Do snake repellers work?
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 repellers.
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.
Sureguard Solar Snake Repellent
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 $45 device comes with rechargeable batteries for day and night use and changes vibration pattern 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.
Link to buy: Sureguard repellers are available in store and online from Bunnings Australia.
Sentinel Q Snake Repeller
Sentinel battery powered snake repellers work in much the same way as Sureguard devices, emitting a rapid set of vibrations which signal danger to snakes.
Sentinel 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 Sentinel devices covering an area of 20 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.
Sentinel devices are 100% non-toxic and are safe for children, house pets and other wildlife.
At $80 per device, it’s not the cheapest solution and it is worth nothing that a number of negative reviews of Sentinel devices have been posted on Product Review Australia.
One user claimed the switch repeatedly became stuck while others reported problems with battery power.
Link to buy: The latest model of Sentinel repeller is available from Oakent.com.au now.
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.
Raidar Snake Defence Multi-Pulse Solar Snake Repeller
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”.
Link to buy: Raidar Snake Defence Multi-Pulse repellent is sold separately from Derwent Traders or in packs of two for $99 from Mitre 10.
Kogan Pestill Solar LED Light Snake Repeller
A cost-effective option for snake repelling is the Pestill Solar LED Light from online pest control and hardware giant Kogan.
At $29 for a pack of two, the Pestill is one of the more pocket-friendly inventions for warding off serpents, rodents and other unwanted visitors.
It offers non-toxic protection, suitable for children and pets, and is both solar powered and weather resistant making it extremely low maintenance all year round.
The Kogan emits ultrasonic waves every 50 seconds to deter ground-dwellers like snakes, mice and rats with an effective range up to 14 metres.
For the best coverage, Kogan recommends placing two devices into the soil roughly 30 metres apart.
Link to buy: Buy this great value two-pack from Kogan just as warmer weather arrives.
