Question: I have seen two snakes in my house since late November. After
the first snake I placed mothballs around the foundation of the house.
Could I have trapped them in the house? I'm wondering how to get rid of
the snakes. At this point I will try anything! Can you spray for snakes?
ANSWER Snakes in the house or around the house are not easily controlled. Although most snakes around houses are not poisonous, it is prudent to be cautious. Wear gloves and heavy clothing.
Snakes enter a building because they're lured in by dark, damp, cool areas or insearch of small animals for food. Snakes can be discouraged from entering a home in several ways. Keeping the vegetation around the house cut short can make the home less attractive to small animals and snakes. Other methods include: screening all outside vents; making sure doors and windows fit tightly, and sealing cracks and holes around the foundation. Check access doors to basemants and crawlspaces to be certain the fit tightly.Even tiny holes should be sealed.
During cold months, snakes often try to enter crawlspaces, cellars, sheds, and basements. Once a snake is inside it can be difficult to find. To coax snakes out, try leaving piles of damp burlap bags or rags in areas where the snake was seen. After several days use a large shovel to remove the whole pile of bags and (hopefully) the snake.
Sticky traps have been used to remove snakes from crawlspaces, garages, and attics. The large sticky traps that are used for rats are the ones that are used for snakes most often. A captured snake can be freed from a sticky trap by pouring some vegetable cooking oil on the trap.
