
Such vines as grow around fences, walls, and gates are favorite haunts of snakes, who crawl there unmolested. The large leaves and thick creepers enable it to camouflage perfectly.
Risk Factor
Do not allow money plants to grow over. Have them planted in pots or trellises instead of letting them crawl all over the walls of the compound or on the ground level.
4. Holy Basil (Tulsi Plant)
Amazing Yet Real
Though the tulsi plant is a holy plant that is present in almost every Indian household, its fragrance and positioning at times invite snakes.
Tulsi plants are kept somewhere close to water containers or shady areas. These shady and moist places, more so in summertime, are the possible resting places of snakes.
Also, snakes can feed on the insects that are attracted by the plant.
Risk Factor
The tulsi plant is not dangerous, but it is to be kept with care. Do not allow the place to be wet or dirty, and do not surround the place with clutter or objects that are not in use.
5. Areca Palm (Supari Tree)
Why Snake Lurks in Areca Palm
It is a popular tree species in Indian gardens because of its lush appearance and ability to purify air. But the evil consists in its dropped fronds and littered base.
Small reptiles and snakes can be found there due to dry leaves, damp soil, and natural protection, which is formed at the palm bottom. They hide here, particularly on hot afternoons and during monsoons.
Risk Factor
Have the area around the tree bottom cleaned on a regular basis. Keep the leaves chopped up and cut back any sections that are in contact with the earth.
6. Night-Blooming Jasmine (Raat Ki Rani)
The Reasons That Snakes Are Attracted to It.
It is a favorite flowering plant that releases a powerful scent on nights and flowers in the evening. Its smell is useful in attracting insects such as moths, which indirectly attracts frogs and other small animals.
snakes live off.
The plant also grows in a bushy and tangled-up clump, which offers an ideal cover for snakes to hide during the day.
Risk Factor
Do not plant night-blooming jasmine anywhere close to bedrooms or open verandas. Prune it if you like this plant and do not allow it to be overgrown.
7. Lemongrass
Reasons Why Lemongrass Is Risky
Lemongrass is also cultivated as an insect repellent (mosquitoes) and because of its nice aroma. But its bushy root and thick growth may retain moisture and provide a harbor for snakes.
Lemongrass, unlike tall plants, makes movement of small reptiles easy to conceal since the plant is always near the ground.
Risk Factor
Otherwise, lemongrass clumps would provide the perfect nesting places for snakes during monsoon or summer unless they are trimmed on a regular basis.
How to Know That Snakes Are on the Prowl in Your Garden
Although you may not notice snakes frequently, the following signs may show their existence:
Slither traces in mud or dust.
Droppings (white-tipped, frequent)
Discarded snake skin beside plants or walls.
Awkward silence in places that usually have birds or insects moving around.
Pets that act oddly around some plants or corners
Effective Snake Deterrent Advice
You may or may not have any of these plants, but these are some of the simple yet effective methods of keeping snakes out of your premises:
1. Maintain Cleanliness
It is important to regularly clear your garden of the fallen leaves, twigs, and fruits. Also avoid cluttering around the walls/fences of the compound.
2. Mow the Lawn Low
Snakes like to hide in long grass. Frequent cutting makes them difficult to conceal.
3. Restrict water supply points.
Avoid over-irrigating your plants or stagnant water. Raise water dishes for pets or keep them inside the house.
4. Apply Natural Repellents
Snakes can be kept away using substances such as naphthalene balls, clove oil, and garlic spray. Nevertheless, apply them sparingly, particularly in the presence of children or pets.
5. Control Rodents
The snakes prey on other animals, so by ensuring that your area is rat, frog, and insect-free, you will be minimizing attracting snakes.
6. Your Garden Fence
Put in snake-proof fencing made of mesh or fine wire. Ensure that it is buried at least 1 foot deeper into the ground to avoid burrowing.
Ought you to cut out these plants altogether?
Not necessarily. Most of them are useful in some way: tulsi is spiritually significant; lemongrass keeps mosquitos away. But in case you reside where snakes are prevalent, it would be better to:
Put these plants under cultivation.
Keep a clear sight within their vicinity.
A thick clumping, particularly around the house, should be avoided.
When possible, put them in elevated planters or pots.
Final Thoughts
Snakes form part of our natural ecosystem, and they serve a significant purpose in keeping the balance. They are, however, dangerous when they are around homes. Knowing the plants that accidentally invite them is the initial step to a safer house.
Rather than merely going with the current trends in the garden or the conventional plants that people go with, take into consideration the wildlife in your area and the environment. With proper planning (selecting the appropriate plants), cleanliness, and vigilance, it is possible to have a beautiful green area without fear of reptilian guests.
Be careful, be alert, and may your garden remain a place of tranquility not surprise.
Disclaimer
This is an awareness article. In case you have a suspicion of snake infestation in your homestead or in your house, call local wildlife officers or a snake rescue unit. Do not try to capture or kill a snake on your own.
