Asked on Apr 20, 2017

Does Lava Rock repel snakes?

Jackie Gfeller
by Jackie Gfeller
My Uncle, a wise old man of 90, tells me that snakes won't crawl across Lava Rock. I have a huge snake problem around my rural farm house, and it seems any hole in the sill plate is a flashing signal to them to invade my basement. We have a new foundation, but there seems to be no end to the foaming insulation needs! Before I invest in a Lava Rock barrier, I wondered if anyone else had any experience to support my wise old uncle's premise? Thanks and have a wonderful spring!
  4 answers
  • Beverly Stringer Beverly Stringer on Apr 21, 2017

    If chalk irritates the abdomen and legs of ants; then the pumice like abrasion of lava rocks should tear and irritate snakes abdomens too. I wouldn't leave the pieces whole, but instead crack or grate it up a bit. Good luck, snakes won't crawl on gravel roads, but prefer black top and main highways.

  • Mur11895127 Mur11895127 on Apr 21, 2017

    Hmmm. I don't know, but where I live, not a whole lot, other than cactus repel snakes. I am in Colorado. They crawled right across the gravel drive at our mountain place. I have Lava rock from up in Idaho I brought back, but I doubt that stops them since they are in that rock garden too. Up here in Glacier View, we just watch out for them.

  • Patricia Hallford Patricia Hallford on Apr 21, 2017

    I have always used moth balls around and under my house. For some reason they cant stand them. Throw balls under the house and a small line if granules around outer foundation, along fences, etc. All my neighbors have major problems with copperheads and rattlesnakes. In 4 years I have had none. My granny taught me this trick and it works! Good luck on whatever you decide!


  • Sharon Sharon on Apr 21, 2017

    And you just have to fill all those holes.... its a home calling for a resident.