DIY & Experienced Wildlife Removal Services
In regions where snakes live and are common, effective snake catching and removal techniques are paramount. Whether you are dealing with a non-venomous snake in your garden or a venomous one in your living space, knowing the right methods can ensure your safety and that of the snake. This article outlines the top five snake catching and removal methods, providing comprehensive insights and detailed steps for each technique.
Let your neighbours know where your snake sighting was and what species it was
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Snake Removal Tips
1. Professional Brampton Snake Removal Services
When dealing with snakes, it's important to prioritize safety for yourself and the snake. That's why opting for professional, humane snake removal services in Ontario is wise. With their expertise and equipment, Brampton Wildlife Control can handle almost all snakes and identify whether they are poisonous. These professionals can also ensure that the snakes are removed humanely and relocated to an environment where they can thrive without causing any harm. Plus, it's not just your safety that's at risk - snakes enter shelters in discarded tires or crawl spaces where they can easily be disturbed. Don't rely on self-defence tactics alone- enlist the help of professional snake removal services. Professional snake removal services are often the safest and most effective method for a snake problem.
2. Snake Traps
The vast majority of snakes found in Ontario are harmless, a common sight in Ontario, and while most snakes are nonvenomous snakes, there is always that slight possibility that it could be a dangerous snake lurking in the tall grass. Some people may find them fascinating while they can be extremely frightful to others. Certain snake traps, like box and funnel traps, are available for those who prefer a humane method for capturing and removing snakes. These traps can be placed in areas where snakes prefer to hang around, like sheltered places, and they are designed to attract snakes to enter. While glue traps may also be an option, they are not recommended due to the harm and stress they cause the snake. With the help of a snake trap, you can safely capture and release these snakes without direct contact, providing a peaceful solution to any snake-related trouble.
3. DIY Snake Catching Tools
DIY snake catching tools, such as snake hooks and tongs, can be incredibly useful for those who are comfortable handling different snake species. Whether you need to remove a snake from your property or help relocate one that has entered a potentially dangerous area, these tools can make the process much safer for both you and the snake. With a snake hook, you can gently lift and move the snake into a container, while snake tongs allow for secure grasping behind the head, enabling controlled capture. However, it's crucial to wear protective gear, such as gloves and long pants, to minimize the risks of bites and to respect and handle snakes with care and caution. With the vast majority of snakes being harmless, DIY snake catching tools often come in handy, especially when dealing with garter snakes that give live birth under rocks and other areas around your property.
4. Natural Snake Repellents
Employing natural snake repellents is a method that focuses on prevention rather than removal. Certain natural substances, such as cinnamon oil, clove oil, and naphthalene, can deter most snakes due to their strong odors. These can be applied around the perimeter of your property to create a barrier that discourages other snakes from entering. Regular application is necessary to maintain efficacy, especially after rainfall or over time as the smells dissipate. This method is environmentally friendly and non-lethal, making it an excellent choice for those looking to keep snakes away without harming them.
5. Habitat Modification
Modifying your environment to make it less appealing to snakes is a long-term solution that can prevent snake encounters. This includes clearing away debris, trimming tall grass, and removing piles of wood or rocks where snakes may find shelter. Ensuring that rodent populations are controlled can also reduce the likelihood of snakes, as rodents are a primary food source for many snake species. By altering the habitat, you can discourage snakes from taking residence near your home or garden.
Each of these methods provides a strategy for dealing with snakes safely and effectively. Depending on your comfort level and the situation at hand, you may choose one or a combination of these techniques to manage snake encounters.
Have Snake Populations Increased In Brampton
Ontario is home to a variety of snakes. Almost all snake species in Ontario use their body temperature to regulate their metabolism and activity levels. Although some people may fear these legless reptiles, , most species are harmless to humans and play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling populations of insects and other prey animals.
If you come across baby snakes (snakelets) in your yard, there is no need to worry about a protective mom nearby. Unlike some other animals, snakes lay eggs (some have a live birth) and their young are on their own from day one, fending for themselves by eating small frogs, baby mice or rats, and other small prey.
If you have a snake problem and need one removed, contact Brampton Wildlife Control. These fascinating creatures prefer damp places and can often be found hiding under loose rocks or rock piles or slithering through tall grass.
Snakes are a natural part of Ontario's wildlife, captivating and sometimes fearsome creatures in almost the province.
These cold-blooded animals are known for their ability to live off warm-blooded prey and shed their old skin. While many people may be afraid of most snakes, it's important to remember that only a few species are poisonous snakes, and most dangerous snakes, and nonvenomous snakes for that matter, will do everything possible to avoid humans.
