Q&A for How to Trap a Snake

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  • Question
    A snake killed my cat. It bits his neck and he died within minutes. I don't know what kind of snake it is or if it's still in the house. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Call a pest control service or your local wildlife rescue organization. It's always best to call in a professional if you're not sure what you're dealing with, especially when there's already been a fatality.
  • Question
    The snake is in the ceiling of our house. How can I catch the snake?
    michael dunkirk
    Community Answer
    You can use a minno trap or snake trap -- place it in your attic.
  • Question
    What does a professional snake catcher cost?
    Community Answer
    A professional snake catcher costs from $100 to about $600, depending on local rates, travel times, the size of the snake, and how difficult it is to remove.
  • Question
    How do I get an egg-eating snake out of the chicken house?
    Community Answer
    Put on gloves and try to catch it if it is non-venomous.
  • Question
    What should I do if I can't trap the snake?
    Birds101
    Community Answer
    You can call in an expert, or try a glue trap, which usually works well.
  • Question
    I'm trying to trap a common water snake. What is the best kind of trap to use?
    Community Answer
    A minnow trap is the best for water snakes. You could put a handful or two of dog food in it, but meat or eggs will work, too.
  • Question
    Can a snake bite me in the penis?
    Community Answer
    It could, but if you're wearing clothing, that would be difficult to do.
  • Question
    Do snakes travel around or stick to one place in a garden?
    Community Answer
    Snakes will almost always move around a garden to find food, water, and heat, although some species of snakes would rather stay in hiding spots or burrows unless they are forced to move.
  • Question
    What is the best food for a rattlesnake? Please provide several possibilities.
    Cady
    Community Answer
    They like mice, voles, shrews, large worms (horn worms) and Dubai roaches. Mice are the best. If it's a large adult snake, give it adult mice.
  • Question
    Will corn snakes go for eggs in the trap?
    Community Answer
    Eggs are not a choice food for corn snakes. You can buy frozen mice at most pet stores, thaw them out by placing them in a sandwich bag, and submerging that bag in warm water. The smell will attract the snake to the trap if you're not using a trap with bait included.
  • Question
    Can I put dead minnows in the trap?
    Community Answer
    You can, but the fact that they're dead might be unappealing to snakes depending on how rotted they are (if at all). Just make sure the minnows look somewhat appetizing (for a snake, anyway).
  • Question
    We have found 2 baby copperheads in our garage. What are the chances of a mama being around or a nest in the garage? So scary.
    Community Answer
    The mom usually goes away after laying eggs, unless you have mice or rats in your garage. Remove the babies. Clean the garage and keep kids and animals out.
  • Question
    I have a Jack Russell terrier. Can he get into the metal traps? Would there be a risk of the snake poking its head through the hole and biting him?
    Community Answer
    Yes, he could be caught in the traps. The snake will retaliate and attack your terrier.
  • Question
    Can garter snakes swim?
    Bunnycorn Murderer
    Community Answer
    Yes, all snakes can swim. In fact, wild garter snakes eat fish when possible.
  • Question
    Can I keep the snake as a pet if it is non-venomous?
    Community Answer
    I would check to see if it is endangered or otherwise illegal, but even if it isn't illegal, wild snakes are usually not the greatest pets.
  • Question
    What do I do if the snake is an anaconda or python?
    Community Answer
    You will need to stay away from the snake and call a professional, as these snakes can be very dangerous.
  • Question
    What do garden snakes eat?
    Bunnycorn Murderer
    Community Answer
    Small fish, small birds, eggs, and rodents. Basically anything that is meat that will fit in their mouth.
  • Question
    Is it possible to use raw or cooked meat as bait?
    Community Answer
    Snakes like their meat raw or frozen. You can find pinky mice at the Dollar Store, and just freeze them at your house.
  • Question
    Do I just use regular eggs bought in the grocery store?
    Community Answer
    Yes, regular eggs will work. Just don't leave the eggs out too long as they may attract more snakes or other pests.
  • Question
    How do I find snakes outside?
    Community Answer
    You should usually look around rocks or basking in the sun.
  • Question
    What is the best bait for a milk snake?
    Community Answer
    Milk snakes are not picky. Young milk snakes eat small prey like crickets and earthworms. Adults prefer to feast on small rodents, lizards, frogs, and even other snakes.
  • Question
    What kind of eggs are good to bait the trap for a garter snake? Is there something else I can put on the glue trap to lure it in?
    Community Answer
    Garter snakes mostly eat small rodents and small fish, I wouldn't suggest using an egg.
  • Question
    Where can I buy a snake trap?
    Community Answer
    They can likely be found online, in a bait and tackle shop, and maybe in a small convenience store.
  • Question
    What is a good bait for a glue trap? The snake is small and black.
    Community Answer
    Try a frozen rodent, thawed. The snake might be a black rat snake.
  • Question
    Eggs for the snake, raw or cooked? Shelled or not?
    Community Answer
    Raw, small as possibly, and definitely with the shell intact. The snakes unshell the egg inside their bodies and then spit out the shell. Also, where in the world would a snake get a cooked egg in the wild? Obviously, feed it raw.
  • Question
    There are baby garter snakes at my cabin and I’m scared of any snake. I want them to go away so I can have a peaceful sleep, what do I do?
    Community Answer
    These snakes are harmless, so you don't need to lose sleep over their presence. Keep the door to the cabin shut at all times and they won't be able to come in. When going outside, just watch where you put your feet so you don't accidentally step on one. Usually they'll stay away though as the last thing a snake wants is a heavy foot landing on their delicate bone structure.
  • Question
    Can a minnow trap be used to catch a snake in a fish pond?
    Community Answer
    There is a slight chance that you could catch a snake in a trap in the water. It is not an ideal solution though. Also, it is best to avoid trapping snakes in water.
  • Question
    What do garter snakes eat?
    Fiona Shepley
    Top Answerer
    The garter snakes’ diet consists of mainly rodents, earth worms, amphibians, and fish.
  • Question
    What bait can I use in a minnow trap to catch a coral snake in my yard?
    Pearl Therese Uy
    Community Answer
    Coral snakes eat lizards, so it's best to put a dead house lizard in your trap, as the rotting lizard is most likely to attract that snake. But for venomous snakes, it's better to call animal control instead.
  • Question
    I put a minnow trap with farm fresh eggs near a hole in my foundation where 2 garter snakes are living but the haven't gone near it. What else can I do to attract them to the trap?
    Pearl Therese Uy
    Community Answer
    If you want to attract garter snakes, then you need to provide them with: Shelter – log and rock piles are great options. A source of water – even a mini-pond works great. And food – let them eat the pests.
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