Do you have a green thumb, love growing fruits, but hate snakes? If you’re gardening in El Paso, it’s important to know that some plants and trees can attract snakes.
Yes, certain plants create an ideal environment for these cold-blooded creatures, making your yard a potential snake haven. Here’s what you need to know and how to keep your garden snake-free.
Why Do Snakes Love Certain Plants?
Snakes are cold-blooded, meaning they regulate their body temperature through their surroundings. During cooler months, they seek warmth, and during hot weather, they look for cool, shaded areas.
Many plants and trees provide the perfect conditions for snakes by offering shade, moisture, and an abundance of prey. These plants also tend to have thick root systems and ample moisture from watering, which attract small animals like rodents and lizards—prey that snakes love to feast on.
Which Plants and Trees Attract Snakes?
While olive trees are a known favorite, there are other plants and trees that snakes find irresistible. These include:
- Cedar trees
- Cypress trees
- Juniper trees
- Oak trees
- Clover
- Hostas
- Jasmine
These plants provide a perfect environment for rodents and lizards, which are common prey for snakes. As a result, snakes may end up frequenting your garden.
What Do Snakes Eat?
Most snakes feed on small rodents and lizards, which are drawn to plants like those mentioned above. These animals thrive in cool, moist, and secluded areas—exactly the type of environment these plants offer.
When rodents and lizards gather around these plants, snakes follow in search of a meal. This creates a snake-friendly environment where human contact becomes more likely.
How to Keep Snakes Away from Your Garden
Don’t worry—there are ways to enjoy your plants and keep snakes at bay. Here are some tips for creating a snake-free environment in your yard:
- Keep the Yard Neat: Remove piles of wood, debris, rocks, or anything else that could provide shelter for snakes or rodents. Clean up any clutter that could attract these creatures.
- Mow and Prune Regularly: Keep your grass short and trim heavy shrubs or low-hanging limbs to increase visibility in your yard. The more you can see, the less likely you’ll be to encounter snakes.
- Control Rodents: Snakes come to eat rodents, so if you control the rodent population, you can keep snakes away. Use traps, poison, or even pets like cats or dogs to help reduce the rodent population.
- Minimize Water Sources: Snakes are attracted to areas with water. Be mindful of anything that can hold water, like birdbaths, overwatered plants, or leaky faucets. Also, keep your pool well-maintained and free of excess water.