Have you ever considered investing in a snake grabber? Even if you’re not afraid of snakes, we highly suggest purchasing one just to have on hand.
Snakes are certainly beneficial reptiles, helping to control a number of pest populations by consuming rodents, birds, bats, insects and even other reptiles.
However, did you know that there are 30 different types of venomous snakes in the United States? There are also known to be at least one type of venomous snake living in every state in America save for Rhode Island, Alaska and Hawaii.
If you live in an area where snakes are present, it’s important not only to brush up on your snake knowledge, but also to invest in the proper tools and equipment to safely and effectively remove and relocate snakes from your property.
Today’s article is discussing snake grabbers and the benefits of using them, but we are also going to talk briefly about how to safely remove snakes from your property and tips on preventing snakes from coming around in the future.
Let’s get started!
But First, Let’s Talk Quickly About American Snakes
There are roughly 50 different species of snakes in the United States, and 30 of them are venomous.
According to experts, there are about 50 different species of snakes in the United States. There are also about 30 different species of different venomous snakes in the US, living in every state except for Hawaii, Alaska and Rhode Island, as we mentioned above.
This list of venomous snakes includes about 23 different species of rattlesnakes, two species of cottonmouth snakes, two species of copperhead snakes, and three species of venomous coral snakes.
Of these 30 species of venomous snakes in the United States, the most dangerous snake is perhaps considered the eastern diamondback rattlesnake. This species of rattlesnake is common in the southeastern US, often found in regions of Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana.
Because snakes are so common in the United States, it’s not unlikely that you will come across a few near your home. For the most part, snakes are common in suburban areas with open fields and grasslands. They prefer areas where they can have easy access to food, water and shelter.
As we did touch on, snakes are beneficial predators to a number of common pests like rodents and insects. However, they can be a nuisance and even a pest as well, especially if they congregate in large numbers near or inside your home.
In fact, some snakes like garter snakes are known to hibernate in the winter in groups of hundreds. Horror stories have been told from homeowners who have found snakes residing below their houses, in crawl spaces, or beneath their foundation where they have contaminated the water supply and even caused a sickening odor that is difficult to get rid of.
Luckily, stories like this are mostly rare, and it is simple to keep snakes at bay when you know what to do.
For most people, getting rid of snakes is as simple as using proper tools, methods and repellents, but even then a snake or two may find its way onto your property.
And that is where a snake grabber can come in handy.
What Is A Snake Grabber And Why Do You Need One?
Using snake grabbers eliminates the risks of having to move snakes by hand. They are also considered humane for the snakes.
A snake grabber is a piece of equipment commonly used by both novice and professionals working to safely remove snakes from residential areas. Sometimes also called snake tongs, a snake grabber is usually around 40 inches or so long. It often works by utilizing a grabbing mechanism at the bottom that you can control using a lever near the handle.
The snake grabber allows you to grab and remove a snake safely without being bitten or without handling a snake that could release natural defensive fluids that are foul smelling and difficult to get rid of.
There are different types of snake grabbers, and while most do offer some form of snake removal and control, some are more suitable for handling specific types of snakes than others.
We should also note that not all snake grabbers are ideal for all situations involving snake control or removal.
With that noted, let’s take a look at some common pros and cons of using a snake grabber for snake removal.
Pros of Using A Snake Grabber
- Snake grabbers are inexpensive, easy to find and simple to use.
- They can help you humanely remove snakes from your direct vicinity
- Snake grabbers protect both the person removing the snake and the snake itself
- Snake grabbers can be used for multiple types of snakes
- These tools are generally easy to store
- Snake grabber products remove snakes without the use of harsh chemical products or traps
- They are safe to use around people, pets and they are safe for the environment
Cons Of Using A Snake Grabber
- Snake grabbers are only a temporary fix when it comes to removing snakes
- Some snake grabbers are longer and some are shorter, which means not all are particularly safe
- A snake grabber is not foolproof and will not guarantee you will not be bitten by a snake
- Snake grabbers only allow for the removal of one snake at a time
Tips On Picking A Snake Grabber To Remove Snakes
Before you invest in a snake grabber, we do recommend doing plenty of research on the type of snake grabber that would be best suited for your region.
