We planted this fruit tree all over the country and it turns out to be a snake magnet in summer
Farmers are sounding the alarm as these fruit tree groves turn into unexpected reptile hotspots resulting in a summer snake surge.
Spain produces more olives and olive oil than any other country. So it should come as no surprise that all across the Iberian peninsula you’ll come across olive groves or find olive trees in people’s gardens.
However, a curious—and for many, unsettling—pattern is emerging across the Spanish countryside reports Huffington Post: more snakes are being spotted slithering around olive trees. And we’re not just talking about large groves. Even single potted trees on patios are becoming prime real estate for these cold-blooded visitors.
So, what’s going on? Why are snakes so drawn to olive trees, of all things?
The secret microhabitat hidden in olive groves
According to experts, it’s all about the environment olive trees create.
With their gnarled trunks, thick root systems, and dense leafy canopies, olive trees offer the perfect shelter for snakes like grass snakes and adders. Their twisted forms provide cool, shaded spots in the heat of the day—and when you’re cold-blooded, that’s a big deal.
But it’s not just the tree itself. The typical olive grove comes with its own natural perks: dry stone walls, rocky terraces, and sun-soaked limestone soil. These features soak up warmth all day and release it slowly at night, creating a toasty after-hours haven for snakes.
As one herpetology expert told the gardening magazine Mon Jardin & Ma Maison, “For reptiles, it’s like paradise.”
An all-you-can-eat buffet for cold-blooded predators
Temperature and shelter aside, there’s another reason snakes love olive groves: food.
These groves are teeming with critters that snakes love to hunt—mice, moles, lizards, and even small birds. It’s essentially a ready-made buffet for reptiles. And when prey is plentiful, predators follow.
Fortunately, most of the snakes you’ll encounter in these areas aren’t dangerous to humans. Still, that doesn’t mean everyone is thrilled to see one curled up near their backyard tree.
Other plants and trees that attract snakes
The problem is just localized in Spain, but elsewhere as well. Usually snakes try to avoid people, but as humans encroach more and more into their habitats the chances of encountering them increase.
Many areas across the United States are home to multiple species of snakes and olive trees aren’t the only tree that provide ideal shelter for these slithering reptiles. Cedar, cypress, juniper and oak also offer attractive abodes for snakes. Likewise, plants including clover, hostas and Jasmine furnish shelter for both predator and prey.
Want fewer snakes? Here’s what you can do
If you’re one of the many homeowners or gardeners concerned about snakes near your plants and trees, experts say there are simple steps you can take—without disrupting the ecosystem.
- Clear clutter: Remove piles of stones, wood, or debris where snakes might hide.
- Keep it clean: Mow grass, prune dense foliage, and avoid overwatering—snakes like cool, damp spots.
- Control rodent populations: Fewer mice and moles means fewer snake snacks—and less reason for snakes to stick around.
By maintaining a tidy space around your plants and trees, you can still enjoy its beauty and benefits without turning your yard into a reptile resort.
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