Stories
Snake Repellent: Sarpagandha Plant Outperforms Carbolic Acid, Keeps Snakes Away
N
News18•21-09-2026, 10:37
Snake Repellent: Sarpagandha Plant Outperforms Carbolic Acid, Keeps Snakes Away
- •Monsoon brings frequent snake sightings, especially near schools and homes, creating fear among residents.
- •Ajay Agarwal, director of Chlorophyll Play School in Koderma, Jharkhand, found a solution 15 years ago using Sarpagandha plants.
- •Initially, he used carbolic acid, but its effect was temporary in deterring snakes.
- •He planted 18 Sarpagandha plants 15 years ago, which have now proliferated across the campus, virtually eliminating snake sightings.
- •The distinct scent of Sarpagandha plants repels snakes; Agarwal is now encouraging others to plant them as a natural remedy.
Key Questions Answered
The Sarpagandha plant emits a distinct, intense scent from its leaves and roots that helps keep snakes away. Ajay Agarwal used this natural remedy by planting them around his school campus, successfully stopping snake sightings.
Ajay Agarwal previously sprayed chemicals like carbolic acid around his school campus, which kept snakes away for only a few days because its effect was not permanent.
Ajay Agarwal has started a small campaign where he plants Sarpagandha in discarded coconut shells and regularly distributes them to people in need to help them naturally deter snakes.
