Glue traps, marketed for rodent and insect control, consist of a board or tray coated with a strong, non-drying adhesive. These devices are indiscriminate, posing a threat to non-target wildlife, including snakes, which often become entangled while hunting prey. Once a snake makes contact with the adhesive, the trap acts as a restraint, making escape almost impossible.
The Immediate Threat to Snakes on Glue Traps
A snake caught in a glue trap faces physical deterioration and stress. The immediate reaction is to struggle, which causes more of the body to adhere to the sticky surface, leading to rapid exhaustion. This effort can also cause the scales and skin to tear away from the underlying tissue when the snake attempts to pull free, resulting in open wounds.
The glue presents a direct danger by impeding normal bodily functions. If the adhesive covers the snake’s nostrils or mouth, it can block the airway, leading to suffocation. Snakes are ectotherms, relying on their environment to regulate body temperature, but immobilization prevents them from moving to seek sun or shade. This forced immobility can lead to overheating (hyperthermia) or freezing (hypothermia), depending on the trap’s location and ambient conditions.
Factors Determining Survival Time
Survival time ranges from hours to several days, depending on environmental and biological factors. The greatest influence is the environmental temperature. In direct sunlight or high heat, a snake can quickly succumb to hyperthermia and dehydration in just a few hours because it cannot regulate its body temperature.
Conversely, in a cool, sheltered indoor location, the snake’s low metabolism allows it to survive longer, sometimes for up to a few days. During this period, the primary causes of death are dehydration and starvation. Smaller species are more susceptible to rapid desiccation than larger snakes. The extent of contact also plays a role; a snake minimally stuck at the tail has a greater chance of survival than one fully wrapped around the trap.
Safe and Humane Snake Removal
If a snake is found stuck to a trap, careful intervention is necessary, but safety is the first concern. If the snake is venomous, do not attempt the rescue; immediately contact a professional wildlife control operator or herpetologist. For non-venomous species, neutralize the glue using a non-toxic, oil-based substance. Vegetable, canola, or mineral oil are effective choices, but avoid petroleum-based products.
Apply the oil slowly around the edges where the snake meets the glue, allowing it to seep underneath the scales. Gently massage the oil into the adhesive for several minutes without pulling the snake, which can cause skin trauma.
The snake will be covered in oily residue once free. This residue must be removed before release because it can attract dirt and impede movement or shedding. A mild bath using lukewarm water and diluted dish soap can safely clean the snake. After rinsing and drying, release the snake in a natural habitat away from the trapping area.
Humane Alternatives to Glue Traps
Using glue traps is risky for non-target wildlife, making humane alternatives preferable for pest management. Prevention is the most effective approach, involving eliminating resources that attract pests. This includes securing food sources, fixing leaky pipes that provide water, and clearing away sheltered areas like wood piles and debris near the home.
Exclusion methods are also effective, involving sealing potential entry points into buildings. Use materials like caulk, wire mesh, or copper wool to block holes and cracks larger than a quarter-inch, preventing rodent access. If trapping is necessary, live-catch, multi-catch, or quick-kill snap traps are more target-specific and humane than glue boards.