Snake for Pest Control

[hhw]

Alright, I have way too many pests on my property now that there are no longer coyotes in the area. I've always wondered whether a snake can be used instead of a cat or a terrier. Especially, since it would digest the bones there would only be snake poop and not carcasses lying around.

It should eat
-rats
-if possible, european grey squirrels (those nasty invaders keep getting into the attic)
-skunks and crows would be nice too, but I think that'd just be dreaming
And not eat non-pests like small birds, etc...

Now, other important traits I think would be:
-stays in the house/area
-tolerate lower temperatures enough to be active most of the year (this is Vancouver weather by the way), or be smart enough to stay inside when it's cooler
-extremely secretive (staying in the walls), and therefore nocturnal I suppose, so relatives and neighbours won't see it and get hysterical

So, I'm thinking a good sized colubrid like a rat snake or bull snake might do the trick.

Any suggestions and reasons supporting them?

Also, is this actually feasible or is this just wishful thinking on my part?

[Big_V]

Wishful thinking. Thats a rediculous idea. You can introduce a species to control a pest, in a habitat that its not from. Not to mention the chances are the snake will die quite quickly. In my opinion that would be a case of animal cruelty and should not be attempted at all. Buy a pellet gun or something if your that worried because a snake isnt the solution.

[Derrick]

hehe are you high or something?

[wetlander]

Actually you may not be high just a little drunk (jk). If you have snakes in your area you can encourage them to stay close to your home by providing covers, building a hibernacula etc. You don't want to introduce anything that is not native, just encourage what is already there. Even garter snakes will help to control rodents by eating the young in a nest. If you have an old house with cracks in the foundation and other entry points the snakes will go in, but generally they will help to control pests around your house. Don't expect miracles though. A snake may be able to eat a lot of mice in a year but will not eliminate your pest problem especially with squirrels.

I always like to promote natural habitats on private property but remember the best you should ever expect is a natural balance that will include rodents and predators. If all of the rodents dissapear then your predators will move on.

[HeatherRose]

Nice one Han :p

I know my mom dreams of letting loose my snakes to eat all of the squirrels in our yard. People use barn cats for mice and rats, etc. so it's not that wild of an idea. I just don't think it would work though...

I just don't see how its feasible, it's not like you can tie a snake to a tree or make sure it stays where you leave it. If it's a large snake, it could attack domesticated animals, like cats or those little yappy dogs. If anyone found out about that, the reprocussions on the herping community would be nuts...http://www.pitbullforum.com/images/smiles/stick.gif

[Manitoban Herps]

Yep not such a good idea, but a good question :)

You should buy a pellet gun, I have one for the "pests" at my place and it is affective and it is fun. And there not a bad price :)

[Katt]

Snake won't work. Get a rat terrier, they live to kill.

[gonesnakee]

I'd suggest Cats. Felines are the only species other than Man known to kill just for the sport & are quite effective at it. Start shooting a pellet gun around Vancouver & see how long it takes for the SWAT team to show up. Mark
P.S. I love the squirrels & feed them every day at my house, maybe I'm just trying to make up for all the Gophers I used to blow away.

[justinO]

I agree.. get an air rifle.. just be REALLY Secretive on how you use it. you don't want SWAT to show up.. that would be a real mess.

earlier on this summer, i had my boss ask me to make a silencer for my pistol so he could rid his yard of the annoying birds. i politly explained him the laws of such devices and declined the offer.

that said, i have had my fun shooting starlings out of my bedroom window with a pellet gun. just be careful and be aware of the intended target and well beyond. you are legally reponsible for every pellet you shoot.

cheers
Justin

[Gary D.]

The best results I ever had was once my snakes were established in my house in Calgary (in appropriate caging), the number of mice we caught in traps dropped dramatically the first winter and then to none the following. This was great because even our neighbours with cats continued to have mouse problems in the fall/winter. As for rats, skunks, crows and squirrels, you're out of luck.

[munchy]

Originally posted by wetlander
Actually you may not be high just a little drunk (jk). If you have snakes in your area you can encourage them to stay close to your home by providing covers, building a hibernacula etc.

i know what you mean. conveniently placed pieces of sheet metal/tin, plywood etc. can provide great cover. i didnt know you could actually build a hibernacula. this sounds like a really sweet idea though. do you know of anyone who has implemented it? and how would someone go about doing this?