How to Kill a Snake? (Expert Guide)

Ever thought of encountering a snake in your bedroom or garage?

Imagine trying to get rid of it, and you interrupt their quality time with the whole family, and now they look angry.

Sounds so terrifying, right?

Well, this is quite a common scenario in houses that are close to natural resources. If you live in such an area, you will know the struggle, especially if you have just started living there. 

But you won’t have to stress about it anymore. In the following discussion, you will get to know how you can identify different snakes and get rid of them for good. 

So, let’s get started. 

How to Differentiate between Venomous and Poisonous Snakes?

It can be challenging to identify snakes properly as they have so much variation in their appearance. The following checklists will help you identify whether the snakes around you are venomous or nonvenomous. 

Venomous Snakes

• Usually takes a triangle shape. Some non-venomous snakes adopt this appearance to frighten off their enemies.
• Narrow and upright, wrapped with green or yellow eyes.
• Have a pattern that varies greatly, but usually, the red bands touch the yellow bands.

Nonvenomous Snakes

• Spoon-like heads with a rounded profile
• Rounded eyes
• Varies greatly; scarlet kingsnakes have separated black bars to divide the yellow and red bands.

How to Kill Snakes?

When an animal becomes a disturbance for you, it is normal to try to kill it. But, when it comes to snakes, there is an extra danger and requires extra precaution because some kinds are genuinely deadly. These are some of your options if you decide to kill a snake in your yard.

Shooting The Snake

Shooting a snake can be challenging as it requires good shooting skills and the ability to catch snakes from a certain distance. Snacks can run away and hide if they feel your presence around them. So, aim for the head to guarantee a swift and humane kill and to properly handle the body to prevent attracting other nuisance animals.

Removing The Snake’s Head With A Shovel

You can also use a shovel to kill a snake. Among so many options, it is one of the most dangerous ways to handle snakes. Well, it is considered a bad idea because it puts you in the snake’s path and is an unnecessarily violent method of handling the creature. If it is venomous, it can put your life at stake.

Lethal Snake Traps

You won’t find a lot of deadly snake-catching devices. So, you must follow traditional methods like glue or maze traps to catch snakes and then use other techniques to kill them. But, if you have already done all of this, it is easier and more convenient to release the snake somewhere else instead of keeping it or killing it and facing any further issues caused by it.

Fumigation of Burrows. 

You can also use poison gas to kill snakes that are staying in burrows. With a long-handled spoon, you need to place two ounces of calcium cyanide far down in the burrow as far as possible. Seal it with stone or grass so the soil doesn’t cover the chemical. Gaseous hydrocyanic acid is produced when cyanide and moisture in the tunnel mix.

Usually, a snake will die within 30 minutes. However, you shouldn’t use excessive gas on various burrows unless absolutely necessary because it will also end up killing other animals.  

Other Ways to Deal With A Snake

You can take care of snakes in various ways, such as using non-lethal traps and moving them elsewhere or setting up a reliable snake fence. A sturdy fence around your property will act as a strong guard to keep snakes out, and it is a long-lasting solution. It also protects you from continuing the removal process after every while. 

What are the Tips and Tricks on Killing Snakes?

Let’s learn about the tips that can help you to kill snakes and protect yourself and your property. 

Snake Traps 

Using deadly traps is the easiest method to kill snakes. You can use bait in these traps, catch it by the head, and quickly snap it. It will instantly kill the snake. However, it is only effective if the trap works properly. If the trap manages to catch the snake but fails to kill it, you must break its head while it is still trapped. 

However, you must be extremely careful at this point as the snake is injured, frightened, and may be hostile. After the head is removed, you can dispose of the snake’s body somewhere safe.

You should strategically position the traps in places where you have noticed snakes. Also, you need to check the trap(s) constantly as a decaying snake left can lead to other problems, like an unpleasant odor throughout the house or attracting other insects into your area.

Firearms 

this is another method of killing snakes only f you can do it properly. It is important to ensure you can accurately target the snake’s head before shooting it, as this will result in an instant and painless death. However, if you miss your shot, the snake may become angry and start to move erratically around your yard.

You must be confident about your shooting abilities before trying this. Besides, using a gun to kill snakes may not always be effective due to the small size of most intruding snakes. It’s also important to know the laws regarding gun use in your area to avoid legal troubles.

Clubbing 

You can also consider hitting the snake’s head with a hard stick or a garden tool, but you need to stay near the snake for that. Another option is to use a sharp object to target the head, but you must aim perfectly on the first attempt. Remember that while snakes usually don’t attack humans, they will only defend themselves if they feel threatened.

What are the Ways to Remove Snakes from Your House and Yard?

Every time it isn’t necessary to kill the snakes; instead, you can just get rid of them in several ways. 

How to Get Rid of Snakes In Your Home?

If you are experiencing a mouse infestation or if they unintentionally get stuck, snakes can end up in your house. But it will be terrifying to have snakes in your house, no matter the reason.

1. Remain Calm

If you discover a snake in your home, the first thing to do is remain calm. Do not frighten or hurt the snake.

