Repairing cracks in masonry and pipework, blocking up holes around your property, not allowing grass or undergrowth to grow too high, and getting rid of a mole or vole infestation will all help. One way to do so is to ensure food supplies and shelter are eliminated or limited: if snakes can't find a dark log pile to hide in or a reliable source of food around your property, they won't come visiting. There are many ways, other than snake-repellent plants and scents they hate, to keep snakes away. Free ranging pets are also a great way to deter snakes as their frequent wanderings can put these reptiles off from taking up residence. Fill in any existing holes or burrows with firmly packed soil and reduce moist areas or puddles, as these are particularly attractive to snakes. How do I snake-proof my yard?Īlongside filling your borders and pots with snake deterring plants cutting back the lower limbs of shrubs, trimming any long grass and clearing up piles of leaves, logs, or brush will also help reduce cover and their likely hiding places. Snakes also don't like pigs, cats or turkeys, either, so if you're thinking of backyard farming or acquiring new domestic animals, keep them in mind. Wild animals, such as raccoons and foxes, are snake predators, so don't get rid of raccoons or foxes if snakes are a bigger concern. Vinegar is said to keep snakes away naturally, too. You can also use oils, either dripped onto soil where snakes frequent or in bowls or Tupperware with holes in the lids choose clove oil, cinnamon oil and garlic oil. Snake-repellent plants, such as marigolds, allium, lemongrass, mother-in-law's tongue, garlic, wormwood, pink agapanthus, snakeroots, basil and yellow alder will all keep snakes away naturally. And if you can plant them out, too, you will find that snakes will steer clear of these areas. Using these as essential oils in areas that snakes frequent will help repel them. These include onions and garlic, lime, cloves and cinnamon. Snakes, like many other reptiles and, indeed, insects and mammals, including humans, have some scents that they really dislike. They also emit a strong smell that snakes detest, deterring them even when burrowing underground. Marigolds are very effective at keeping snakes away, thanks to their vigorous root system and their ability to release alpha-terthienyl – a phototoxin into the soil. And learn how to prune basil at the right time to prolong its life. Harvest individual leaves by picking them off, rather snipping several plants with scissors, as this will promote fresh, new growth. The soft and tasty leaves also scorch very easily so make sure your crop is positioned out of direct sun. It requires constant heat to grow and dislikes sitting in wet compost, where if left it will quickly rot. You can grow basil from seed, indoors and out. Smoke treatments are simple and can be undertaken by applying to the surface after sowing.Best grown from seed at regular intervals throughout spring and summer, this tender annual herb has a strong smell that we find inviting, yet snakes cannot stand. Although germination will may occur without smoke treatment it has proved be beneficial in reducing the number of days to germination and increasing germination rates of this species. Research shows that many members of this species are responsive to pre-treatment of smoke, which mimocs an Australian bushfire. Pre-treatment of smoke is recommended for most native species. Seeds will often lay dormant until conditions are optimal and will produce amazing results, long after they have been forgotten. Seeds of many native/endemic species require specific conditions that mimic their natural habitat or specially formulated seed treatments, to break dormancy.ĭo not be to quick to discard pots that haven't yet shown signs of seed germination. Place in a warm sunny position and keep moist to avoid drying out. The seed will lodge in the pores of your seed starting mix once misted with water. The optimum temperate to ensure the best possible germination rate for sowing many Australian native/ endemic species is around 18-22 ☌. As a general rule Hemiandra seed should be sown to the depth of the seed.Īlthough most Australian native/ endemic seed can be sown throughout the seasons across Australia it is advisable to sow in Spring or Summer in colder regions. Hemiandra seeds come in a range of sizes from very tiny to a few millimeters. Thrives in an open and sunny spot, and is very hardy and drought tolerant plant making it suitable for coastal and limestone areas. Hemiandra pungens purpurea is a prostrate groundcover with fresh purple, pungent leaves and a mass of mauve flowers over the summer months. Hemiandra pungens 'Purple Leaved Snake Bush' - 10x Seeds
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