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Do Snake Repellers Work? We investigate

Your guide to snake repellents.
snake repellentsGetty

Australia has a long list of wacky methods and devices aimed at warding off unwanted snakes, but the internet has long been divided about the efficacy of snake repellers.

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With slithering serpents a real cause for concern to many Australian families, particularly those living in rural areas, vast numbers have spent significant time and money ‘snake-proofing’ their residence against potential visitors during the summer season.

But although there are a variety of snake repellers on the market ranging from homemade oil blends to expensive ultrasonic vibrators, there seems to be no consensus as to whether they actually work or not.

Offering an expert opinion, Professor Rick Shine who is a snake behavioural specialist from the University of Sydney, said he is “sceptical” of all snake repellers.

Repellents come in chemical or vibrating form, with liquid repellers usually laced with phenyl and ultrasonic vibrating devices primarily solar and battery powered.

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Sureguard repellers are available in store and online from Bunnings Australia.

01

Sureguard Solar Snake Repellent

$99.90 at Woolworths

Sureguard repellents emit a pulsing vibration through the surrounding soil powered by solar energy.

When snakes sense the vibration, the vast majority will perceive it as danger and avoid the area around pulsing beat, in a similar vein to the way snakes avoid bushwalkers stomping on the soil with sticks and shoes.

Sureguard advise placing two solar repellers at the front of your home and two at the rear, between 10m and 25m apart, to create a snake-free zone around the house.

The device comes with rechargeable batteries for day and night use and changes vibration patterns to deter snakes time and again.

Sureguard claim that snakes can barely detect audio sounds, but are extremely sensitive to the sensory vibration emitted by their repellers.

Independent customer reviews praised Sureguard, with one claiming to have had a dozen snakes in as many days on their property before installing the repellers, after which they “have not seen one since!”.

As well as working a charm, others said the devices were neat, compact and sat attractively on the front lawn.

envirobug snake repellent

02

Sureguard Solar Snake Repellent

$98 at Woolworths

EnvrioBug’s Solar Snake Repellers work in much the same way as Sureguard devices, emitting a rapid set of vibrations that signal danger to snakes.

The repellers create sensations similar to those given off by large herds of cattle, horses and sheep which act as natural deterrents to serpents.

Snakes quickly skirt these pulsing beats to avoid injury or confrontation with a larger animal, and with EnviroBug devices covering an area of 40 metres in all directions from where it is placed, it’s worth a try to keep unwanted visitors at bay.

For large gardens, Sentinel recommend using between four and six units for optimum efficacy.

At $98 for a pack of two, you can’t go wrong with this highly-rated, trustworthy product.

RAiDAR Snake Defence Multi Pulse Plus - Twin Pack

03

Raidar Snake Defence Multi-Pulse Solar Snake Repeller

$109.92 at Amazon

If you’re confused about how to deter snakes this season, look no further than the Multi-Pulse snake repeller from Raidar which covers roughly 15 metres in all directions.

The ultrasonic device emits both vibration and noise every 50 seconds, with the earth borne pulses being the most important element.

The $59 Raidar creation changes pulse patterns every two days to prevent snakes growing accustomed to the beat, and positioning the device in firm ground will provide optimum protection.

The portable device is safe to use around children, pets, birds and livestock and works throughout the day and night.

It operates on long-lasting solar powered batteries and is recommended for use at home, on camping trips and for picnics.

To charge, leave the green plastic head in the sun for two days in bright sunshine, or three to four days if overcast.

Online reviews gave the Raidar product four stars and credited the device with keeping snakes away in what seems to be “an active snake year”.

snake in dessert

04

Eucalyptus, tea tree and lavender DIY deterrent

Organic distillery Emu Ridge suggest using a natural, homemade snake deterrent in the form of a native Australian oil blend.

Simply mix 20ml of Eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender and sandalwood oils with 120ml clove oil, 400ml methylated spirits and 420ml of water for a reportedly effective solution to trespassing snakes.

This recipe is touted as a more effective alternative to phenyl based liquid repellers.

According to Emu Ridge, snakes use their tongue to smell through a function called the vomeronasal system which allows snakes to sense tiny chemical particles on the roof of their mouth.

In this way, the snake detects things like dirt, plants, other animals and suspicious smelling concoctions like the Eucalyptus repeller.

Emu Ridge advise spraying a generous dose of the mixture along the boundaries of your property, outdoor sheds, plants and external doors.

The recipe comes from a reptile specialist and is safe to use around pets and other wildlife.

Online reviewers liked the organic nature of this deterrent, and suggested using the spray in conjunction with snake traps to truly snake-proof your property this summer.

Cinnamon oil, castor oil and peppermint oil are other natural options which are said to be a solution for how to keep snakes away.

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