Snakes aren’t drawn to plants the way bees are to flowers—but certain plants create perfect hiding spots: cool, shady, and damp. Even in well-kept suburban gardens, some plants can accidentally invite snakes to settle in. The trick? Choose landscaping that doesn’t offer easy cover. Here are four plants to avoid (and what to do instead):

1. Jasmine

Smells lovely, but it spreads fast and forms thick ground cover—exactly what snakes love for shelter and hunting. It also attracts lizards, a favorite snake snack. If you have it, trim it regularly and keep it away from walls or foundations. Better yet, replace it with less dense, drier-growing plants.

2. Lemongrass

Great for repelling mosquitoes, but not snakes. Its clumps are dense and shady, offering ideal hiding spots. The long leaves trap moisture, especially at the base. Swap it for thinner, airier plants if snakes are a concern.

3. Juniper Bushes

These popular shrubs are dense, cool, and often attract rodents—snake food. Because they’re used along borders, they’re prime snake pathways. If you have kids or pets, consider a more open, less cluttered alternative.

4. Bird of Paradise

Beautiful but risky. Its wide leaves and thick base create jungle-like cover snakes love, especially when overgrown. It also attracts bugs and small animals. Trim it often, keep it dry underneath, or choose smaller tropical plants and break up the space with gravel or rocks.

5. Ivy