MacGyver Handbook.pdf - Up

Chapter 1: Great Escapes 23
Why It Works
The odor of kerosene repels snakes and for good reason.
Kerosene is a natural degreaser. Snakes are covered
with a fine coating of oil. Kerosene would suck dry
the snake’s body oil, which probably feels the same
as if someone poured hydrochloric acid on your hand.
Not very pleasant. So when a snake smells kerosene,
or more accurately tastes—a snake breathes with its
tongue—they slither in the other direction. No word
on kerosene’s ability to tame a wild mullet.