Removing unwanted snakes

If you encounter an unwanted snake in a building or yard, there are a number of humane, nonlethal methods of removing them.

Trapping
There are several types of snake traps available. The best are one of the various styles of funnel traps. Traps work best inside buildings, but can be used outside along a wall or snake-proof fence. They should be placed length-wise, so that when a snake moves along the wall or fence it will enter the trap. Traps should be used to remove a specific snake that you know is present, not set just in case a snake might come into a house.

Relocating
Once you have trapped or found the snake, you will need to relocate it. This means picking it up and putting it in a container for transport. Nonvenomous snakes can be lifted with a garden rake or shovel. If the snake is small, such as a garter or redbelly, you can use a gloved hand. Transport the container to an appropriate site for release (an open field or a woodland) at least 1 mile from your home. Note: some parks and wildlife areas do not allow the release of animals within their boundaries.

Snake repellent
There is no known snake repellent. There is one commercial product which the manufacturer claims can repel one species of garter snake and one species of rattlesnake. It is made of naphthalene (moth crystals) and sulfur. It doesn't keep snakes away and can make your house and yard smelly. Homemade remedies (e.g. mothballs, pepper) also don't work.