Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 3: Using a Trap
• Part 2 of 3: Behavior with a snake
• Part 3 of 3: Controlling the Snake Population
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

If you spot a dangling snake in your garden, basement, or chicken coop, catching it and releasing it elsewhere is an effective and humane way to deal with the situation. You can catch her with a high tech snake trap or, also a good enough, cheaper method, net and eggs as bait. See Step 1 and continue to learn how to catch a snake and what to do next.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Using a Trap

1. 1 Determine the type of snake as much as possible. If you have already spotted a snake or snake, intending to catch it, it is better to identify its species so that you know what you are catching. This will help you choose the right trap and decide how carefully you need to handle it. You can catch poisonous snakes with your own hands, while being extremely careful. If you have children or pets around you and you are concerned about getting bitten, you can always call the animal control service to catch the snake for you.
   • There are four types of venomous snakes in North America: rattlesnakes (common in the western states and identifiable rattles), copper-headed or mocassin snakes (copper and black-striped) (found in rivers and streams in the southeastern United States), and coral snakes (extremely rare snakes with brightly colored coral). Rattlesnakes, copper-headed and water moccasin snakes are earth snakes, and are divided into several characteristics: they have a thick body, a triangular head that is larger than the neck itself, and vertical pupils instead of round pupils.
   • Most of the snakes that you may encounter in your backyard or basement are non-venomous, therefore completely harmless. If you find a one and a half meter king snake in the basement, you will probably be worried, however, they do not pose any danger to people or pets. Non-venomous snakes do not have a "rattle" at the end of their tail and they have round pupils. Common non-venomous snakes that you may encounter at home, such as king snakes, rat snakes, garter snakes, gopher snakes, milk snakes, and corn snakes.
2. 2 Take a sticky mousetrap. This is the most common type of snake trap and is equally effective and humane. Traps are sold in small or large sizes, usually looking like boxes that you place where you usually see a snake you are about to catch. Snake traps usually come with bait already attached to lure the snake inside. When the snake crawls in, it will get stuck in the glue that permeates the bottom of the trap. When the snake is caught, you will open the trap and pour oil over it so that it breaks free and smoothly escapes.
   • You can find an adhesive snake trap in your home or gardening store. Make sure to choose a trap large enough to accommodate the snake.
   • There are several types of sticky traps, but they are all used in basically the same way. The trap itself is made of thick cardboard or plastic. Some traps are reusable and others are disposable. In some, you free the snake, while in others, you leave the snake with the trap without opening it.
3. 3 Try fishing with a net. This is a good alternative if you frequently encounter snakes and do not want to purchase new glue inserts for your glue trap. Mesh traps are made of wire, cylindrical in shape with holes at both ends that tilt into the trap. Just place a few eggs inside as bait. The snake will climb into one of the holes behind the eggs, but it will no longer be able to find its way out.
   • Mesh traps are fairly inexpensive and easy to find. Look for them at your garden supply store.
   • The only drawback of the net is that you have to place the bait yourself, which makes it a little difficult because the snake can crawl away from the trap as soon as you open it. Therefore, the net trap is probably best used for catching non-venomous snakes.
4. 4 Set your trap in a strategic location. Whichever trap you use, set it up where you've seen snakes before. The main places to set a trap are in the garden, basement, attic, or chicken coop. There is no need to hide the trap - just set it up in an area that snakes frequent.
   • Make sure the trap is tightly closed when you set it up. If you are using glue traps, make sure the latch is secured to close the box.
   • If you are using a mesh trap, place the cylinder on the side of the snake and place the eggs in the center of the trap.
5. 5 Check the trap often. Once you catch the snake, you want to get rid of it as quickly as possible. Don't let her die in the trap. This is both inhumane and unhygienic, as the snake begins to decompose quickly. Check the trap every day to see if you've caught something.
   • If you are using a sticky trap, you can open the top of the box and check for a snake inside. Be very careful when you open the latch. You will also know that something is there by the weight of the box when you lift it.
   • If you are using a mesh trap, the snake will probably be visible, coiled around the eggs, and will be calm waiting for you to release it.