Snakes play a crucial role in controlling populations of small animals and insects, making them an important part of the ecosystem. So next time you come across a snake in Ontario, take a moment to appreciate these remarkable creatures – from a safe distance.
While some species, such as the garter snake, feed on insects and small prey, others, like the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, have been known to feed on birds and small mammals.
Despite common misconceptions, most snakes in Ontario pose little threat to humans and are generally shy creatures. So, next time you're exploring the great outdoors, watch for these amazing creatures!
Interesting Facts About a Few Species of Snakes Found in Brampton
Eastern Garter Snake
Communal Hibernation: They hibernate in communal dens, sometimes with other snake species.
Live Birth: Unlike many snakes, Eastern Garter Snakes give birth to live young rather than laying eggs.
Northern Water Snake
Misidentification: Often mistaken for the venomous Water Moccasin (Cottonmouth) due to similar appearance, but are non-venomous.
Color Variation: Their coloration can vary widely, from brown to gray, with dark crossbands or blotches, making them well-camouflaged in aquatic environments.
Eastern Milk Snake
Mimicry: Often mistaken for the venomous Eastern Coral Snake due to similar color patterns, which is a form of Batesian mimicry.
Myth: The name "milk snake" comes from the myth that they milk cows, but this is not true; they are often found in barns because of the abundance of rodents.
Dekay’s Brown Snake
Diet: Their diet primarily consists of slugs, snails, and earthworms.
Size: Dekay's Brown Snake is relatively small, usually reaching only about 9-13 inches in length.
F.A.Q
Q. Does Southern Ontario have a lot of snakes?
A. Living in Southern Ontario means having to share the environment with some wildlife. While some may not mind the occasional encounter with critters like raccoons or squirrels, others may find it unsettling to know that snakes are also a fairly common sight in the area. However, the good news is that most snakes found in Southern Ontario are non-venomous, with the exception of the Massasauga rattlesnake. As a wildlife removal expert, encountering certain species of snakes is a common occurrence in a snake removal job. But rest assured, while there are a fair amount of snakes in the area, most species are harmless and the dangerous Massasauga rattlesnake will likely avoid humans altogether, usually only striking in self defense. Only two people have died from a Massasauga rattlesnake bite in Ontario, and both occurrences happened more than 40 years ago.
Q. What should I do if I find baby snakes in my yard?
A. If you find baby snakes in your yard, don't panic! In Ontario, most snakes are born live, although very few snakes lay eggs. But what's interesting is that once the snakes are born, the parents don't stick around to help them rear the young. The babies are on their own to find food and protect themselves. The good news is that you don't have to worry about an angry mom snake being around, but you do need to take steps to ensure that your home and yard are snake-proofed. Look for entry points that snakes can use to enter your property and take steps to prevent them from getting in. And if you encounter a snake in your yard, keep a safe distance and call a professional to remove it.
Q. Can snakes blink?
A. Snakes are unable to blink as they do not have eyelids. They do possess a sort of protective coating over the eye, called an ‘eye cap’, that helps keep dirt and debris out.
Q. How can I tell if a snake is venomous or not?
A. Snakes have always been fascinating creatures to many people. Although there are over 3,000 species of snakes in the world, did you know that not all snakes are venomous? The only venomous snake in Ontario is the Massasauga snake, and they generally only strike out in self defence. They rarely attack humans, in fact very few snakes here are aggressive first, and almost all snakes here in Ontario are harmless. However, to differentiate, all venomous snakes have a triangle shaped heads and a pit between their nostrils and eyes. Another distinguishing feature is their elliptical shaped pupils, as opposed to the round pupils found in garter snakes. Despite their lack of eyelids, snakes do have other means to keep their eyes moist and clear. Remember, if you come across a non venomous or even a poisonous snake on your property, please be humane and respectful of their space. If you keep your distance, the threat of a snake bite is minimal to none, and there are snake control companies that can help.
Q. What should I do if I get a snake bite?
A. Snake bites are not something you should ignore. Most snake populations are non venomous
Q. If I find a snake or a baby snakelet outside, can I keep it as a pet?
A. If you’re really yearning for a snake as a pet, it’s much better to purchase a captive bred snake. A wild caught snake will be much more susceptible to stress and may stop eating if moved locations (indoors), and they often have a higher number of internal/external parasites. You can purchase any number of several species of different snakes from a reptiles pet store.