Remember, there are species of venomous snakes found in all but three states throughout the United States, so you should consider this when considering which product would be best for you.
If you find you are continuously dealing with venomous snakes on your property, we suggest investing in a snake grabber that is at least 40 inches or longer as well as other tools and products to help you safely and effectively remove the snake.
Not all snake grabbers include tongs or claws at the bottom that physically grasp the snake. Some snake grabbers come in the form of a long hook that allows you to pick the snake up briefly and place it in a snake bag or bucket for removal.
Before deciding which type of snake grabber is best for you, we recommend you consider your state, the types of snakes you are dealing with, and your experience and comfort level of dealing with potentially venomous reptiles.
We should also point out that using a snake grabber is humane, but that using one to trap and kill a snake may be illegal in your region.
Not all states allow for the trapping and killing of certain snake species, and it’s important that you consider the laws of your region before you choose how to dispose of snakes.
It’s also important that you realize a snake grabber is not a permanent solution to snake removal and control. As we mentioned briefly above, it’s important to implement further pest control methods to help keep snakes at bay in the future.
But we will cover that further down. For now, let’s talk about some of the best products you can use when it comes to a quality snake grabber.
Best Snake Grabber Products For The Safe Removal Of Snakes
Snake grabbers come in different lengths and qualities. Look for snake grabbers that are right for your specific needs and location.
Are you looking for a quality snake grabber to help manage snakes on your property? There are plenty on the market to choose from, though not all are made equally. For the best type of snake grabber, we suggest looking for a few key factors.
Try and choose a snake grabber made of quality material and a grabber that is specifically designed for snakes. We also recommend a snake grabber that will not rust or corrode easily and that is simple to clean or repair if needed.
Avoid purchasing snake grabbers that are prone to breaking, as you’ll want to trust the piece of equipment you are using if you’re picking up venomous snakes or snakes prone to biting. We also recommend never allowing a child to use a snake grabber without parental supervision.
With all of this covered, let’s now take a look at some of our favorite snake grabber products recommended by experts and customers alike.
GYORGKSHI 60” Professional Snake Grabber
First on our list of quality snake grabbers is this extra long 60 inch snake grabber by GYORGKSHI. This snake grabber is made with stainless steel material and includes a rubber gripper at the tongs to help reduce escapes and also to reduce chances of harming the snake in the process.
This grabber also has a wide angle head to allow you to remove the snakes on hills or in ditches, and to allow you to help point the tongs away from you while moving to relocate the animal.
DocSeward Snake Hook
Another common snake grabber is a snake hook like the one above by DocSeward. This snake grabber does not contain any fancy grabbing mechanisms at the button or levers you must pull, and simply works by allowing the snake to crawl over the hooked end so you may lift and remove the pest.
There are pros and cons to using snake hooks as opposed to snake grabbers specifically. One of the pros is that you are less likely to injure or harm the snake using the hook. On the other hand, snake hooks offer less control over the snake.
We recommend only investing in a snake hook if you are sure you won’t be dealing with venomous snakes or if you are confident in your abilities to identify and relocate snakes no matter the species.
IC ICLOVER 62” Snake Grabber
Last we have a snake grabber that is 62 inches in length and that contains an extra wide jaw to help collect snakes of different sizes.
This product also comes with a non-slip handle that will help you control snakes, and is lightweight so it does not make collecting larger snakes more difficult.
The product also includes an auto lock handle, so the snake has less chance of escaping while you are relocating it. The grabber does have a serrated jaw, but the serrations are wide spread which reduces chances of injury or harm to the snake.
Other Products To Use In Conjunction With A Snake Grabber
We suggest having a snake bag or bucket on hand to help transport the snake once you have captured it.
As we have covered, using a snake grabber alone may not be conducive to removing a number of snakes from your property at once. Of course, if you have already installed snake proof fencing and have utilized other forms of snake repellents, then a snake grabber may be all you need to remove one or two snakes every now and then.
Still, there are some tools and products we recommend you consider using in conjunction with a snake grabber which will not only help keep you safe during the removal process but also help ensure snakes don’t return to your property.
