If you're looking for a natural way to get rid of snakes in your yard, growing basil is not likely to be a great deterrent. While some sources claim that this herb works to deter snakes because they do not like the smell, the solution to your reptile problems may not be so simple. Dr. Charles van Rees, a conservation scientist and naturalist who operates an educational blog, Gulo in Nature, spoke exclusively with House Digest about basil's effectiveness as a snake repellent.
Debunking the Myth: Basil's Ineffectiveness in Repelling Snakes
According to Dr. Charles van Rees, there is a common belief that planting basil in your backyard can repel snakes. However, this notion lacks scientific evidence and is merely a myth. While snakes do have the ability to detect scents through their Jacobson's organ, which provides a sense of taste and smell, there is no guarantee that they will be deterred by pungent plants like basil.
Dr. van Rees clarified that while snakes certainly will be aware of pungent plants, there is no way to be sure the reptiles will avoid them. "Snakes, like other reptiles, have a decent ability to detect scent via their Jacobson's organ, which provides a sense of taste and smell. So if you plant lots of basil, I'm sure a snake in your backyard will be able to smell it," Dr. van Rees said. "[however] there are no replicated and credible scientific studies proving that any plants can reliably repel snakes. It's as simple as that; very few people have run experiments to test the idea, and those that have did so in ways that only partially answer the question."
Though Dr. Charles van Rees explained to House Digest that there have been a few studies that showed snakes avoiding areas with strong natural scents, they didn't provide the full picture of how the animals would respond in the wild. "...even in a very controlled environment, [the researchers] simply tested where snakes spent their time (in smelly versus non-smelly areas, with and without the plant or plant chemical). This captures only half of the equation – another part of deterrence is the motivation of the snake itself."
How to Keep Snakes Away from Your Yard
Having snakes in your yard can be unsettling, but there are ways to discourage them from sticking around. While planting basil might not be a proven repellent, Dr. Charles van Rees suggests some effective strategies. "Removing tall grass, brush piles, and other hiding places for snakes is important," he advises. Additionally, minimizing resources for rodents, such as not leaving food out and properly storing birdseed and garbage, can help prevent snakes from being attracted to your yard. By following these tips, you can make your yard less appealing to snakes and reduce the chances of encountering them.
Discovering a slithering reptile hiding in your lawn can be a frightening experience, but in most cases, snakes are harmless. According to experts at The Humane Society, snakes do not pose a threat to humans or pets unless they are venomous, and the majority of snakes are not. If you have only encountered a snake once or twice, it is advisable to leave them alone as they can help control other pests around your home. However, if you are facing a serious snake problem or dealing with a venomous snake, it is recommended to seek assistance from a professional pest control agency.
