Here are 6 Plants That May Attract Snakes to Your Environment

Josephine Amuzu 15:02 - 28 February 2026

Snakes are attracted to habitats, not plants, but certain vegetation can increase their presence

Snakes are a natural part of many ecosystems, especially in tropical countries like Ghana. While plants themselves do not “invite” snakes, certain types of vegetation can create conditions that attract them.

Experts say it is not the plant that snakes are interested in — it is what the plant provides: shelter, moisture, shade, or prey. Here are some plants and vegetation types that may indirectly draw snakes closer to homes and compounds.

1. Dense Shrubs and Bushes

Dense Shrubs and Bushes

Thick ornamental shrubs and overgrown hedges provide excellent hiding spots for snakes. These plants create cool, shaded areas where snakes can rest during hot weather. If shrubs are not regularly trimmed, they can become safe shelters for reptiles.

2. Tall Grasses

Uncut or overgrown grass is one of the biggest attractants for snakes. Tall grass allows them to move undetected while hunting for food such as frogs, lizards, and rodents. Compounds with poor lawn maintenance are more likely to experience snake sightings.

3. Fruit Trees

Fruit-bearing trees such as mango or guava do not directly attract snakes. However, fallen fruits attract rodents and insects — and rodents attract snakes. Where there is food for prey, predators are likely to follow.

4. Palm Trees and Thick Ground Cover

Plants like palms and low-growing ground cover plants can create dark, damp spaces around their roots. These areas can serve as temporary shelters for snakes, especially during dry seasons.

5. Water-Loving Plants

Plants that require frequent watering or are planted near stagnant water can create moist environments. Snakes are often drawn to water sources, particularly in hot climates. Gardens with poor drainage may unintentionally attract reptiles.

6. Compost Heaps and Mulch Beds

While not exactly plants, garden compost and mulch piles are often placed near vegetation. These areas generate warmth and attract insects and rodents, making them appealing hiding or hunting grounds for snakes.

It’s About Habitat, Not the Plant

Wildlife experts emphasise that snakes do not target specific plant species. Instead, they are attracted to environments that offer:

Food (rodents, frogs, insects)
Shelter and hiding places
Cool shade
Water sources

If your compound provides these conditions, snakes may occasionally appear.

How to Reduce the Risk

To minimise snake presence around your home:

Trim shrubs regularly.
Cut grass frequently.
Clear fallen fruits.
Avoid piling firewood close to the house.
Seal holes in walls and fences.

Maintain proper drainage to prevent stagnant water.

Snakes play an important role in controlling rodent populations. However, maintaining a clean and well-trimmed environment reduces the likelihood of unwanted encounters.

Understanding that it is habitat conditions — not specific “snake-attracting plants” — that draw snakes can help homeowners manage their surroundings more effectively.

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