How to Get Snake out of the Attic
The idea of having a potentially dangerous snake looming above your head while you sleep at night would scare just about anybody. Lucky for you, the snake isn't lying in wait to hunt humans. They're probably there for some other nuisance wildlife critters that are hanging about in your attic. Snakes eat lots of the animals we consider attic pests, so having a snake in your attic isn't the worst thing. In fact, finding a snake in the attic can key you into other infestations, and they will probably have done some of the work for you!
Why is There a Snake in My Attic?
Common snakes that can climb include rat snakes and other garden varieties. These snakes are looking for–you guessed it–rats! Some other varieties will even go for any bird eggs in the attic from pesky invasive species like starlings and pigeons. Snakes usually have a reason for entering a home, and the reason is always food.
How Do I Know There's a Snake in My Attic?
Snakes leave behind their skin as the shed. You'll likely find some snake skin atop insulation if you have a snake problem. Snakes are stealthy creatures, and they can get more stealthy when they see humans, who they perceive to be predators. You'll rarely here a snake in your attic, but if you do an inspection after finding skins, you might be able to see one. Keep in mind that most areas have some species of poisonous or venomous snakes, and that private snake owners across the United States have been known to release snakes that they no longer want to take care of. While it's highly unlikely to run into a non-native venomous species in your home, it is still a possibility that you should be prepared for.
How Do I Get a Snake Out of My Attic?
The snake most likely had a point of entry in the attic space or roof that they used to get inside your home. Your first task would be to seal up any and all of these entry points. Once this is done, the snake will need to be caught. There are a variety of snake traps out there that can temporarily immobilize the snake for removal. Be very cautious using box traps with glue. Some experienced snake handlers willingly grab snakes behind their head and control them easily. We do not recommend the layman attempt this type of trapping as it can lead to serious injury if not done correctly.