Steps to Getting Rid of Snakes – Humane Wildlife Removal

Steps to Get Rid of Snakes

Did you know that Americans’ greatest phobia is the fear of snakes? About 50 percent of adults are scared of these reptiles. When you examine the threat venomous snakes pose, the source of this fear is not far-fetched. Unfortunately, the majority of snakes in the United States are nonvenomous. Since many people aren’t snake specialists, telling them apart can be challenging.

All species of snakes play a crucial role in the food chain. They feed on rats, mice, frogs, and insects, thereby keeping the ecosystem in balance. However, there are instances where you don’t want them around. This is particularly true if it’s a venomous snake. Moreover, having snakes indoors isn’t desirable. That’s why this post will explore the steps you need to take to get rid of snakes.

First Things First

Before you get rid of a snake, it’s crucial you determine what specie you’re dealing with. If it’s a venomous snake like a copperhead, rattlesnake, or water moccasin, you shouldn’t attempt to get rid of it yourself. Instead, contact your local wildlife removal service for assistance.

You can tell a snake is venomous if it has a thick body, triangular head, and vertical pupils. In situations where you cannot tell if it’s venomous or not, it’s best not to approach it.

Get Rid of Snakes from Indoors

Snakes do not belong indoors. So, if you find one inside, you have to get rid of it as soon as possible. If it’s a venomous snake, contact professionals to help with the removal. Ensure that children and pets do not go near where the snake is residing until it is removed.

If it’s a nonvenomous snake, try the following steps:

Let it find its way outside

Most snakes will leave on their own given the time and chance. Therefore, you can just leave the door open so it can slither away. You can guide it with a broom to find its way. Avoid frightening the snake so it does not retreat further into a hidden location.

Sweep it into a trash can

You can also use a brush to push it into a trashcan. After taking the can outside, you can remove the lid and let it slither away.

Pick it up

While picking up a nonvenomous snake, make sure you wear protective clothing and gloves. Although nonvenomous snakes do not release venom, they can still bite and give you a nasty injury.

Get Rid of Snakes from Outdoors

If you find a snake in your yard, it’s probably just passing by. Therefore, you can leave it alone. However, if it’s a venomous snake, again, you do not want them near your property. You should contact a professional to help with their removal.

On the other hand, nonvenomous snakes are great to have around as they help to keep the rodent and insect population in check. However, if you don’t what them near your property, try the following:

Spray it with water

When you use your garden hose to spray a snake with water, it causes discomfort, which causes it to move away.

Trapping

Snake traps like glue traps, minnow traps, or maze traps can be used to humanely capture a snake before relocating it.

Preventing Snakes from Your Property

If you’re like most people, you’re not comfortable with having snakes around, even if they’re nonvenomous. To keep snakes away, you have to eliminate potential sources of food or shelter. Some of the steps to keep snakes away include:

Removing Potential Shelter

Clean up your yard

Ensure that you eliminate debris, leaves, rocks, woodpiles, and trash laying around in your yard as they can serve as great hiding spots.

Mow your lawn regularly

Snakes love to hide in overgrown grass. Moreover, if your grass is tall, they can go unseen. And when they’re unseen, it’s possible for you, your children, or pet to mistakenly step on them.

This will cause them to strike back. If it’s a venomous snake, it could be a fragile situation. To avoid all of this, regularly mow your lawn.

Trim overhanging tree branches

Sometimes, tree branches extend toward the attic of a house. This can serve as a perfect channel for snakes to find their way in.

Inspect and seal up

If you find a snake inside your house, after removing it, you have to find out how it got inside in the first place. Check for cracks, crevices, drains, vents and crawl spaces they might have slipped through. Thereafter, seal it up with caulk or rubber sealants.

Removing Potential Food Source

Eliminate moisture

Moisture attracts insects, frogs, and many other small animals. This, in turn, attracts snakes looking to feast on them. A moist environment also creates the perfect climate for snakes who are seeking to cool off in a damp area. Ensure that no stagnant water is lying around.

Keep rodents away

Snakes particularly love to eat rats and mice. Therefore, a rat infestation can draw snakes to your property. That’s why you have to ensure that your house isn’t enticing to rats and other small critters. This can be achieved by clearing your yard from pet food or crumbs from the bird feeder.

Deterring Snakes

There are several repellents on the market like mothballs that promise to keep snakes away. However, none of these products have been scientifically proven. Snakes do you use their sense of smell the way we do. They use it for identification and so, placing a mothball or ammonia will do little to keep them away.

The only guaranteed deterrent that has been proven to work effectively is fencing.

Install a snake-proof fence

Although fencing is laborious and costly, it is very effective. If you have kids or pets around and you’re living in an area dominated by venomous snakes, it’s probably in your best interest to install a fence to keep yourself and family safe.