The Sun-Loving Plant That May Be The Answer To Your Yard's Snake Problem

While most of your yard's slithering visitors aren't threats, there are some dangerous snakes you should definitely avoid while exploring the great outdoors. If you'd like to prevent snake encounters — even harmless ones — you might want to try safe and natural ways to deter these creatures. Landscaping is one possible tool for keeping snake populations low while fighting soil erosion and other problems your yard might be facing. Though there aren't many scientific studies about plants' snake-deterring abilities, the golden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) could possibly do just that if you give it lots of sun and grow it where temperatures stay above 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

In fairness, don't let your expectations get too high. Speaking with Southern Living, Sean Foley — the curator of herpetology at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina — explained, "Spiky plants like some hollies and cacti may deter a snake, but probably not a motivated one." Still, every line of defense helps, right? With that in mind, the golden barrel cactus doesn't grow fast, but its lifespan is long, often about 30 years. A native of Mexico's Chihuahuan desert, this succulent may take 20 years to reach a mature height of around 3 feet and a width of 5 feet. 

The bigger a golden barrel gets, the more snake deterrence it theoretically offers. Assuming the snake isn't determined to climb one, the reptile will probably avoid large specimens, which have the most copious amounts of prickly yellow spines. Supersized golden barrels could look imposing to snakes, acting as spiky walls of discomfort. Some gardeners plant golden barrels near fountains, houses, and other structures they'd like to shield from snakes. These plants could even be used as borders, creating prickly "fences" that many plant-eating creatures are also unwilling to chew.

Installing golden barrel cactuses in spots that snakes frequent is one strategy for possibly keeping unwanted reptiles out of your yard. Keeping these plants healthy is another. If a golden barrel isn't getting the sunshine and nutrition it needs, its growth may suffer, and it may not survive long enough to repel many pests. 

In general, this living pincushion requires at least 6 hours of daily direct sunlight and soil with excellent drainage. During the summer, it appreciates high potassium fertilizer and just one watering session per month. Make sure its planting site returns to a dry state before providing more hydration. If a golden barrel receives too much moisture, it becomes susceptible to rot. This plant is also likely to struggle if you grow it outdoors outside USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11. Fortunately, you can cultivate it in a container and move it indoors if you live in another zone. But ultimately, this is a fuss-free plant that's perfect for even beginner gardeners.

Though growing a golden barrel cactus can possibly help ward off snakes, it's smart to adopt some other non-toxic pest control methods as well. For example, mulching your garden with gravel can help keep snakes out of your yard. Plus, many cactuses appreciate this material's ability to enhance drainage, control weeds, and protect their roots from extreme temperatures.