HOW TO GET RID OF SNAKES

Damage and Damage Identification

A non-venomous snake bite has no venom and can do no more harm than frighten the victim. After being bitten several thousand times by non-venomous snakes, the author and his students have never suffered any adverse reaction, and no treatment was ever used. The only harm non-venomous snakes can cause is frightening people who are not familiar with them. A bite from a poisonous snake, however, causes an almost immediate reaction—swelling, tissue turning a dark blue-black, a tingling sensation, and nausea. If none of these is observed or felt, the bite was from a non-venomous snake. Also, bites from one of the pit vipers (copperheads, rattlesnakes, and cottonmouths) will reveal two fang marks, in addition to teeth marks. All snakes have teeth; only pit vipers have fangs.

Legal Status

In most states, snakes are considered non-game wildlife and are protected by state law unless they are about to cause personal or property damage. Therefore, snakes should not be indiscriminately killed. Some species are listed on federal and/or state threatened and endangered species lists.

Damage Prevention and Control Methods

Exclusion
Seal all openings (1/4 inch [0.6 cm] and larger) with mortar, 1/8-inch (0.3-cm) hardware cloth, sheet metal, or steel wool. A snake-proof fence can be used to exclude snakes.

Habitat Modification
Reduce rodent populations. Keep all vegetation closely mowed; remove bushes, shrubs, rocks, boards, firewood, and debris lying close to the ground, especially around buildings. Alter all sites that provide cool, damp, dark habitat for snakes.

Frightening
Not applicable.

Repellents
Several snake repellents have been promoted, but none are consistently effective.

Toxicants
None are registered.

Fumigants
None are registered.

Trapping
A funnel trap with drift fences can be used.

Shooting
Non-venomous snakes are protected by law in most states and indiscriminate killing is illegal. Shooting or clubbing is effective, however, where it is allowed, with permission from the state wildlife agency.

Other Methods
Remove snakes from inside buildings by placing piles of damp burlap bags or towels in areas where snakes have been seen. After snakes have been attracted, remove the bags and snake(s) from the building.

Glue boards can be used to capture snakes found inside houses or other buildings. Once caught, the snake and board can be taken outside. The snake can be released unharmed by pouring vegetable oil on it (the oil counteracts the adhesive).

Since non-venomous snakes are completely harmless, control programs for them are not necessary. Learn how to distinguish between poisonous and non-venomous snakes in your area.

 

For help getting rid of snakes, contact your local Critter Control office. To find a Critter Control office near you, check out our Office Finder.