DIY Snake Removal: Don’t. Just… Don’t.
So, you’ve found a snake on your porch. Or in your garage. Or, worst of all, in the house. Thinking about snake removal techniques. Your heart’s pounding. You’re sweating. You’re Googling “How to remove a snake using household items” and eyeing your barbecue tongs like they’re tactical gear.
Let us stop you right there.
DIY snake removal is a bad idea.
No matter how brave (or panicked) you feel, this is one pest problem best left to the pros.
We’ve Seen Things. Terrible Things.
Every pest control technician has a snake story. And most of them start with:
“So this homeowner tried to catch it with a broom…”
Here’s a short list of things people have actually tried to remove snakes:
Barbecue tongs (not long enough and NOT safe)
Pillowcases (great for your head, not a panicked reptile)
Shop vacs (good luck getting the snake out afterward)
The “run-screaming-and-hope-it-leaves” method (spoiler: it won’t)
Asking Facebook if it’s venomous based on a blurry photo (double nope)
Why DIY Snake Removal Is Dangerous
You might not know what kind of snake it is.
That “harmless garden snake” could actually be a venomous copperhead. Or a rattler. Or a water moccasin with anger issues. Unless you’re a herpetologist with perfect eyesight and nerves of steel, guessing is not a safe strategy.Even non-venomous snakes can bite.
And guess what? They will bite if they feel threatened. Which they definitely will when you chase them with a rake.Snakes are sneaky.
They can hide under steps, behind boxes, in shoes, or crawl into engine compartments. You don’t want to go poking around blindly. Trust us.You could make things worse.
Corner a snake and it’ll get defensive. Try to handle it, and it might get really defensive. Worst-case scenario? You get hurt. Second worst? The snake disappears, and now it’s loose somewhere in your home. Enjoy that nightmare fuel.