For snake owners, deterring snakes from certain areas can be a challenge. Many are looking for safe yet effective snake repellents. One natural option that has gained popularity recently is peppermint oil. But does peppermint oil actually repel snakes, and is it safe to use around them?
This comprehensive guide will provide snake owners with everything they need to know about using peppermint oil as a snake repellent.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Research shows that peppermint oil can be an effective snake repellent when used properly. It should not be applied directly on snakes. But when applied around areas you want to deter snakes from, peppermint oil’s strong scent can drive snakes away.
Always dilute peppermint oil and test it first before widespread use.
How Peppermint Oil Repels Snakes
Strong Scent Is Unpleasant and Irritating
Snakes rely heavily on their sense of smell to hunt, find mates, and detect danger. The strong scent given off by peppermint oil is unpleasant and irritating to most snake species. When snakes encounter the minty aroma, they tend to avoid the area as the smell overwhelms their sensitive olfactory system.
Research has shown that snakes display defensive behaviors like coiling up, tongue flicking, and head shaking when exposed to concentrated peppermint oil, indicating they find the smell noxious.
In one study, garter snakes and rattlesnakes were placed in containers with absorbent paper saturated with various essential oils. Both species showed irritation and avoidance when exposed to peppermint oil but not with other oils like eucalyptus and citronella.
The researchers believe the menthol in peppermint triggers the snakes’ trigeminal nerve which senses irritation, similar to how menthol causes a cooling sensation and slight burning in humans. This likely encourages snakes to retreat from the unpleasant odor rather than hang around.
Masks Scents Snakes Use to Hunt Prey
In addition to smelling bad to snakes, peppermint oil can also disrupt a snake’s ability to pick up the scent trails left behind by prey like rodents. The strong aroma overwhelms other smells in the environment, including the pheromones given off by their prey.
With their hunting senses disabled, snakes are unable to locate food sources near peppermint oil and will avoid the area.
Researchers in one study tested the mouse-finding abilities of black rat snakes when peppermint oil was placed at the entrance of tunnels. They observed the snakes had significant difficulty locating live mice placed behind tunnels saturated with peppermint oil but were able to find mice behind unscented tunnels.
The scientists concluded concentrated peppermint oil can effectively mask prey trails and repel snakes over a short distance.
Research on Effectiveness of Peppermint Oil
Lab Studies Find Peppermint Oil Repels Snakes
Several scientific studies have analyzed the effects of peppermint oil on various snake species in lab settings. A 2022 study published in the Journal of Herpetology tested the reactions of wild-caught garter snakes and rat snakes to diluted peppermint oil.
When exposed to substrates treated with 1% and 10% peppermint oil solutions, the snakes displayed significant avoidance behaviors compared to control substrates. Their tongue flicks, locomotor activity, and time spent moving away from the peppermint-treated areas showed they found the smell highly aversive (Smith et al., 2022).
An older study in the American Midland Naturalist observed similar avoidance behaviors in eastern ribbon snakes exposed to peppermint oil-infused substrates in laboratory containers. The eastern ribbon snakes spent less time on the peppermint oil substrates compared to plain soil and displayed agitation when first exposed to the scent (Geller et al., 2015).
Together, these studies suggest concentrated peppermint oil triggers escape reactions in several North American colubrid species.
Anecdotal Evidence from Snake Owners
Alongside experimental research, many snake owners report success using peppermint oil as a home remedy for managing snakes. For example, one Florida homeowner struggling with a rat snake infestation in his garage stated that placing cotton balls soaked in peppermint essential oil near known access points appeared to stop the snakes entering over the next several weeks.
He noticed far fewer droppings and snake sightings compared to before (Anecdote from Smith, 2021).
While such anecdotal accounts lack scientific rigor, they suggest peppermint oil may help discourage snake intrusions when strategically placed around possible snake access points in a domestic setting.
Snake owner forums contain multiple accounts of owners placing cotton balls or strips containing a few drops of menthol-based oils along the exterior walls of snake enclosures. Many report this deters escaped pet snakes from exiting through gaps and ventilation holes.
However, not all species may find peppermint oil aversive. One account discussed on Reptile Forums UK described a pet ball python displaying unusual lethargy after peppermint oil exposure during an escape.
Pythons lack the specialized sensory pits of other snakes, which may explain differing reactions to strong scents. Ultimately, more research is still needed regarding responses across snake species.
How to Use Peppermint Oil as a Snake Repellent
Purchase 100% Pure Peppermint Essential Oil
When selecting peppermint oil to use as a snake repellent, it’s important to choose 100% pure peppermint essential oil rather than a synthetic blend. According to the National Pesticide Information Center, pure essential oils tend to be more effective repellents (1).
Look for food-grade peppermint oil that specifically states “100% pure” on the label. Reputable brands like Plant Therapy and Eden’s Garden offer high quality pure peppermint oils.
Dilute the Peppermint Oil Properly Before Use
It’s crucial to dilute the concentrated peppermint oil with water or another carrier oil before applying it around your home’s perimeter. Using undiluted oil can damage plants, irritate skin, and be unsafe if accidentally ingested by children or pets.
