If you’re a garden lover, you probably enjoy adding lush greenery around your home. But did you know that some plants can unintentionally attract snakes — either as shelter or as a food source?

Here are common plants you should think twice about planting near your home:

1. Dense Bushes and Shrubs (like Boxwood, Juniper, or Privet)

• Snakes love hiding in thick, low-lying foliage because it offers shade and protection from predators.
• These bushes create the perfect “cool” zone on hot days.

2. Ground Covers (like Ivy, Lantana, or Periwinkle)

• Ground-covering plants are like snake highways — they slither under them undetected.
• These areas often house rodents and frogs — snake food!

3. Bamboo

• Bamboo creates a dense, cool, and humid environment — ideal for snakes.
• Once mature, it’s difficult to control and offers endless hiding spots.

4. Tall Grasses and Ornamental Grass (e.g., Pampas Grass)

• These grow in thick clumps, perfect for snakes to nest or hide.
• Tall grasses are also hard to check regularly, increasing your risk of surprise encounters.

5. Fruiting Plants and Trees (e.g., Guava, Papaya, Banana)

• Fallen fruits attract rodents, birds, and insects — which in turn attract snakes.
• If you have them, be sure to clean up fallen fruits promptly.

Bonus Tip: Avoid Wood Piles & Rock Gardens Too

• While not plants, these landscaping features are snake magnets due to their warmth and shelter.

How to Keep Snakes Away:

• Keep grass trimmed and plants well-pruned.
• Avoid dense clusters of plants close to the home.
• Remove any standing water sources.
• Use snake repellents or natural deterrents like lemongrass or marigold (which some snakes dislike).

Stay safe by planting smart.

Your garden should be a haven — not a hiding place for snakes!