How to Catch a Snake in Your House

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If you have a pesky snake in your garden, or are just interested in learning how to catch a snake, there are numerous things that you are able to do to safely and humanely capture the reptile.

Identify It First
The first thing you want to do is examine the snake. Take into consideration the length, size and color of the reptile, as well as other distinguishing characteristics. Once you have examined the snake, you may want to place the characteristics into a search engine to determine if the snake is venomous. If there is any question if it is poisonous, you should contact your local animal shelter and inquire with them. If the snake you are trying to catch is venomous, you should contact a local animal shelter or wildlife rescue, you should usually not attempt to catch a venomous snake.

By Hand
Before you begin handling the reptile, you should always wear protective gloves. Some snakes can carry bacteria that can be harmful for humans. Once you have protected your hands, you can use a long stick or other slender object that is long. You should use the stick to distract the reptile. Once the snake is distracted, you can firmly grasp the snake’s tail and lift up. Make sure that you are leaving the top half of the snake’s body on the ground and as far away from you as possible.

Once you have a firm grasp on the tail of the snake, you can use your stick to lift the rest of the animal. You are able to do so by placing the stick underneath the top portion of the snake. Remember not to make sudden movements or startle the snake. Reptiles are more likely to bite when they are startled or scared.

When you have a firm hold on the snake you are able to transition his location. Put it in a snake sack or pillow case. You will usually want to relocate the snake to a location that offers it many places to hide such as a stone wall or bushes. If you are able to walk your snake to his new area, you will just need to release the snake by aiming his head at the location where you would like it to go, and release the tail. The reptile will usually seek shelter to get away from you.

Learn more: Does rope act as a snake repellent?

If you are unable to relocate the snake to a location that is within walking distance, you will need to place the snake into a cage. The snake can be placed into the cage in a similar fashion to the above instructions for releasing it into a bush. Once you have transported the reptile to his new home, simply lay the cage on its side and allow for the reptile to slither into his new environment.

With Tools - Broom, Snake Tongs, Snake Hook
Snake tongs are a good tool to grab a snake from a distance. You probably don't own a pair, but the pros do. A snake hook is good for larger heavier snakes - the snake drapes over the hook. Put it in a snake sack or pillow case.

Find out more: Types of Florida Water Snakes

If you do not wish to touch the snake, you can always just sweep it out the door with a push broom. Or you can use a garbage can or cage. Lay the garbage can or cage on its side and use a broom and shovel to push the snake into the unit. Once you have captured the reptile, you will be able to safely transport and humanely relocate the snake to a new area.

A thin snake like a garter snake is usually too small to capture with a snake stick or tongs. If you are attempting to catch a garden snake, you may be more successful to use your hands, with gloves of course. Approach the snake slowly so that you do not scare him into a bush or somewhere close by for him to hide. Once you have approached the snake, you can grab the tail and use a stick or similar object to hold his head into place. Make sure that you are not choking the snake. Once you have the snake pinned down you are able to grab the snake as firmly as possible by the neck as close to his head as you are able to grab. You can use your other hand the support the body of the snake to prevent it from moving around. Once you have captured the reptile, you are able to humanely relocate him.

If you spot the snake that you are trying to capture you should not run over to it. This will startle the snake and cause it to move away quickly or bite. You should always approach the snake very carefully and slowly.

More in-detail how-to snake removal articles:

Information about snake trapping - analysis and methods for how to trap.
Information about how to kill a snake - with fumigants or poison.
Information about how to keep snakes away - prevention techniques.
Information about snake repellent - analysis of types and effectiveness.

Learn how to get snakes out from under a shed or porch, what snake feces look like, and if snakes make good pets. Find out if a pest control company will remove a snake, or if the city or county animal services will help with a snake issue. Memorize the snake poem that can save a life, and learn all about The Northern Water Snake. I can show you what to do if you find a nest of snakes, and tactics to find a lost snake in your house. Learn about Snake mating habits, what animals catch and kill snakes and if snakes have ears. Read about The Garter Snake and the problem of Burmese Pythons in south Florida. I can show you how to keep snakes out of the garden, if snake feces are dangerous, if snakes lay eggs, and if a high pitch sound deterrent machine will work against snakes.

You are here to learn how to catch a snake in your house or yard. This site is intended to provide snake education and information, so that you can make an informed decision if you need to deal with a snake problem. This site provides many snake control articles and strategies, if you wish to attempt to solve the problem yourself. If you are unable to do so, which is likely with many cases of snake removal, please go to the home page and click the USA map, where I have wildlife removal experts listed in over 500 cites and towns, who can properly help you with your nuisance snake.

Click here to read more about how to get rid of snakes.