Tomahawk Live Trap Gallon Snake Containment Bucket
When you are using a snake grabber to collect and relocate snakes, you’ll likely want to have something on hand you can put the snake in. A bucket specifically designed to contain snakes safely will be an essential tool to have on hand, and for this we recommend the Tomahawk Live Snake Trap Bucket.
It is specifically designed to contain snakes and other reptiles safely and even includes 1/8h inch air holes in the lid to help keep snakes comfortable while they are being transported. This bucket is made to use even for venomous snakes and will keep you and the snake safe during relocation.
Snake-B-Gon Snake Repellent Granules
Along with using tools like snake grabbers and buckets to help keep, collect and relocate snakes, we also suggest using repellents like the Snake-B-Gon repellent above. These granules are safe for people, pets and the environment as they are made with natural ingredients like essential oils that repel snakes.
This means that the product will not only keep pests like snakes at bay, but also release a pleasant smelling scent that is harmless to people and pets but irritating to reptiles, rodents and even insects.
Using A Snake Grabber – Pro Tips and Expert Advice
Try to understand which type of snake you are collecting to ensure you are being as safe as possible.
Using a snake grabber isn’t the ideal snake removal process for everyone. Some people have a great fear of snakes while others simply are not experienced enough or have not done enough research to use a snake grabber safely.
Before you invest in a snake grabber or decide if one of the above snake grabber options is right for you, we do have a few expert tips and tricks you might want to follow.
Do Your Best To Identify The Snake You Are Removing Before You Remove It
Having a good idea of the type or species of snake you are dealing with before you remove it may not only help calm your nerves, but it can ensure that you are taking precautions when going about removing the snake if it is venomous.
If you cannot identify the type of snake you are removing using a snake grabber, experts recommend you err on the side of caution and assume the snake is venomous. This means you should keep a safe distance, and try to wear protective materials like boots, jeans and gloves if you can.
Be Sure To Grab The Snake Near The Head as Opposed To Near The Tail With The Snake Grabber
When you are grabbing a snake, try and get as close to the snake’s head as possible. This can help reduce the chances of a snake swinging around to bite or strike you if you grab it towards it’s middle or tail.
Grabbing a snake near the head allows for better control on your part and will ensure you are able to remove the snake safely and effectively with a much lower chance of getting bitten. And remember, even non venomous snakes can bite and their bite can be painful.
Be Prepared Before You Use A Snake Grabber
Along with having a good idea of which type of snake you’re removing with your snake grabber, we also suggest wearing the proper clothing, as we mentioned above.
Of course, if you are just out gardening and you come across a snake, chances are you may not have time to run into your home and change.
However, if you know you are going out to your property specifically to find and remove snakes using a snake grabber, it’s best to wear the appropriate clothing.
Wear close-toed shoes or boots, long jeans, and thick gloves. We also suggest having a snake bag or large bucket on hand with a lid that you can place the snake safely inside in order to transport it or relocate it.
Ask For Help
If you are concerned about using a snake grabber or don’t feel confident, it’s best to ask for help. If you have an abundance of snakes on your property, and especially if those snakes are venomous, then a snake grabber is likely not your best option.
We suggest in these cases to contact a professional pest control expert who can help and advise you on not only removing these snakes safely, but keeping them off of your property in the future.
Never Allow Small Children To Use A Snake Grabber Without Supervision
Unless you are very experienced and 100% positive in your snake identification skills, it is best not to allow children to use a snake grabber. This is because small children are at a greater risk of suffering devastating effects from a venomous snake bite should something go wrong.
Keep Pets And Children At A Safe Distance When Using A Snake Grabber To Remove A Venomous Snake
For the same reason mentioned above, we also recommend that children and pets are kept at a safe distance when you are using a snake grabber. This is especially true if you are dealing with a potentially venomous snake.
Dogs or cats may be curious about the snake you are grabbing and come closer to sniff or investigate. Like children, if pets are bitten by venomous snakes they are much more likely to suffer devastating and even fatal effects as a result.
Be Gentle – Your Goal Is To Remove The Snake, Not Harm The Snake
Snake grabbers are designed to provide you with a safe way to remove snakes around your property or in your garden without having to make physical contact with them. If you do invest in a snake grabber that contains a grabbing mechanism at the bottom, it’s important to ensure you use care not to squeeze down on the trigger with all your strength.
