How to Trap a Rattlesnake

If you have encountered a rattlesnake in a building or yard, there are various ways of humanely trapping it. While non-venomous snakes can be carefully removed using a garden rake, shovel or even a gloved hand, rattlesnakes are more dangerous and require careful trapping.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Choose a trap. There are many types of snake traps, however the best are funnel traps, which come in several styles. If you prefer to build your own funnel trap, it is possible to find instructions online. Glue boards are also useful for trapping rattlesnakes indoors, however be careful not to place the trap near objects like pipes or boards that the snake can use for leverage to escape.

2. Place the trap where the snake is likely to crawl. Traps function best inside buildings along walls, or outside along walls or snake-proof fences. Place the trap lengthwise, so that the snake will enter the trap as it is moving along the fence or wall.

3. Find den openings if possible. If all but one opening can be blocked, you can easily channel emerging rattlesnakes into a large oil drum or similar receptacle.

4. Check the traps every day. When a rattlesnake is found in a trap, place the trap in a closed container and release the snake in a suitable habitat at least one mile from where it was trapped. Remember that some parks and wildlife areas don't allow the release of rattlesnakes, so ask permission first.

Tips & Warnings

• Traps should be used to remove a specific rattlesnake that you know is present. It's not a good idea to set a trap just because you think a snake might come near the house.
• Rattlesnakes trapped with glue traps can be removed by applying vegetable oil.
• Don't use glue boards outside where they can trap pets or wildlife. The glue is messy and difficult to remove from animal fur.