How to Find an Escaped Snake

Finding an escaped snake can be difficult. A snake is a vertebrae, but it has very light and movable bones that allow it to get into small places. This carnivore can go weeks at a time without food and may not need to hunt immediately after escaping. Most snakes prefer the same type of habitats and will seek the same areas of shelter in any home or building.

Things You'll Need

  • Flashlight
  • Snake trap
  • Bait
  • Sticky paper
  • Wood
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check all entrances going in and out of the home or building. Close or seal all entrances to prevent the snake from getting outdoors if it hasn't already. Check dark spaces around the building with a flashlight including under beds, closets, in cellars and vents. Your snake is cold blooded and will prefer to find cool dark areas to hide.

    • 2

      Listen for the snake in the evening. Turn off all devices making noises that could scare it away. The snake has no ears but picks up sounds with its body through vibrations. The snake is nocturnal and will be most active at night. Stay up and wait for the snake to come out into the open or to hear where it is.

    • 3

      Place pieces of sticky paper large enough to contain the snake and designed to catch snakes on a piece of wood. Place them around the home. Basement floors and cool surfaces like wood or tile are ideal. Check them routinely and place bait on the paper. Small dead mammals like mice or rats will work great.

    • 4

      Set up a snake trap with bait in an area you think the snake is hiding or in multiple places around the home or building. Get a trap large enough to contain the snake and check it periodically. Live bait can be used in these traps if necessary.