Updated On

December 31, 2023

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    At their core, snake traps are any device designed to capture serpents. These can be a simple cage, a complex machine, or even just a sheet of paper with really sticky glue on it.

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    What Makes Snake Traps Different from Other Type Traps?

    Snakes are almost entirely muscle.

    They can move by slithering and propelling themselves around, and this makes them extremely strong.

    A trap designed to hold a mouse, rat, or squirrel lacks the durability to contain an angry snake.

    This is one of the make reasons snakes have their own traps. Some serpents can also be 3-6 ft. long, so the trap needs to be big enough to fit the entire creature.

    Read Also: What’re The Best Snake Gaiters?


    How Do Snake Traps Work?

    Most traps work by using a pre-scented glue board placed alongside a wall near the snake’s nest.

    Thankfully, snake traps are pretty easy to set up for most homeowners.

    Again, the key is to find where your snakes live, which is usually identified by a small snake hole in around a tree, garden bed, bushes, or some other area with space to hide and dirty to keep them safe.

    Here’s a video we found that breaks down the setup and most of what you’d need to know to ensure snake victory.


    Are Snake Traps Expensive?

    Not really.

    Snake traps do come in a variety of styles and therefore range in price. Solid metal traps are more expensive but also more reliable than a simple sheet of adhesive. The more expensive versions have covers to aid in weather resistance.

    Devices which cost more tend to be reusable and far sturdier than cheaper ones.


    What Types of Traps are Available for Snakes?

    Property owners can usually only buy cages or glue traps because these are the best way to capture snakes without using snake tongs.

    Snake tongs can be effective, but only if you have the strength to handle the reptile writhing at the end of the shaft.

    Did You Know

    Most glue boards are built to “catch and release” snakes by pouring cooking oil on the glue.

    Cages can be reused, while most glue traps cannot. However, glue traps come in packs of multiple sheets.


    What Makes a Good Snake Trap?

    Because snake traps are simple, they can be judged using three criteria: strength, cost, and practicality.

    As mentioned earlier, snakes are almost entirely muscle. Even small variations like corn snakes can still bruise a human being, and large constrictors can completely suffocate regular people.

    Like a muscular person, serpents can through their weight around and will be able to damage weak or flimsy traps.

    To combat this problem, you will want to find a cage made of metal or glue traps that use a particularly sticky adhesive.

    Traps range in price from simple ones for $20 to more expense variations for $80+. The more expensive traps tend to be reusable with covers, while cheaper ones are usually single-use glue sheets.

    Depending on how large of a snake you need to capture, you might have to invest in a costly trap. If you just need to get a small garden snake, then cheaper will work for you.

    Unlike pest control methods designed for small nuisances like ants or mice, you really need to evaluate your personal skills when it comes to trapping a snake.

    They are much stronger and larger, and you want to find a device that you know you can use.

    For this reason, you need to know your snake and the pros and cons of the trap you want.

    Cages are easier for amateurs to handle because the serpent and its fangs will be away from your hands. A glue trap might catch a snake, but it can still bite.

    When shopping around definitely consider a trap with a cover to ensure the weather elements don’t degrade to effectiveness of your trap.

    Most “cheaper” brands, are just glue open scented glue boards. With some rain and/or intense heat, the glue will break down.


    Can a Trap Catch All Types of Snakes?

    Simple answer: No.

    Most snake traps can capture small to medium serpents, which would be your average garden snake or perhaps a copperhead.

    Other serpents might be too big, especially if they are black rat snakes.

    When to Call a Professional

    Do NOT attempt to capture a venomous snake if you have no experience handling these reptiles. Use our tool and get a professional on the job. Most traps do not kill snakes and you will need to find a way to release them.

    Usually, you can take the trap to a wildlife preserve or a similar organization to have the snake released. However, if something goes wrong during the trapping, you don’t want to risk your life. Stay away from venomous serpents.


    Top 4 Best Snake Traps

    In the below section we break down each of our product recommendations in a little more detail.

    1. Kat Sense Sticky Trap
    2. Cahaba Large Snake Trap
    3. Harris Snake Glue Trap
    4. Catchmaster Snake Glue Boards

    Kat Sense Sticky Trap

    These Sticky traps from Kat Sense are like no other glue boards. They cover over 500 sq inches and are the largest available. Also, they come pre-baited for added effectiveness.

    These ultra-large traps are simple to use. Just peel the backing slowly to activate it. Then, set the trap down, sticky side up. Nothing can escape it, even large snakes.

    The secret is in the coverage area. No other home glue trap is larger. So, you can catch even the most oversized rats, mice, insects, and snakes.

    Extra-large surface for catching almost any type of pest
    Sectioned, so you don’t have to use the entire surface all at once
    Strongest glue trap available
    Excellent for snakes, rats, and mice
    Not safe for children and pets
    Difficult to remove from the package

    Cahaba Snake Trap (Commercial Grade)

    The Cahaba is an environmentally friendly snake trap which features a board coated in strong adhesive. Snakes which slither across it will become stuck. They can be released in a separate location. Unlike other glue traps, the Cahaba Large Snake Trap is reusable.

    This product is water-resistant, a useful feature for individuals who need to deal with outdoor slithering fiends. The Cahaba has large dimensions and works best for snakes under 2 ft. long and juveniles. Adult snakes can be captured, but might break loose.

    The trap is reusable
    Water-resistant
    Users can catch adult and baby snakes
    It is large enough to catch big snakes with the following dimensions: 32 in. X 9.5 in. X 2.5 in.
    The adhesive can become stuck to the inside of the trap
    Snakes can escape by moving the glue sheet out of the trap
    The adhesive can not hold strong snakes

    Harris Snake Glue Trap

    Harris Snake Glue Traps are ideal for larger snakes or rodents that invade your outdoor spaces. So, it’s best to place them anywhere you see activity, and they can also be used safely indoors.

    These high-quality glue traps are made from strong materials. So, they won’t break down like competitor brands. Also, they have a wider surface to catch large snakes.

    Harris Snake Glue Traps are ideal for use in residences, businesses, schools, and storage facilities. And they contain no poison baits or pesticides. So, they’re safe for children, pets, and the environment.

    Large surface area
    Strong materials
    Use almost anywhere
    No chemicals, eco-friendly
    For dry applications only, avoid using in wet areas

    Catchmaster Snake Glue Boards

    The Catchmaster Snake Glue Boards are the most flexible snake traps. They can be folded or resized to fit into every nook and cranny of a yard or basement. They operate like simple glue traps with a strong adhesive covering a plain board.

    One of the highlights of the Catchmasters is that they come in sets of 5 for the price of 1 of its competitor’s traps. The glue is non-toxic and environmentally friendly, and the trap won’t harm pets.

    I recommend this trap to individuals who need to catch multiple snakes and would like to be able to capture additional pests like mice as well (although we don’t recommend it).

    The glue is non-toxic and safe to use around pets
    The traps are pre-baited
    Comes with 5 traps per pack
    Users can fold the trap so it can fit nicely in tight spaces
    Only good for small snakes
    Snakes can escape by dragging and dislodging the trap
    Adhesive is weaker compared to other models

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    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Ed Spicer

    Ed Spicer

    Ed has been working in the pest control industry for years helping 1,000's of homeowners navigate the world of insect and rodent management.

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