What Really Repels Snakes? (Preventing Snakebites)

Myths, Popular Beliefs, and What Science Says

In many parts of Venezuela and Latin America, beliefs persist about substances, animals, or practices that supposedly drive snakes away. From chewing tobacco (chimó) to gasoline, kerosene, essential oils, garlic, onions, herbs, mothballs, certain garden plants, vinegar, and even ropes laid on the ground. These strategies are part of traditional knowledge passed down from generation to generation.

But what does science say about this? Can these methods truly protect us from a snakebite incident? Or do they simply give us a false sense of security?

Let’s begin with something essential: How do snakes “smell”?

To understand what may or may not affect a snake, we must first understand how they perceive their environment. Snakes do not detect odors the way humans do. Instead of relying primarily on a nose with olfactory receptors like mammals, they depend on a specialized system: the vomeronasal organ, also known as the organ of Jacobson, located in the roof of the mouth.

When snakes flick their tongues, they are not “smelling” in the conventional sense. They are collecting chemical particles from the environment—whether from the air, the ground, or other animals—and transferring them to this sensory organ. Through this mechanism, snakes can detect with remarkable precision the presence of prey, predators, or potential mates.

Although this chemosensory system is extraordinarily sensitive, it does not function as an effective chemical barrier.

Certain environmental stimuli may attract their attention, cause temporary discomfort, or prompt them to avoid an area briefly. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of odors as a reliable or sustained method for “repelling” snakes.

Despite this, many stores sell sachets or products labeled as “snake repellents,” promoting a false sense of security.

These products generally lack serious technical support and do not work as advertised. Rather than providing protection, they may increase risk by leading people to rely on measures that do not actually prevent the presence of snakes.

“When humans perceive an unpleasant odor, we often cover our noses, which also partially blocks our breathing—so we are likely to move away.

In contrast, snakes do not need to stop breathing in order to stop ‘smelling’: they simply stop flicking their tongues.”

What methods do people commonly mention?

We gathered real testimonials from social media, where we asked: What do you use or know as a snake repellent? These were some of the most frequently mentioned:

Method	Works?	Comment
Chimó (chewing tobacco)	❌ Not proven	Its strong smell and ritual use have fueled the myth, but there is no evidence.
Creoline	⚠️ Do not recommend	It may irritate mucous membranes in confined spaces, but it is toxic to humans, animals, and the environment. It is ineffective as a repellent.
Gasoline / Kerosene	⚠️ Dangerous	It can irritate mucous membranes in confined spaces, but it is highly flammable and polluting. It is ineffective as a repellent.
Garlic, Onion	❌ Commom myth	Although it is strong for us, it does not represent a barrier for snakes.
Ropes / Cords	❌ False	The myth says that they don't cross them, but there is no scientific basis for this.
Chickens / Cats	❌ Unreliable	They might attack small snakes, but they do not repel or prevent their presence.
Amonia	✅ Only in controlled contexts	It can expel snakes from hiding places by irritating their mucous membranes, but it does not work as an environmental repellent.
Do no bathe	😂 Local humor	It reflects how oral tradition blends humor and belief. (Although this method might scare off the neighbors.)

🗣️ “My grandfather used to say that chewing tobacco, tobacco, and garlic protected him in the mountains. He was never bitten by a snake…” – @AngeldTorres

Why do these myths persist?

• Traditional rituals: Chimó (chewing tobacco), garlic, or tobacco are often rooted in spiritual or shamanic protection practices.

• Personal experiences: Someone was never bitten while using a certain method… and assumes that was the reason for their “protection.” However, this can be as misleading as claiming one was never struck by lightning because of the color of their hat. In reality, many people who live or work in rural areas go years without snakebite incidents—not because of amulets or repellents, but because bites are relatively infrequent events that depend on multiple factors, including chance, the activity being performed, the season, and the type of environment. Blindly trusting a personal correlation can create a false sense of security—and that, in itself, represents a real risk.

• Lack of reliable information: Without clear alternatives, people rely on what they know or what they hear.

Although these practices may seem harmless, the real danger lies in creating a false sense of security. When someone believes they have “protected” their home or surroundings with ropes, mothballs, diesel fuel, or so-called “snake-repelling plants,” they are less likely to adopt preventive measures that are truly effective.

This unfounded confidence can lead to a dangerous underestimation of real risk, delayed responses in an emergency, or even lowered vigilance in areas with high snakebite incidence.

So… what actually works to prevent encounters with snakes?

(Preventing snakebites)

Environmental management:

• Keep yards and surrounding areas clean and free of debris.

• Cut back vegetation and remove or cover objects where snakes may hide.

• Seal entry points to homes and sheds, install door sweeps, and repair holes or cracks.

Control de presas:

• Rodents, frogs, and small birds attract snakes. Managing these reduces their presence.

Education and precaution:

• Wear tall boots, gloves, a wide-brimmed hat, and thick clothing when walking in forests or working in agricultural or rural areas.

• Use proper lighting at night.

• Avoid placing your hands into holes or piles of debris.

• Shake out and inspect clothing, boots, and bedding before use.

• Walk on cleared paths and avoid dense vegetation.

• Pay attention to where you sit or place your hands.

• Avoid traveling alone in remote areas; if you do, carry a phone or radio.

In summary:

To date, there is no scientifically validated chemical repellent that works effectively against snakes in open environments. Although some strong odors may be unpleasant to certain animals, they do not constitute a real or lasting barrier to prevent snake presence.

Traditional knowledge should be valued as part of community dialogue, but it must also be contrasted with available scientific evidence. Ultimately, the most effective way to prevent dangerous encounters and avoid snakebites remains education and proper environmental management—reducing shelters and food sources near homes.

Participate and share

Do you know of any other myths or tricks about repelling snakes? Share them in the comments of this article or on our social media. We are documenting these beliefs as part of an educational initiative by Fundación Vivarium.

You can also read the discussion thread on our X.com account using the hashtag #VivariumEduca.

Public WhatsApp Group: Would you like to continue discussing these topics with professionals and enthusiasts of wildlife and medicine?👉 Join our public group for Snake Identification and Sightings in Venezuela: bit.ly/45LU8C5

There, we answer real questions and share experiences grounded in scientific knowledge.

❤️ If you value our educational work and would like to help us continue preventing deaths from snakebites in Venezuela, please consider making a donation.

Your contribution makes a difference. 👉 https://www.fundacionvivarium.org/dona

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