If you have a snake roaming your garden, basement or chicken coop, an effective and humane way to deal with it is to trap it and then release it somewhere. You can trap snakes using modern technology snake traps, or use a wire trap (minnow trap) using eggs as bait - these traps work just as effectively. See Step 1 below to start learning how to trap a snake and what to do next.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Using Traps
Step 1. Identify the type of snake if you can
If you already know the snake you're about to catch, it's a good idea to identify the snake species so you know what to do. This will help you choose the right trap and determine how carefully you treat the snake once it's caught. You can trap rattlesnakes, but you need to be extra careful when you do this. If you have small children and pets around and are concerned that someone might be bitten, you can always call a veterinarian to come and catch the snake.
- There are about 450 types of snakes in Indonesia, including venomous snakes, namely: chili/coral snake, rainbow/weling snake, spoon/king snake, ground snake, mira-tailed green snake, temple bandotan snake, and sea snake. Some of these venomous snakes can be identified by the characteristic “vertical pupil/eyelid”, not round shape.
- Most snakes you find in your backyard or basement are venomless and harmless. Non-venomous snakes (usually) have round pupils. Non-venomous snakes that you commonly encounter in your home environment in Indonesia, namely: pythons, rat snakes, wood snakes/koros, tiger bandotan snakes, rainbow snakes, gadung luwuk snakes, picis/slapped rope snakes, spotted bandotan snakes, etc.
Step 2. Get the glue trap
This is a common type of trap used to catch snakes, it is both effective and humane. These traps are available in large or small sizes, and are generally shaped like a box, you can place it where you usually see the snake you want to catch. These traps are usually accompanied by bait to lure the snake in. When the snake creeps in, it gets stuck in the glue layer at the bottom of the trap. When the snake is caught, open the trap and pour oil over it so it can free.
- You can find these glue traps at your local garden supply store. Be sure to choose a trap that is large enough to accommodate the snake you are trying to catch.
- There are several different brands of glue traps, all of which work equally well. The trap may be made of thick cardboard or plastic. Some traps can be reused, while others can only be used once. Some traps can release the snake again, while others do not.
Step 3. Try a wire trap (minnow trap)
This is a great alternative if you have a lot of snakes to deal with and you don't want to buy new glue for your glue trap. These wire traps are made of interconnected wires and are cylindrical in shape, with holes on both 'central sides' that can be closed. Just put some eggs in it as bait. The snake will crawl into one of these holes to get to the egg, but it won't be able to get out again.
- Wire traps are very inexpensive and easy to use. Look for it at a fishing supply store near you.
- The only downside to this wire trap is that you have to set the bait yourself, and it's a little difficult to handle the snake once it's caught, as the snake will crawl out as soon as you open the trap. For this reason, perhaps the most appropriate use of these wire traps is for non-venomous snakes.
Step 4. Place the trap in a strategic place
Set any traps to use where you saw the snake before. Frequent places to set traps include garden areas, basements, attics, or chicken coops. There's no need to disguise the trap - just place it in a place where snakes often find it.
- Make sure the trap is tightly closed when you set it. If you are using a glue trap, make sure the latch to close the box is locked.
- If you are using a wire trap, set it so that the cylinder is slightly open, then place the egg in the center of the trap.
Step 5. Check traps frequently
Once a snake is caught, you must deal with it as soon as possible. Don't let the snake die in the trap. This is inhumane and unhealthy, because the snake will start to rot. Check the traps daily to check if you've got anything.
- If you are using a glue trap, you can open the top of the trap box to check if there are snakes inside. You have to be very careful when opening the lock. You can also check by lifting the trap to check the weight.
- If you use a wire trap, the snake will be visible to the naked eye, coiled around the egg, waiting patiently for you to release it.
Part 2 of 3: Handling Snakes
Step 1. Don't try to touch the snake
If you are familiar with snakes, and you know if the snake you caught is a small non-venomous snake or other non-venomous snake, you may be able to remove it by touching it. However, if you're not too sure what kind of snake you're catching, don't take the risk. Wild snakes really don't like to be held. Carry the trap carefully into your vehicle, then place it in the trunk or other enclosed area so you can take it with you.
