Glue traps are adhesive-coated boards or trays marketed primarily for catching insects and rodents in homes and businesses. These devices work by physically immobilizing the pest, but they are widely criticized for being indiscriminate and causing prolonged suffering. The use of these sticky traps raises significant concerns among wildlife experts because they pose a serious threat to non-target animals, including lizards, birds, and snakes, which can become accidentally caught. This article will examine the specific risk these devices present to snakes and provide guidance on both rescue and prevention.
Do Glue Traps Attract Snakes
Glue traps do not employ chemical lures or scents specifically designed to attract snakes. Unlike rodents, which are drawn in by bait like peanut butter, snakes typically navigate and hunt using thermal detection and movement cues rather than the scent trails associated with the trap itself. The adhesive on the board is not a food source, and it does not mimic the pheromones or environmental signals a snake would actively seek out.
The danger posed by these traps is not one of direct attraction but of accidental encounter. Snakes often move along walls, baseboards, and other confined pathways, which are the very locations where glue traps are commonly placed by users. A snake moving through a space may simply cross the trap’s path, leading to an immediate and unexpected entanglement. The risk is heightened when traps are placed outdoors or in garages, where snakes are more likely to be present.
How Snakes Become Entrapped
The primary mechanism of entrapment is the snake’s natural behavior combined with the trap’s extreme tackiness. When a snake accidentally contacts the edge of the trap, its immediate, reflexive reaction is to pull back forcefully to escape the sticky surface. This struggle is counterproductive, as the pulling motion causes more of the snake’s body to press against the adhesive, rapidly increasing the surface area of contact.
In just moments, the snake’s attempts to free itself result in its head, coils, and tail becoming entirely stuck to the board. Another frequent cause of entrapment is the snake being drawn to a struggling rodent or insect already caught on the glue trap. The snake perceives the trapped animal as an easy meal, approaches to hunt, and subsequently becomes stuck itself.
Once immobilized, the snake faces death from a combination of dehydration, starvation, and exposure. The sticky substance can also damage the snake’s delicate scales and skin, leading to severe injuries if it attempts to tear itself free. In some cases, the glue can obstruct the animal’s nostrils and mouth, leading to suffocation. The outcome is almost always fatal without timely human intervention.
Immediate Steps If a Snake is Trapped
If a snake is found stuck on a glue trap, approach with extreme caution and never handle the snake directly. It is important to identify the snake, as venomous species require specialized handling and should only be managed by professionals. For non-venomous snakes, the goal is to neutralize the adhesive without causing further injury to the animal’s skin.
The most effective method involves using an oil-based substance, such as cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or olive oil) or mineral oil, which safely dissolves the glue. Carefully apply the oil around the edges of the snake and directly onto the adhesive, using a cotton swab or a gentle stream from a bottle. Patience is paramount, as the oil needs time to soak into the glue and break the bond, which may take several minutes.
As the adhesive dissolves, gently and slowly work the snake free from the trap, adding more oil as needed to any newly exposed sticky areas. Once released, the snake will likely be covered in oil residue. This residue is not immediately harmful but should be rinsed off with warm water and a mild, non-toxic dish soap. If the snake is large, venomous, or appears to have sustained significant injury, immediately contact local animal control or a certified wildlife rehabilitation center.
Humane Pest Control Alternatives
The most effective and humane approach to managing pests involves methods that eliminate the risk to non-target wildlife. Exclusion methods are highly recommended, focusing on sealing all potential entry points into a structure. This involves filling cracks, crevices, and gaps in foundations, walls, and utility openings with materials like copper mesh or concrete to prevent animal access.
Habitat modification around the home is also highly effective, as it reduces the food and shelter sources that attract pests. Clearing away piles of debris, firewood, and thick vegetation near the foundation eliminates hiding spots for both rodents and snakes. Removing these elements makes the area less hospitable and reduces the likelihood of encountering either species.
If a lethal trapping method is necessary, traditional snap traps are considered a more humane alternative to glue traps, as they are designed to result in a quick death. Live-catch traps are another option, although they require frequent monitoring to ensure the trapped animal is not subjected to prolonged stress or dehydration before release. Using targeted and monitored methods ensures that the pest problem is addressed without causing unnecessary harm to other wildlife.