2. Open Doors and Windows

Open as many windows or doors as possible so the snake finds its way out of your home.

3. Call a Wildlife Control Company

Call a wildlife management expert company immediately if you cannot open a door or provide it with an alternative escape, especially if you believe it is a poisonous snake.

4. Create a Barrier Around the Snake

Use boxes or boards to surround the snake and form a barrier while you wait. It will make it easier for the pest control company to capture the snake when they arrive. They will safely remove the snake and will also deal with the underlying problem that brought the snake into your house in the first place.

How to Get Rid Of Snakes in Your Yard and Garden?

Before taking any action, make sure that the snake in your yard or garden is not poisonous. The following are some strategies to attempt while you want to get rid of snakes: 

1. Spray It with a Hose

At a distance, spray water on the snake and drench it. It will motivate it to move forward without causing any trouble for itself. But keep in mind that this is simply a short-term fix, and the snake can come back.

2. Trap the Snake

You can use a garbage can to trap the snake if you have already called a pest control company and want it gone that day. But try this only if you are positive the snake is not poisonous. 

3. Remove Food Sources

Snakes consume fish, frogs, birds, rodents, and other animals. If you get rid of any of these creatures from your property, it can help you to resolve your snake issue.

4. Get Rid of Standing Water

Snakes are drawn to areas with standing water, such as ponds, birdbaths, and rain barrels. Getting rid of these sources will stop snakes from returning.

5. Trap the Snake

You can get a store-bought snake trap to trap and secure the snake. Take the snake you’ve captured to a safe place far from your house so you can release it there. However, you should only try this if you are sure that the snake is not poisonous.

Another easy and non-violent option is to use glue boards. The glue board will catch the snake without hurting it. Put vegetable oil on the snake’s body to remove the adhesive and remove it from the trap.

6. Fill Burrows

Fill any old burrows or other tunnels with gravel or soil to keep snakes out and ensure that the snakes aren’t able to use them again. If there are several tunnels, get in touch with a pest control company that specializes in controlling burrowing pests.

7. Remove the Shelter

Remove all the places where snakes can hide, such as the open spaces under sheds and outbuildings, coiled hoses, firewood heaps, thick grass, and dense vegetation. 

Maintain a 1-inch height for grass, and ensure that the snake-proof fence is level with the ground, inclined outward, and at least three feet high and four feet deep. You can also grow plants that ward against snakes.

8. Use smoke

Smoke has a fragrance that snakes are sensitive to. So, creating a fire pit and letting it burn for a few days will successfully get snakes out of your land.

9. Consider Natural Predators

Snakes are natural food for cats, foxes, raccoons, turkeys, pigs, and guinea hens. So, the best natural defense against snakes is to have these animals on or near your property. Fox urine is another natural snake repellent you will find in stores to eliminate these.

10. Use Natural Repellents

Natural repellents such as clove and cinnamon oil, sulfur, and vinegar are one way to repel snakes. You can spread these substances around your property’s perimeter and any areas where snakes have been observed to keep them away.

How to Kill Snakes by the Pool?

You can use ammonia. It is a fantastic DIY solution if you have a water snake beside your pool or near your pond. Ammonia has a strong enough odor to keep snakes away. Anywhere you’ve seen snake activity, lay rags in open plastic bags and soak them in ammonia for optimal results.

For better results, swap them out every day. To make it harder for snakes to reach, mow the lawn and trim the bushes around your pond or pool.

To Conclude

Killing snakes can be a dangerous task, but it is possible to accomplish. Following the suggestions and methods, you can have a snake-proof environment and reduce the chances of meeting these unwanted guests in your area. 

Always handle snakes with care and caution; if you are uncertain how to deal with them, it is best to seek an expert wildlife removal service. You can enjoy a snake-free house and garden throughout the year with determination and caution. So, do not let your fear of snakes restrict you from enjoying the great outdoors; instead, reclaim your territory from these intruders.

FAQ

What is the safest way to kill a snake?

A lethal trap is a safest and most efficient way to kill snakes. As you can set up the trap easily without facing any problems, it is also one of the cheapest and safest methods. 

What can I use to kill a snake?

You can use several things to kill a snake. Like

• A gun to shoot the snake
• A shovel to remove the snakes head
• Lethal snake traps
• Calcium cyanide gas, etc. 

How do you fight off snakes?

You can fight snakes with various techniques, including eliminating anything that might entice them, such as rodents, insects, dense brush, tall grass, standing water, open storage, and damaged drainage or gutters, which could attract snakes to your property. However, if a snake has already entered your house or garage, it may be necessary to use humane traps or seek professional assistance to remove it safely.

Should I kill the snake or let it go?

Most snake encounters are brief, but if one does happen, make careful to: Leave the snake alone. Determine its species. As long as it is not poisonous and is not inside a house or other structure, keeps leaving it alone.

How can I avoid snake bites?

• Avoid areas where snakes might reside.
• Use a long stick to poke the ground before you as you move through high grass or weeds to spook snakes away.
• When outdoors, pay attention to your footing and where you sit.
• Put on long, baggy slacks and tall, substantial leather or rubber boots.