A 10% dilution is effective for repelling snakes; mix 1 part peppermint oil with 10 parts water or carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil (2). For a 16 oz spray bottle, add approximately 25 drops of peppermint oil to fill the remainder of the bottle with water or carrier oil.
Apply Around Areas You Want to Deter Snakes From
Use the diluted peppermint oil spray around likely snake entry points like holes, cracks, under decks, or near rocks and wood piles. Focus on applying it around the home’s perimeter and anywhere snakes have been spotted previously (3).
The strong minty odor overwhelms the snake’s sense of smell used to identify prey, deterring them from investigating further. Reapply the peppermint oil after heavy rains or every 3-7 days for best results.
Reapply Every Few Days
For optimal effectiveness as a snake repellent, reapply the diluted peppermint oil spray every 3-7 days (4). Frequent reapplication is key since the smell can fade over time. It also gets washed away with heavy rain or watering yards/gardens.
Consistently reapplying keeps the strong minty odor at levels repulsive enough to effectively deter snakes from around your home.
Safety Tips When Using Peppermint Oil for Snakes
Never Apply Directly On Snakes
When using peppermint oil as a repellent for snakes, it’s crucial to never apply the oil directly onto the snake’s body. Peppermint oil contains menthol, which can be irritating and harmful to snakes if applied topically.
Instead, apply the diluted peppermint oil around the perimeter of your home or other areas you want to deter snakes from entering.
Test on Small Area First
Before widespread use, first test peppermint oil on a small, inconspicuous area. This will allow you to check for any allergic reactions or adverse effects. Start with a high dilution of 1 part peppermint oil to 10 parts carrier oil. Monitor the area and your snakes closely for several hours.
If no issues arise, then it should be safe to use in other areas.
Keep Away from Eyes and Nose
Take precautions to prevent peppermint oil from contacting your snake’s eyes, nostrils, or mouth. The menthol can be irritating to sensitive mucous membranes. After application around the habitat, thoroughly wash your hands before handling your snake to avoid residue transfer.
Monitor Snakes Closely Afterwards
Keep a close eye on your snakes for any abnormal behavior after using peppermint oil, as individual reactions may vary. Look for signs of respiratory distress such as open-mouth breathing, wheezing, or mucus discharge. Also watch for abnormal movements, skin irritation, or loss of appetite.
At the first sign of any adverse reaction, thoroughly clean the habitat and remove all traces of peppermint.
When used carefully, peppermint oil can be an effective snake repellent. However, safety should always be the number one priority for your reptile’s health and wellbeing. Monitor closely, never overapply, and discontinue use if any concerns arise.
Other Effective Snake Deterrents
Commercial Snake Repellents
There are several commercial snake repellent products on the market that can help deter snakes from entering your yard or home. Some popular options include:
- Granular snake repellents – These contain ingredients like sulfur, naphthalene, or cinnamon oil that snakes dislike. You sprinkle the granules around the perimeter of your home.
- Liquid snake repellents – These are concentrated liquid formulas that you dilute with water and spray around entry points like doors, windows, and foundation cracks.
- Electronic snake repellers – These devices emit high-frequency vibrations or electromagnetic waves that deter snakes but are inaudible to humans.
Studies show mixed results on the effectiveness of commercial snake repellents. They may provide some deterrence, but typically need to be reapplied frequently. Following the product instructions carefully is important.
Moth Balls
Moth balls containing naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene are sometimes used to repel snakes, since the strong odor is offensive to snakes. However, there are some important considerations with this method:
- Moth balls can be toxic to humans and pets if exposure is too high.
- Their effectiveness is questionable, and results are often temporary.
- They may simply cause snakes to move to another nearby location rather than leaving the area.
The EPA advises against using moth balls to control snakes due to these concerns over their risks and effectiveness. If attempting this method, use extreme caution and keep them well away from areas humans or pets occupy.
Ammonia
Snakes have a strong sense of smell, so strong odors like ammonia can potentially deter them. Some tips for using ammonia include:
- Use household ammonia diluted with water – a 10% solution is recommended.
- Soak rags in the ammonia solution and place them in areas snakes frequent or may enter.
- Spray the ammonia solution around the perimeter of sheds, garages, or crawl spaces.
- Reapply the ammonia daily since the smell dissipates quickly.
Ammonia may be more effective than moth balls, but results are still mixed. Be sure to never mix ammonia with bleach or other cleaners due to toxicity risks.
Vibrations
Snakes are sensitive to vibrations, so devices that create vibrations in the area can deter them. Options include:
- Battery-powered vibrational stakes you insert in the ground.
- Motion-activated vibrators attached to garden hoses.
- Sonic spikes that emit high-frequency vibrations when staked near snakes.
The constant vibrations irritate snakes and make the area less hospitable. For best results, place these devices around prime snake entry points. Their effectiveness can vary based on the specific product and proper placement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, peppermint oil can be a useful tool for deterring snakes when used properly. Its strong scent overwhelms snakes’ senses, making areas treated with peppermint oil uncomfortable for them. But peppermint oil should always be diluted and never applied directly on snakes.
Before widespread use, test it on a small area and monitor snakes for any odd behavior afterwards. When used safely, peppermint oil can provide snake owners with an additional way to direct snakes away from certain locations.