The garter snake, a non-venomous and widely distributed reptile, is generally considered a beneficial presence in gardens and yards due to its diet of slugs and insects. Despite their helpful role in pest control, these snakes sometimes enter human-occupied spaces, such as basements or garages, creating a need for relocation. Safely and humanely removing a garter snake from an unwanted area involves specific identification, careful trapping, and responsible release. This approach ensures the well-being of the animal while restoring comfort to the homeowner.
Confirming the Snake Species and Location
Before attempting capture, confirm the snake is a garter snake, as they are harmless and non-venomous. These snakes are typically slender, measuring between 18 to 42 inches in length, and are characterized by a striped pattern running the length of their body. The stripes are often yellow, white, or blue against a greenish, brown, or black background, though some individuals may lack distinct stripes.
Garter snakes seek cool, damp areas near water sources or under debris. Common hiding spots include under stepping stones, within rock fences, or beneath outbuildings where they find cover and prey. Focus your search in these locations, especially near visible cracks or entry points into a structure, to increase the chances of a successful encounter.
Humane Construction of Garter Snake Traps
The most effective passive method uses specialized traps, such as a modified minnow trap, which allow entry but prevent exit. A simple wire mesh minnow trap uses a cone-shaped opening that permits the snake to crawl in but makes finding the exit difficult once inside. Bait these traps with food items garter snakes naturally consume, such as earthworms, small fish pieces, or frogs.
Traps should be placed along walls or in dark corners where snakes naturally travel. Once set, the trap must be monitored constantly, preferably checked every few hours, as the captured snake cannot access water or shelter.
Avoid using glue traps, which cause stress, injury, or death by sticking to the snake’s scales and mouth. If a commercial glue trap is used, place it inside a box and check it frequently. Keep vegetable oil ready to pour over the snake to neutralize the adhesive for a safe release.
Active Capture Methods for Quick Removal
When a garter snake is visible in an unwanted area, such as a garage floor, immediate removal is often preferred over waiting for a passive trap. The safest approach is to gently encourage the snake into a container without direct physical contact, using a broom and a large bucket or trash can.
Gently sweep or nudge the snake toward the container, placed on its side, allowing the reptile to slither in naturally. Garter snakes are non-aggressive, but they may strike defensively or release a foul-smelling musk when threatened. Using a long tool like a broom ensures distance, minimizing stress during the brief capture process.
Safe Relocation and Prevention
After capture, the snake must be relocated to a suitable habitat offering a high chance of survival. The release site should be at least a quarter to a half mile away from the capture location to disrupt homing instincts and prevent immediate return. The habitat should mimic the snake’s natural preference, ideally a field or wooded area with dense vegetation, rocks, or a water source.
Long-term prevention focuses on making the area less attractive by eliminating hiding spots such as wood piles, rock piles, or dense, tall grass. Sealing all potential entry points into structures is important, as garter snakes can fit through cracks as small as a half-inch wide. Removing food attractants, primarily rodents and insects, by securing trash and pet food causes the snakes to seek sustenance elsewhere.