How to Trap a Snake

Identify the snake if possible. When you spot a snake (or multiple snakes) and plan to trap it, identifying the species is crucial to determine the appropriate trap and the level of caution required. While you can trap venomous snakes yourself, extreme care is necessary. If you’re concerned about the safety of children or pets, contact animal control for assistance.

• In North America, there are four venomous snake species: rattlesnakes (commonly found in western states, identifiable by their distinctive tail rattle), copperheads (with yellow and black stripes), cottonmouths (often found in rivers and streams in the southeastern U.S.), and coral snakes (a rare, brightly colored species). Rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths share common traits: thick bodies, triangular heads much wider than their necks, and vertical pupils instead of round ones.
• Most snakes you encounter in your garden or basement are harmless. A 1.5-meter-long king snake in your basement might be alarming, but it poses no threat to humans or pets. Non-venomous snakes lack rattles and have round pupils. Common non-venomous snakes you might find around your home include king snakes, rat snakes, garter snakes, milk snakes, and corn snakes.

Purchase a glue trap. This is the most common type of snake trap; it is both effective and humane. Glue traps are box-shaped and come in various sizes, designed to be placed in areas where snakes are frequently seen. These traps often come pre-baited to lure the snake inside. Once the snake enters, it gets stuck to the adhesive layer at the bottom. After capturing the snake, open the trap and pour oil over it to release the snake and allow it to slither away.

• You can find glue traps at gardening supply stores. Make sure to choose a trap size that matches the snake you’re targeting.
• Glue traps come in various brands, but they all function similarly. The traps can be made of durable cardboard or plastic. Some are reusable, while others are single-use. Certain traps allow for the release of the snake, while others are designed to be disposed of without opening.

Use a funnel trap. This is another option if you need to handle multiple snakes and don’t want to buy new glue for reusable traps. A funnel trap is a cylindrical mesh device with two funnel-shaped openings at each end, narrowing inward. Simply place a few eggs inside as bait. The snake will enter through one of the openings to reach the eggs but won’t be able to escape.

• Funnel traps are affordable and easy to find. You can purchase them at fishing supply stores.
• The only downside is that you need bait, and handling the snake after capture can be tricky since it will try to escape immediately. For this reason, funnel traps are best used for non-venomous snakes.

Place the trap in the right location. Regardless of the trap type, position it where you’ve previously seen the snake. Common areas include gardens, basements, attics, or chicken coops. You don’t need to disguise the trap—just place it along the snake’s usual path.

• Ensure the trap is securely set. For glue traps, make sure the lid is firmly closed.
• If using a funnel trap, lay it flat and place a few eggs in the center as bait.

Check the trap regularly. Once a snake is caught, release it as soon as possible to avoid letting it die in the trap. This is inhumane and unsanitary, as the snake will decompose quickly. Inspect the trap daily to see if a snake has been captured.

• For glue traps, open the lid carefully to check for a snake. Be cautious when releasing the latch. You can also lift the trap to feel its weight.
• With funnel traps, you’ll clearly see the snake coiled around the eggs, waiting patiently for release.

Avoid touching the snake. If you’re experienced with snakes and certain it’s a harmless species like a garter snake, handling it may be safe. However, if you’re unsure of the snake’s type, avoid touching it altogether. Wild snakes should not be handled. Gently place the entire trap in your car trunk or a secure compartment and transport it.

• Do not shake the trap or poke the snake. Exercise caution.
• Keep children and pets away while handling the snake to ensure safety.

Release the snake at least 1.5 km from your home. If released too close, the snake may find its way back. Ensure it’s relocated at least 1.5 km away to prevent its return. However, if the snake was trapped indoors and you don’t mind it living in your garden, simply release it outside.

Choose a wild, sparsely populated area. The snake will have the best chance of survival without human interference if released in a natural habitat. Consider a national park or uninhabited area to ensure it doesn’t wander into someone else’s yard.

Release the snake. Generally, releasing a snake is safe. The snake will likely slither away without causing harm. However, wear long pants and gloves as a precaution. Watch the snake closely and be ready to move away if it shows signs of aggression. Depending on the trap type, follow these steps:

• For reusable glue traps, open the lid and pour cooking oil over the snake, ensuring the oil covers all areas stuck to the adhesive. The oil allows the snake to wriggle free by separating its skin from the glue. Step back to avoid blocking its escape.
• For funnel traps, wear thick gloves as you’ll need to handle the trap more closely (though you still won’t touch the snake). Carefully open the sides of the trap just enough for the snake to slip out. Step back to give it space to leave.

Kill the snake only as a last resort. Snakes, including venomous ones, play a vital role in the ecosystem, and releasing them is preferable. However, if the snake is venomous and poses a significant threat, killing it may be necessary.

• For cardboard glue traps, place the entire trap in a garbage bag and seal it tightly.
• For funnel traps, submerge the trap in water for several hours before opening it.

Consider allowing harmless snakes to live near your home. While encountering a snake while gardening or walking in your yard might startle you, having snakes around isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it’s something to be proud of—snakes indicate a healthy ecosystem. Additionally, they play a crucial role in controlling pests like mice and rats. If the snake isn’t eating your chicken eggs or causing trouble, consider letting it stay in your yard instead of trapping and relocating it.

• Rat snakes and gopher snakes are particularly beneficial. They are as effective as cats in controlling rodent populations.
• King snakes are even more impressive, as they can eat rattlesnakes. Removing king snakes might actually invite rattlesnakes, creating a bigger problem.

Make your yard less attractive to snakes. If you dislike snakes, an effective way to keep them away is to make your yard uninviting. Snakes thrive in overgrown, cluttered areas. They prefer tall grass, dense shrubs, woodpiles, and other hiding spots. To deter snakes, take the following steps:

• Mow your lawn regularly.
• Clear away piles of debris, leaves, rocks, bricks, or anything that could serve as a shelter for snakes.
• Control rodent populations by cleaning up fallen fruit, securing trash bins, and eliminating food sources for rodents.

Seal entry points to your home. If you find snakes in your attic or basement, look for gaps or holes they might use to enter. Ensure doors and windows fit tightly in their frames. Install mesh over chimneys, vents, and other potential entry points.

Try using snake repellents. Snake experts generally agree that most repellents are ineffective. However, it’s still worth trying if you’ve exhausted other options. Consider using one of the following substances in your garden, chicken coop, or other areas where snakes are a nuisance:

• Spray fox urine solution around your yard. Many believe snakes are deterred by the scent of predators like foxes. You can purchase this solution at gardening stores.
• Place ammonia-soaked rags around your yard. This chemical is thought to repel snakes and other animals.
• Scatter human hair clippings around your garden. Some claim the smell of hair can keep snakes away.

• If you’re not afraid of snakes, you can catch them by using a broom to guide them into a bucket or trash can without needing a trap.

• Make sure to educate yourself about snakes, especially if you’ve never dealt with them before. You might encounter a venomous snake, and knowledge about snakes could save you from danger.

• Snake traps
• Release location for snakes
• Snake repellents