Ways to Exterminate Snakes

Snakes are a common reptile found all over the United States. Fear, pets and small children playing are all good reasons why people have snakes exterminated. There are many different ways to exterminate snakes of all different sizes and species. Simple decisions on what methods are best can be made by a homeowner.

  1. Lethal Methods

    • Lethal methods are commonly used to exterminate snakes. People must locate or capture snakes and then use a piece of equipment to kill them. Shovels or long. blunt objects are commonly used to kill snakes. Rifles are often used when snakes are large, unidentified or poisonous. Caution is needed when approaching snakes and when using a rifle.

    Nonlethal Methods

    • Nonlethal methods are used to capture snakes. Once a snake is captured, it can be relocated or killed. Glue snake traps are the most popular options for capturing snakes. They come in different sizes and are effective at capturing small snakes. Snakes are normally alive when captured. Liquid and powdered snake repellents are available but have not been proven effective at keeping snakes away.

    Professional Extermination

    • The safest way to exterminate snakes is to call a professional pest control service. They are trained to identify snakes and to remove them. Professionals should always be called if a snake is poisonous or if a snake is unidentifiable. Pest control agencies have lethal and nonlethal methods to eliminate snakes. They will pick the extermination method that clients prefer.

    Environmental Changes

    • The best way to exterminate snakes and permanently keep them away is to change the environment. Snakes live in places that provide food and shelter. Removing garbage piles, brush piles, stacked firewood and places that provide cover will kill snakes over time or force them to leave. Keeping grass mowed and eliminating weeds removes food and shelter options. Killing bugs, rodents and sources of food will prevent snakes from returning. Changing the environment takes the longest time to see results.