Pineapple is known as the “Golden Queen” in literature. As the name suggests, pineapple shines brightly among fruit lovers. But there is a belief among people, especially pineapple growers, that pineapple fruit has the supper power to attract snakes.
So, today through this article, I am going to discuss this topic. I think further reading will be more interesting.
Does Pineapple Tree Attract Snakes?
Generally, there is no scientific relationship between pineapple trees and snakes. But the farmers who grow the pineapples can commonly find snakes in their crops. That means there must be reasons for the proliferation of snakes in pineapple plantations. So, let’s clarify these reasons one by one.
Similar Climatic region
The first and main reason is both snakes and pineapple trees prefer to live in the same climatic region. Typically, pineapple is the most popular tropical fruit. It means pineapple trees love to grow in tropical areas. They are difficult to survive in too much cooler temperatures.
On the other hand, typically, most snakes can be found in tropical and subtropical regions in the world. In conclusion, it is normal to find snakes in the areas where pineapple trees are grown due to the climate.
Similar land space
In addition to that, the simple theory is, Pineapples do not grow as trees. Pineapple plants are close to the ground level. Another thing is, snakes are commonly live in the ground.
So, there is a possibility that snakes live in pineapple fields. Further, pineapple crops provide proper spacing to snakes.
Abundance of prey
The third reason is prey. The general truth is, predatory animals attract to places where there is a lot of prey. So, the same is true of snakes.
In fact, many small animals like to eat pineapple in pineapple plantations. Further, pineapple crops provide the best environment to live them.
On the other hand, most of these small animals are the prey of snakes. As an example, rats, rodents, birds are some of them.
So, snakes tend to come to pineapple crops to catch these prey and their eggs and cubs. Consequently, snakes do not leave these places due to the availability of food.
Availability of hiding places
Pineapple plants do not grow very tall. These plants are like bushes. So, this bushy nature provides the best habitat for most snakes.
Generally, most snakes like to live in hiding. So, this bushy nature of pineapple crops creates a lot of hiding places. Also, the darkness in the bushes helps snakes to catch prey easily.
Plough and clean the lands
Gardners who have cash crops such as cauliflower, eggplants, and tomatoes tend to plow and clean the land several times in the year. As a result of this, these lands are not better habitats for snakes.
But comparatively, pineapple farmers plow and clean the lands few times per year. So, this type of land provides the best habitats for snakes. But this can be varied from farmer to farmer.
Special Note
In addition to these factors, some pineapple growers believe that the snakes may attract the fragrance of the well ripe pineapple.
Does Snake Bite Pineapple?
No. snakes do not bite or eat pineapple. Not only pineapple, but they also do not eat any other fruit or non-meaty foods.
Because snakes are carnivores, so, they only eat animal matters. Snake’s teeth are not designed to eat plant matters.
Generally, snakes eat fish, worms, birds, bats, termites, frogs, rodents, rats, and other small animals. In addition to these foods, they consume the eggs of some animals, especially birds.
What Type Of Snakes Live In Pineapple Gardens?
There are a hundred numbers of snake species. But you can find the below-listed snakes in pineapple gardens commonly.
- Cobra (Naja Naja)
- Russell’s viper (Dobioa russelli)
- Common krait (Bungarus caeruleus)
- Green pit viper (Trimeresurus trigonocephalus)
- Python (Python molorus)
- Rat snake (Ptyas mucosa)
- Cat snake
- Vine snake or green whip snake (Ahaetulla nasuta)
Special note
You should have enough knowledge about poisonous and non-poisonous snakes because some people do not care about snakebites.
But it can even lead to your death. So, it would be best if you get proper treatments for snakebites immediately. Further always try to keep snakes away from your pineapple garden.
How To Keep Snakes Out Of Your Garden?
You can keep out the snakes from your garden by going through with below-listed tips.
Cut and tidy up the lawn properly
All snakes like to live in hiding. So, woods, piles of rocks, and other garden debris create more hiding places to live snakes. So, you should remove and clean all debris. Further, you should mow the grass on your ground regularly.
Clean the hedges and bushes
Generally, hedges, bushes, and shrubs are the best home for small prey like rats and frogs. So, snakes come to your garden to catch these prey. Therefore, you should keep the hedges clean. Further, do not forget to clean up the dead leaves.
Mulch with jagged and rough materials
Usually, anyone does not like to step on rough things. Snakes also do not like to travel over shaped surfaces. Because they have a sensitive scale, you can add a layer to your garden bed using natural materials. Here you can use shape rocks, holly leaves, and eggshells.
Apply a nontoxic snake repellent
There are many snake repellents in the market. These products help to deter snakes from your garden. But it is better to purchase a nontoxic snake repellent to apply to your garden because toxic snake repellent can harm your plantations and pets.
Use pest control solutions
Usually, snakes come to your garden to catch prey like rats, mice, moles, crickets, grasshoppers, slugs, and snails. Because they love to live in places where there are more foods to them, if your garden is free from these small prey, it will reduce the visits of snakes. Consequently, you can use the best pest control solution.
Avoid the holes and gaps in structures
Snakes like to live in hiding. So, small openings and holes are the best residents for them. Therefore, you should check structures, especially the foundation, around your house for holes and gaps. Then you can clean and seal them to avoid unwanted guests like snakes.
Grow the plants that can deter the snakes
Some trees can deter snakes naturally in their own way. So, you can grow below the listed plants in your garden.
Onion and garlic
Onion and garlic plants have an order that is unpleasant to snakes. Further, this smell disorients the snakes too. Once the snake gets this unpleasant experience, their memory will remind them to avoid returning to your garden.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass especially West Indian lemongrass, emits the strong citrus smell that hates by snakes. So, this plant also has the ability to keep away the snakes from your garden.
Snake plant
Peoples believe that snakes frighten this plant due to its sharp leaves and striking appearance. So, this snake plant is also an excellent addition to your garden.
Marigolds
Marigolds have a strong, deep growing, and aggressive root system, and it emits the smell that has the ability to deter the snakes. Not only snakes, but this plant also keeps other garden pests moving along.
