Glue traps are a common method for pest control, often used to capture rodents or insects. Unfortunately, these sticky surfaces can inadvertently ensnare other animals, including snakes. When a snake becomes stuck to a glue trap, it faces a challenging and often distressing situation.
Factors Influencing Survival
A snake’s survival time on a glue trap is influenced by environmental and physiological factors. Dehydration quickly becomes a serious concern as the trapped snake cannot access water. Starvation is another factor, as the snake is unable to hunt or consume food while immobilized. The continuous struggle to escape the adhesive leads to physical depletion and stress.
Exposure to external elements also plays a role. Snakes trapped outdoors are vulnerable to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, or heavy rain, which can rapidly diminish their chances of survival. Furthermore, a struggling snake risks predation from other animals or suffering self-inflicted injuries. These injuries can range from torn skin and damaged scales to dislocated jaws or even broken bones as the snake attempts to free itself.
Expected Lifespan on a Trap
Snakes caught on glue traps typically endure a short, agonizing period. Survival generally ranges from a few hours to several days. Reptiles, with their slower metabolisms, might survive longer than some other animals, prolonging their suffering. The relentless struggle, coupled with the inability to access water or food and potential injuries, means that prolonged survival is rare.
The Inhumanity of Glue Traps
Glue traps are widely considered inhumane due to the prolonged suffering they inflict on trapped animals. Animals ensnared often panic and struggle, becoming more deeply stuck. This struggle can result in severe injuries, and death occurs slowly from starvation, dehydration, suffocation, or shock.
Many animal welfare organizations oppose the use of glue traps because of their indiscriminate nature and the suffering they cause to both target and non-target animals.
Safe Intervention and Humane Alternatives
If a snake is found on a glue trap, immediate and careful intervention can save its life. To safely free a snake, vegetable oil or mineral oil can be applied directly to the glue, as the oil helps to dissolve the adhesive. Pour oil over the snake and the sticky areas of the trap, ensuring the oil makes contact with the glue between the snake’s skin and the trap. Gentle massage can help the oil penetrate the adhesive, allowing the snake to slowly work itself free without excessive force, which could cause further injury. Always handle a trapped snake with caution, using thick gloves to prevent bites, and consider seeking assistance from a professional wildlife rescue organization if unsure.
After the snake is freed, it should be gently cleaned with lukewarm water and mild soap or shampoo to remove residual oil and glue, especially around the mouth and nose. Once cleaned and assessed for injuries, the snake can be released in a suitable, safe location away from human dwellings.
To prevent future incidents, humane alternatives to glue traps include sealing entry points into buildings, modifying habitats to make them less appealing to snakes, and removing potential food sources like rodents. Live traps designed for relocation can also be used, and professional wildlife removal services offer effective and ethical solutions for managing snake encounters.