Some snakes may seek out homes because your house can provide warmth in the fall and the ideal coolness in the summer. Snakes might also be attracted to any rodent presence in your home in the cooler months. That said, snakes don’t belong in your home. While DIY methods are a popular solution, they may not always be effective or safe. Snake removal methods should be tailored to the exact species present - which a professional will be able to provide. It is not recommended for homeowners to remove snakes from their homes, but there are a few common DIY methods online that provide information on how to remove a snake from your home.
Sweeping
One of the simplest tactics for removing a snake in your home is sweeping. Using a broom and bucket, you can transport snakes outdoors. That said, the bucket must be seal-able so that the snake can’t escape. Keep in mind that there are over 3,000 species of snakes, 600 of which are venomous. Thus, proceed with caution when handling snakes. The National Pesticide Information Center recommends that you always assume the snake is poisonous. Snakes can bite when irritated and sweeping may do just that. As a best practice, contact a pest management professional to remove any snakes from your home.
Bag Traps
Another way to trap snakes in your home involves fabric such as a burlap bag. If a snake is hiding in your home, this solution may help it emerge by creating an appealing habitat. According to Penn State Extension, damp burlap bag can provide an ideal dark, cool area for snakes to nest. Once the snake has curled up in the bag, you can remove the snake from your home. Shovels or tongs are common tools to help remove the snake. Approaching the snake puts you at risk of danger and therefore is not advised. For your protection, remain at a safe distance from the snake. A professional can help to properly remove it from your home.
Glue Traps
There are several methods to trap snakes in your house, but one of the most common are glue traps. Use a ¼ inch piece of plywood about 16 x 24 inches in size for the base. Attach up to four rodent glue traps to one side of the wood to achieve a solution. For the glue method, the adhesive substance must coat an entire side of the board. Like mouse traps, snakes must slither across the board for either of these methods to work. There is no guarantee that this will be achieved.
Notable disadvantages to this method include safety and cleanup. For those with children or pets, consider alternate methods to maintain a safe environment in your home. It may be difficult to remove the adhesive from their bodies if they come into contact with the traps and would involve close contact with the snake – putting you at risk.