This could harm the snake and lead to it not surviving once you release it into its new location.
You can learn other tips and tricks on how to use a snake grabber by watching this video below:
Other Tips, Tricks And Products You Can Use to Help Keep Snakes Off Of Your Property
Keep your yard clean and free of debris including wood piles and leaf litter.
Snake grabbers are useful tools, but they are not designed to help prevent or even control snakes on your property or in your area.
To do that, it’s best to implement a few snake prevention methods to help keep snakes at bay and your family and pets safe.
Luckily, there are a few different ways you can go about preventing snakes from coming around or becoming problematic in large numbers. We have listed a few of our favorite tips, tricks and products for you to consider below.
Invite The Predators
Snakes have a number of natural predators, and just these predators’ presence near your property can help to deter these reptiles. Some of the most common predators to snakes include:
- Birds of Prey
- Wild Boards
- And Even Other Snakes
You can help deter and control snakes around your home by making your yard more inviting to some of these predators. Of course, be careful not to exchange a snake pest for an even worse pest like a destructive raccoon! Then you’ll be in for an entirely new set of problems.
Plant Snake Repellent Plants
For many gardeners, snakes are a common issue and pest. However, did you know that companion planting certain plants can help repel snakes?
Some of the best snake repellent plants are:
- West Indian Lemongrass
- Mother-in-Law’s Tongue
- And Onion
Keep Up With Lawn Maintenance
Snakes prefer lawns and properties that are a bit overgrown, so working to keep your yard and garden tidy and well-maintained can help keep snakes at bay.
Try and ensure your yard is consistently mowed and kept trimmed and that your lawn is free of leaf litter. It’s also a good idea to keep your garden from becoming cluttered. Remove any dead foliage around your garden as well to reduce potential hiding places for snakes.
Last, it’s always a good idea to destroy or fill in rodent holes or cracks and crevices snakes could potentially hide in around your property or near your home.
Remove Debris and Clutter Around Your Yard
Like most pests, snakes feel safest when they have plenty of places to hide. To deter snakes, we suggest removing clutter or debris from your yard. This could include wood piles, buckets, tires, old gardening tools, and even outdoor equipment or unused play houses.
Keep Up With Pest Control To Keep Rodents And Insects At Bay
Snakes feed on a number of common pests, which does make them a beneficial reptile to have around in smaller numbers. However, a number of snakes on our property could be a sign of a larger pest control issue like rodents or insects.
To help keep snakes at bay, you’ll want to remove their food source. Work to prevent other common pests like rodents and insects to help deter snakes from coming around.
Invest In Snake Repellents Like Mesh Fencing and Humane Traps
If you live in a region where snakes are a common problem, and especially if you live in a region where venomous snakes are common, we suggest investing in snake mesh fencing as well as humane snake traps.
Traps can help to collect any unwanted snakes that come onto your property while mesh can help ensure most snakes don’t make it through. We have listed one of our favorite traps for snakes and a quality snake fence below for you to consider.
Amagabeli Galvanized Wire Mesh
When looking for a good mesh to help repel and prevent snakes, it’s best to get a mesh that has openings that are less than 1/4th of an inch. This is because very small snakes may still be able to slither through mesh with larger openings.
The above mesh is ideal for a number of uses, but we recommend it for helping keep pests out of yards and even specific areas like gardens of chicken coops. The mesh is made of galvanized welded wire so it is nice and strong and can help control a number of different types of pests from coming around. You can order it in two different lengths depending on your needs.
Large Snake Trap
Setting a large reusable snake trap on your property can help you keep track of and relocate any rogue snakes that may get through your mesh or get past your other preventative measures.
The above trap by the brand Cahaba Snake Trap is made of durable corrugated plastic and is designed to be reusable. It is safe for people and pets and is weather resistant.
And there you have it – everything you need to know about using a snake grabber and even some of the best snake grabber products on the market.
So, which of the above tools would you consider using to remove snakes? Do you think a snake grabber is a safe and effective way to relocate snakes from your property?
Share your opinion on snake grabbers with us in the comment section below.