How to Get Rid of a Snake in the Attic

Snakes commonly find their way into basements, crawl spaces and even attics. While they prefer cool and damp shelters, they will seek out other spaces that offer easy access and protection from the elements. Attics provide an escape from the cold and a potential food source. No matter what the reason for snakes moving indoors, they can be removed using simple and humane methods.

Things You'll Need

  • Bucket
  • Broom
  • Glue trap
  • Vegetable oil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Examine the snake in your attic and try to identify the species of snake. Photograph the snake or write down its characteristics from a safe distance. Contact your local Department of Natural Resources or a pest control agency with a description of the snake. If definitively identified as non-venomous, proceed with removal on your own. Never attempt to remove a poisonous snake; call a trained professional.

    • 2

      Place a bucket on its side. Gently brush the snake into the bucket with a broom. This is the easiest removal method if the snake is out in the open. Once the snake is inside the bucket, take it outside and release it in a wooded area away from your house to avoid re-entry.

    • 3

      Purchase or create a snake glue trap to capture any snakes that are not in the open. Snake traps are large plastic rectangles covered with a sticky, but non-toxic substance that captures snakes as they crawl over it. Purchase a ready-made snake glue board online or from a hardware store, or purchase four or five small glue traps and place them together to form a larger trap.

    • 4

      Place your glue traps along a wall or in any area where you've seen the snakes. To maximize success, choose places that snakes will likely search for food and any visible access points where snakes entered your attic. Check your trap at least once daily so you can remove any live snakes caught. Once a snake is caught on the glue board, take it outside and release it away from the house. Pour vegetable oil on the glue trap to remove stickiness.