Part 2 of 3: Behavior with a snake

1. 1 Don't try to touch the snake. If you are really familiar with snakes, and you know what you caught, like a garter snake or some other non-venomous snake, and by touching it, you could leave it. But if you are not at all sure what kind of snake you caught, it is better not to risk it. Do not pick up wild snakes, in any case. Carefully transfer the trap to your vehicle and place it in the trunk or other enclosed area for transporting it.
   • Do not shake the trap or push the snake. Handle it with care.
   • You will probably want to keep children and pets away from the trap while you are trapping in a safe place.
2. 2 Move at least a mile and a half from your home. If you leave the snake close to your home, it will find its way back to its home territory. Let the snake go at least a mile and a half from your home if you want to be sure it doesn't come back. However, if you have caught a snake in the house, and you do not mind that it lives in your yard, you can simply take it outside to release it.
3. 3 Go to nature without residential buildings nearby. The snake will have a better chance of surviving without disturbing other people if you release it in nature. In a state park or other place where there are not many people, so that the snake can be released. Thus, she will not perish in someone else's garden.
4. 4 Free the snake. As a rule, the liberation process is not dangerous; in most cases, the snake is happy to crawl away and leave you alone. But just in case, wear long pants and gloves when you release the snake. Keep a close eye on the snake, and be prepared to step aside if it decides to strike.Depending on which type of trap you used, there are two ways to release the snake:
   • If you are using a reusable adhesive trap, open the closed box lid. Pour vegetable oil over the snake's torso, be sure to cover the entire body part glued to the box. The trap is designed so that the snake can free itself of the glue as soon as the oil penetrates between the skin and the bottom of the trap. By this time, you need to be far enough away from the trap not to block its exit when it leaves the box.
   • If you are using a mesh trap, wear a pair of heavy gloves because you will be keeping it close enough to you (although you should not touch the snake anyway). Carefully open the two trap doors, separating them from the middle. Leave enough space for it to crawl out freely. Move away so that you do not interfere with the snake when it crawls out.
5. 5 Only kill the snake as a last resort. All snakes, even venomous ones, are certainly important in their ecosystem, and if possible, they should certainly be set free. But, if the snake is poisonous, and you are worried that someone might get hurt, the only way out of the situation is to kill it.
   • If you used a cardboard sticky trap, you can simply put everything in a trash bag, then seal it.
   • If you are using a mesh trap, then place the entire trap underwater for a few hours before opening it.

Part 3 of 3: Controlling the Snake Population

1. 1 Consider the idea to keep non-venomous snakes. Meeting a snake can be a surprise while weeding a garden or walking around your yard, but it's not that bad. In fact, you should be glad that a good snake population in the area is a sign that the ecosystem is intact. In addition, snakes kill pests such as mice and rats. So, if the snake does not feed on chicken eggs, then worry about making it a place in the garden instead of catching it or transferring it to another place.
   • Rat and gopher snakes are especially useful in the household. They are as good as cats - they reduce the number of rodents.
   • King snakes are the most useful and feed on rattlesnakes. Basically, if you get rid of the king snakes, the chances are rattlesnakes will appear - and then you will have more serious problems.
2. 2 Make your yard less snake-friendly. If you don't have a liking for snakes, a great way to get rid of them is to make your yard less favorable for them. Snakes live in unkempt and somewhat wild areas. They like tall grass, bushes, piles of logs, and other hiding places. To make your yard less attractive to snakes, follow these steps:
   • Mow your lawn regularly.
   • Get rid of piles of stones, leaves, bushes, bricks, or anything else where the snake might hide.
   • Reduce the rodent population by harvesting acorns, sealing the trash can, and cleaning up all other rodent food sources.
3. 3 Seal your home. If you've already found snakes in your attic or basement, look for cracks and holes that they might crawl into. Make sure doors and windows are plastered around the edges. Chimney outlet, vents, and any other place that could serve as a passage for snakes.
4. 4 Try snake repellent. Snake experts argue that most repellents are ineffective, but they are worth a try if you've run out of ideas. Try placing one of the following in your garden, chicken coop, or wherever you have trouble with snakes:
   • Spray it with a solution made from fox urine around the entire perimeter of your home. Some argue that snakes are discouraged by the smell of urine from their predators. You can make this solution yourself or purchase it from hardware stores.
   • Try spreading ammonia-soaked rags around your yard. This substance is said to repel snakes and other animals.
   • Spread tufts of human hair around your yard. They say the smell of hair drives snakes away.

Tips

• If you are not afraid of snakes, you can avoid using a snake trap, but use a broom to flush it into a bucket or trash can.

Warnings

• Become familiar with the types of snakes, especially if you're new to it. Perhaps you will fall for poisonous snakes, knowledge about them can save your life.

What do you need

• Snake trap