Drift fence traps generally are too cumbersome around homes but, if of interest, a design is available at Extension offices in the reference handbook, Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage , snake chapters. Removal From Around a Home. Persistent removal of snakes encountered around a home can reduce their numbers effectively. Snakes can be killed with a long handled hoe or club and, where permitted, by shooting. When desired, nonpoisonous snakes can be captured and transported a distance for release into a suitable habitat.
Some dogs kill snakes and many others detect snakes and give warning by barking and other behavior.
Turkeys are reported to be proficient at locating snakes and at giving alarm through gobbling and clustering around the snake. Some cats kill snakes, and geese, ducks and chickens kill and eat snakes of sizes they can manage, poisonous or nonpoisonous. Some birds such as blue jays and others also may sound alarm or scolding calls when a snake is detected. Be alert to the behavior of your dog or cat and other animals. Observing their behavior in the presence of a snake will help you know how they behave when a snake is detected, and thus may provide you an extra snake alert.