Lexi Webster
Snake traps are used to catch and release snakes that are found in unwanted places, such as your garden, basement, or chicken coop. In Australia, it is illegal to kill snakes, so trapping and relocating them is a common method to handle the situation. There are various types of snake traps available, ranging from high-tech traps to homemade versions made from PVC pipes or cardboard boxes. The key principle behind all snake traps is to lure the snake inside with bait and prevent it from escaping. It is important to identify the species of snake before attempting to trap it, as different snakes have varying sizes, behaviours, and diets, which will influence the trap's design and placement.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Trap type | Glue trap, Minnow trap, PVC pipe, Solar Snake Repeller, Snake-proof Aviaries, High-tech snake trap, Snake trap with two spring-loaded doors, Homemade traps |
| Trap material | Cardboard, Plastic, Wire mesh, PVC pipe |
| Bait | Eggs, Chicken, Mouse/rat shavings, Bird |
| Trap placement | Garden, Basement, Attic, Chicken coop, Along walls, fences, or in areas with dense vegetation |
| Trap handling | Keep small children and pets away from the trap, Release the snake at least 5-10 km away from human residences |
| Trap purchase | Local home and garden supply store, Pestrol Australia, Snakesaway, Wildlife Relocation and Management Services |
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What You'll Learn
- Snake trap types: cardboard, plastic tubes, wire mesh, PVC pipe, or glue traps
- Baiting the trap: use eggs, prey, or food
- Trap placement: set traps in areas frequented by snakes, like gardens or basements
- Handling a trapped snake: avoid harm unless dangerous; release far from homes
- Snake-proof your home: use shade cloth to protect aviaries, kennels, and stables
Snake trap types: cardboard, plastic tubes, wire mesh, PVC pipe, or glue traps
Snake traps are typically cages or boxes used to catch snakes. Various types of snake traps include cardboard boxes, plastic tubes, wire mesh, PVC pipe, and glue traps. The type of trap may vary, but the principle is the same: the traps are laid out with bait to entice the snake, which enters and gets caught.
Cardboard boxes can be used as snake traps. The design of these traps often involves a ramp that leads into the box. The ramp must be wide enough for the snake to slither up, and the box must be tall enough so that the snake cannot escape once inside.
Plastic tubes can also be used as snake traps. One way to make a plastic tube trap is to create a funnel door using wire. First, make a cylinder out of wire with a diameter corresponding to the snake's size, typically 10 to 20 cm. Then, create a funnel with one end big enough for the snake to enter and the other end small enough that the snake cannot exit. Finally, put everything together and seal the cylinder without the funnel with more wire.
Wire mesh traps capture snakes by giving them no way to exit. One way to make a wire mesh trap is to wrap bird or deer netting around a PVC pipe. First, cut plastic-coated copper wire into four pieces: two 38" long pieces and two 6' long pieces. Take one of the 38" pieces and wrap it around a 4' long, 6" PVC pipe, leaving about 3" of wire on both sides of the pipe. Then, cut the netting to about 18" to 20" wide and wrap it around the wire, securing it to the ends of the wire. The final product should resemble an umbrella, with the snake climbing up the PVC pipe and getting trapped within the "umbrella" portion.
Glue traps are another option for snake traps. These traps typically consist of a box with bait inside and a special type of glue on the bottom. The glue immobilizes the snake without harming it, allowing for safe removal and release. To release the snake, pour vegetable oil on the snake's body and the glue to neutralize the adhesive.
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Baiting the trap: use eggs, prey, or food
Baiting a snake trap is a crucial step in ensuring its effectiveness. The type of bait used will depend on the species of snake you are trying to catch, so it is important to do your research beforehand. Here are some common bait options to consider:
Eggs
Eggs are an easy-to-find bait option that can be effective for many snake species. Chicken eggs are commonly used, but some smaller snake species may require quail eggs. For best results, use farm-fresh, unwashed eggs. Place a few eggs inside the trap, making sure they are visible to the snake.
Prey
Using the snake's natural prey as bait can be an effective way to lure them into the trap. Small animals such as mice, rats, or birds can be used as live bait, but this may not be suitable for everyone. Frozen rodents or bird parts, such as chicken hearts or feet, can also be used and are readily available at most grocery stores.
Food
In addition to prey, snakes also eat a variety of foods. Fish, amphibians (such as toads and frogs), and invertebrates (such as insects) can all be used as bait, depending on the species of snake you are targeting. For example, water snakes that live near waterways are more likely to be attracted to fish or amphibians.