- Do not shake/shake the trap or poke the snake. Handle the snake with care.
- You may want to keep children or pets away from the trap while you are handling it, be careful.
Step 2. Take it away at least a kilometer and a half from your house
If you let the snake get too close to your house, it will find its way back into its home territory. Remove the snake at least 1.5 kilometers from your home to ensure it doesn't come back again. However, if you catch a snake indoors and don't mind if it lives in the yard outside, you can simply walk outside to let it go.
Step 3. Go to a natural area where there are not many people nearby
The snake will have the best chance of surviving without disturbing others if you release it in a natural area. Go somewhere where there are not many people living nearby to release the snake. So that he will not go to other people's gardens.
Step 4. Free the snake
Freeing a snake is not always dangerous; in most cases, the snake will be happy to walk away and leave you alone. However, just in case, wear long pants and gloves when you release the snake. Watch the snake closely and be prepared to dodge if it is about to attack. Depending on the type of trap you use, there are two different ways to free the snake:
- If you are using a reusable glue trap, remove the lock on the box and then open it. Pour some vegetable oil over the snake, making sure you hit all the areas where the glue sticks. The trap is designed so that the snake will be free of glue when oil is applied to its skin and bottom of the trap. After this, you need to move far enough away from the trap that you don't block the snake from escaping.
- If you're using a wire trap, wear a thick pair of gloves because you'll be a little closer to the snake (though you're not allowed to touch it). Carefully open the two sides of the trap. Leave enough room for the snake to get out. Dodge so you're not in the snake's path as it creeps out.
Step 5. Kill the snake only if you have to
All snakes, even venomous snakes, play an important role in the ecosystem and should be released whenever possible. However, if the snake is venomous and you're worried that someone might get hurt by it, you can kill it.
- If you use a glue trap made of cardboard, you can place it (cardboard and snake) in a garbage bag and seal it.
- If you use a wire trap, you can submerge the entire trap in the water for several hours before opening it.
Part 3 of 3: Controlling the Snake Population
Step 1. Consider letting poisonous snakes around you
While you might find a snake while weeding your garden or walking around your yard will take you by surprise, but letting snakes around you isn't a bad thing. In fact, you should be proud - a good population of snakes in an area is a sign that the ecosystem there is healthy. In addition, snakes play an important role in keeping other pests, such as mice, from multiplying. So, if snakes don't eat chicken eggs or bother you, consider 'sharing' your yard with them instead of catching and throwing them away.
- Rat snakes are very useful if left around you. This type of snake is as good as cats at keeping rodent populations (such as mice) low.
- The rainbow/weling snake is one level above it and eats other snakes including rat snakes. If you kill a rainbow snake, the rat snake population will increase - later you will face more serious problems.
Step 2. Make sure your page doesn't 'invite' snakes
If you don't like snakes, the best way to keep them at bay is to make your yard 'unfriendly' to snakes. Snakes roam in wild and neglected areas. They like long grasses, piles of brushes, piles of wood, and other things for shade. To ensure that your page doesn't invite snakes, do the following:
- Mow the grass regularly.
- Remove piles of rocks, leaves, brooms, bricks, or anything else the snake could use to take cover.
- Keep rodent populations low by clearing trees, closing trash cans, and removing other sources of rodent food.
Step 3. Close your house tightly
If you find snakes in your attic or basement, look for cracks and holes where they can enter. Make sure the doors and windows are closed on each side. Check chimneys, vents, and other locations where snakes can enter.
Step 4. Try snake exterminator
Snake experts seem to agree that most snake repellents are ineffective, but they may come in handy if you've run out of other ideas. Try placing one of the following in your garden, chicken coop, or any area where snakes are a problem:
- Spray a liquid made from fox urine all around your soil. Some say that snakes are deterred by the smell of fox urine. You can find this liquid at gardening supply stores.
- Try placing a rag soaked in ammonia around the yard. This substance is said to repel snakes and other animals.
- Place clips/hair clips around your garden. The smell of hair is said to keep snakes away.
