You might have heard the myth that Copperheads (Agkistrodon Contortrix) smell like cucumber. This common way of identifying whether you are close to a copperhead could be misleading. In this article, we ask: do copperheads smell like cucumber?

What are Copperhead Snakes?

Copperheads are a member of the subfamily of venomous snakes that are known as vipers. The sub-family includes other well-known snakes in North America that include the cottonmouth and rattlesnake. One of the most important characteristics that they share with other members of the sub-family is that they have infrared-sensing facial pits.

These are small openings that are located between the eye and nostril on each side of the head. These pits help the snake to locate their favorite prey, which is mice or rats.

Do you Smell Cucumber when a Copperhead is Near?

There are rumors that if you can smell cucumber there is a copperhead nearby. However, this is partly true and partly misleading. Most snakes, like the plains hognose (Heterodon nasicus) and garter snakes (Thamnophis) are known to release a foul smell when they are disturbed or feel threatened. This is also true with copperheads.

Copperheads will expel an offensive odor when they have been cornered, captured, or antagonized. This odor is a defensive behavior, designed to conserve venom which they use primarily for hunting and prefer not to use for defensive purposes.

The odor is a musk that is often accompanied with feces and urates. The idea is that the copperhead is trying to make itself as unappealing as possible.

All snake species that musk has a unique smell that acts as a deterrent. And the copperhead smell is that of a cucumber.

How Far Away Can You Smell a Copperhead?

For you to be able to smell a copperhead, you would have to be pretty close and will probably already know it is there. It is more likely that you have disturbed the snake and are trying to move it or it feels that you’ve cornered it.

So wondering how close a copperhead is when you smell cucumbers is probably not the right question. If you can smell it, you are probably annoying the snake already and should move away.

Copperheads will not expel any smell if you are nearby but it is hidden and feels safe. Instead, it will just lie still. Most of the time you’ve probably walked past a copperhead and not realized that one has been sitting nearby, hiding.

What Snake Smells Like Cucumber?

However, apart from the copperhead, what others make a snake cucumber smell? Well, there aren’t any others that are considered to have the same musk or smell. As mentioned earlier, the cucumber smell is unique for copperheads.

Therefore, if you are in your yard doing some cleaning and you do smell some cucumber, then you might want to carefully look around for the copperhead.

Can you Keep Copperheads Away from your Yard?

There are several ways that you can prevent copperheads from accessing your yard, so you never have to worry about them biting you. Here are some of the options.

1. Use Natural Deterrents

Just like the copperhead cucumber smell, some plants emit an odor that is offensive to the snake. West Indian lemongrass, garlic, marigolds, viper’s bowstring, and onion plants are popular choices to plan in your garden if you’re looking to keep copperheads away.

These plants are also disliked by other venomous snakes in the US, including the cottonmouth (Agkistrodon Piscivorus). Therefore, you can maintain a safer garden. Plus some of these plants provide you with food, a win-win situation.

There are certain smells that snakes hate and you can quickly use those that you already have in your home as natural deterrent. 

2. Reduce the Yard’s Attraction to Rodents

One of the main reasons why copperheads can be found near residential buildings is because humans leave rubbish and food out which attracts rodents like mice and rats. These are the natural prey items of several snakes, including the copperhead.

By removing the things that will attract rodents to your home, you can also lessen the reason for snakes to visit your garden.

3. Use Envirobug

Using Envirobug snake repellers is an eco-friendly option for preventing snakes from entering your yard. They emit a vibration into the ground that snakes can detect that will convince them that there is a danger nearby. They will therefore not enter the area or leave to find somewhere else safe.

This natural deterrent is kind to the snakes, as it does not harm them. After all, snakes are an important part of our ecosystem and great pest control.

What to do if you Smell Cucumber in your Yard?

If you do smell cucumber in your yard, and you’ve still taken the precautions that are mentioned above then you should take a few steps to ensure your safety.

1. Look Around

The first thing you should do is to ensure that you can’t see the snake immediately. If there is a snake cucumber smell, then it is most likely very close to you but has decided not to strike. Copperheads are very reluctant to bite, which is good, but standing on them by moving away in the wrong direction could result in a bite.

2. Take a Few Steps Away

Next look for some clear ground, either a pathway, concrete, or some clear grass and step onto that area as quickly but as carefully as possible. By doing this you are probably moving away from the snake’s location, ensuring that you’re safe.

3. Call in a Snake Relocation Service or Buy Deterrents

Now you can think about calling in some help to remove the snake. A snake relocation service might come and try to find the snake for you, helping to remove it from your yard or property. Or you might consider adding in some deterrents to persuade the snake to move on. Don’t try to relocate the snake by yourself. 

Final Word: Do Copperheads Smell Like Cucumber?

Copperheads do smell like cucumber, but they only emit this odor when they feel threatened. Therefore, if you smell cucumbers in your yard, it is best to leave the area. While copperheads are reluctant to bite, when threatened they can and if you can smell cucumber, they are feeling threatened.