Snake Trap

[Didymus20X6]

I didn't know where else to put this, but since it is sort of an enclosure, I figured here would be best.

I'm in the process of building a snake trap. There are more snakes around that back fence, and I know my neighbors don't want them there, so I'm taking drastic measures to help remove them.

Here's the materials:

1. A 2-liter plastic Coke bottle.

2. Some flange rings I picked up at the hardware store, along with nuts and bolts to hold them in place.

3. A large plastic tub.

4. Some nylon screen.

Here's the plan:

1. Cut the bottom off Coke bottle to form a make-shift funnel. Cut some flaps down the side of the funnel (about 2 inches) so there's room to hold it in place.

2. Cut a hole in the plastic tub to accommodate the funnel.

3. Attach the flange rings to either side of the hole, with the funnel held securely in place by the flaps.

4. Cut a big hole in the lid.

5. Put screen over the top of the box, and put the lid on top to hold it in place.

Once completed, I will put nightcrawlers in a bowl inside the box, along with some mulch, bamboo (for makeshift hides) and a bowl for water. It will go along the back fence, where I keep seeing the snakes, and I will check it twice a day: once in the morning, and again in the afternoon, when it will likely need to be moved into the shade.

Construction has started, but a minor technical difficulty has caused delays (my drill ran out of juice).

[bsol]

I like the idea.
Curious to see how well it works!!! you need to keep the results posted!!!

[Didymus20X6]

Still under construction.

Phase 2: Installation of the Coke Bottle Funnel.



The outside: notice the two flanges reinforce each other and work together to hold the funnel in place.



The next step - Phase 3: Construction of the lid.

I will certainly keep you guys posted on the results.

I have little doubt I can attract the snakes with nightcrawlers. Whether they'll get into the box, or more importantly, stay there once in, is a different matter.

[guidofatherof5]

May I suggest some small holes along the bottom. The scent will be along the ground where they might encounter the trap.

[Didymus20X6]

Way ahead of you, Steve. I've been drilling them for the past half hour or so.

[guidofatherof5]

Way ahead of you, Steve. I've been drilling them for the past half hour or so.

Am I that predictable.

[justme]

You guys are cracking me up...

[Didymus20X6]

Phase 3 cannot be completed at this time. I didn't make it to the lumber yard to get the wood I needed for the trim.

However, I did manage to jury-rig it for now. It'll hold for now, I'm sure.

Here is the bottom of the bucket. That substrate is just some ground clay kitty litter, and that bowl is full of nightcrawlers.





And here's the top, with temporary screen in place.

[guidofatherof5]

Why the substrate?
You can also substitute worms for the dirt you store them in. Then all you have to do is keep the dirt wet and you don't have to worry about the worms going south on you. The only reason I mention the dirt is that I sometimes leave the empty(no worms) worm container(Walmart) in the enclosure. The snakes dig through it as if they are going to find something so the scent must be there. Placing the dirt in a piece of old or new pantyhose will hold the dirt together and you'll have less of a mess in the end. Just an idea.

[Didymus20X6]

Why a substrate? Just in case the snake makes a mess in there.

I'll keep that trick with the worm dirt in mind. But for now, I've got plenty of nightcrawlers to spare.