It is important to use enough bait to be visible to the snake, but not so much that it fills the trap. Covering the bait with a sheet or towel can also help reduce visibility and make the trap less noticeable to other animals. Remember to regularly replenish the bait and inspect the trap for any signs of damage to ensure its effectiveness.
Additionally, snake lure, a liquid chemical attractant, can be used in conjunction with the bait to increase the chances of attracting a snake to your trap. However, manufacturers still recommend using live bait as snakes may not always enter the trap with lure alone.
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Trap placement: set traps in areas frequented by snakes, like gardens or basements
Trap placement is key to successfully trapping snakes. The best places to set traps are areas that snakes frequent, such as gardens, basements, attics, chicken coops, or holes in the foundation of your house. Snakes like tight, dark, and humid places, so check these spots first.
When setting up your trap, make sure it is firmly closed. If using a glue trap, ensure the latch that closes the box is clasped. If using a minnow trap, set it up so that the cylinder is resting on its side. Place the trap along walls, fences, or in areas with dense vegetation where snakes may hide.
Common baits to use in your trap include chicken eggs, mice, or rats. These baits are high in the snake's food pyramid and are sure to attract them. Simply place the trap with the bait inside wherever you suspect the snake is likely to hide. Remember, snakes don't eat every day, so don't be discouraged if you don't catch one right away. Keep setting the trap for a few days and try different baits if needed.
Once you've caught a snake, it's important to release it far away from human residences. Find a spot in the wild, 5-10 km away from homes, to ensure the snake doesn't make its way back.
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Handling a trapped snake: avoid harm unless dangerous; release far from homes
Snake traps are cages or boxes used to catch snakes, with designs ranging from cardboard boxes to plastic tubes and wire mesh. It is important to handle a trapped snake with extreme care. Do not stick your fingers into the trap or attempt to touch or pet the snake. Snakes will never harm you unless provoked, so do not attempt to kill them. It is illegal to do so in Australia, and it also puts you at greater risk of being bitten.
If you come face to face with a snake, the first thing to do is to get yourself, any pets, and children to safety. If you are outdoors, the safest thing to do is to remain calm and still and slowly back away from the snake, keeping a constant eye on it. Do not throw objects at it or try to get it to move. If you feel surrounded or trapped, stay as still as possible and wait for the snake to move away, or call a professional snake catcher.
If you have trapped a snake, take it at least 5-10 km away from homes before releasing it to ensure it does not return. Snake removal companies are also licensed to take and release snakes, although they may charge a fee.
To avoid harm, it is important to understand snake behaviour. Snakes are generally shy and will not attack unless provoked. They are a vital part of the ecosystem and are protected by law in all Australian states and territories.
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Snake-proof your home: use shade cloth to protect aviaries, kennels, and stables
Snakes are smart creatures, and if you want to catch one, you'll need to outsmart it. Snake traps are cages or boxes that use bait to entice snakes to enter and get caught. While there are various commercial traps available, you can also make one yourself using simple materials.
However, if you're looking to keep snakes away from your home, you can take preventative measures to snake-proof your property. One effective method is to use shade cloth to protect aviaries, kennels, and stables. Shade cloth is a fabric designed to provide shade and reduce direct sunlight. It is commonly used in agriculture, gardening, and animal care.
- Aviaries: Use shade cloth to cover the aviary, creating a shaded environment that makes it less appealing to snakes. Ensure the cloth is secure and doesn't provide any gaps for snakes to enter.
- Kennels: Install shade cloth over kennels to provide a cooler environment for dogs, which is essential for their health and comfort. Shade cloth allows for better air circulation than solid covers, preventing the kennel area from becoming stuffy and reducing the risk of overheating.
- Stables: Utilise shade cloth to create shaded areas within or adjacent to stables, providing a comfortable space for horses to retreat from direct sunlight. Horses are particularly susceptible to heat stress, so shade cloth can significantly improve their well-being.
When using shade cloth, consider factors such as climate, structure location, and the specific needs of the animals. Shade cloth comes in various densities and colours, so choose one that suits your requirements. Remember to maintain and regularly clean the shade cloth to ensure its longevity.
By implementing these measures, you can effectively snake-proof your aviaries, kennels, and stables, creating a safer environment for your animals.
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