Owner`s manual

Additional resources:
Your county agricultural agent
Related publications:
UW-Extension Publications–
“Snakes of Wisconsin,” (G3139);
“The Raccoon,” (G3304);
“Skunks: How to Deal With Them,”
(G3273);
“Meadow Mouse Control,” (A2148);
“Tree Squirrels in Wisconsin: Benefits
and Problems,” (G3522).
♦ Be alert for snakes in unusual places. They may be found in or
around homes, barns, outbuildings, driftwood, levees, dikes, dams,
stalled automobiles, piles of debris, building materials, trash or any
type of rubble or shelter.
♦ Keep a heavy stick or long-handled tool handy. After dark, carry a
strong light.
♦ Before beginning rescue or clean-up operations, search the premises
thoroughly for snakes. Wear heavy leather or rubber high-top boots,
and heavy gloves. Use rakes, pry bars or other long-handled tools
when removing debris. Never expose your hands, feet or other parts
of your body where a snake might be.
♦ Explain to children the dangers of snakes during storm or flood
conditions and the precautions they should follow. Do not allow
children to play around debris.
♦ If you kill a poisonous snake, use a stick, rake or other long-handled
tool to carry it away for disposal.
♦ If you realize you are near a snake, remain still—sudden movements
may cause the snake to strike. If the snake doesn't move away from
you after a few minutes, slowly back away from it.
♦ If someone is bitten by a poisonous snake, call a doctor immediately.
If bitten by a non-poisonous snake, clean the wound and watch for
signs of infection.
CONTROLLING SNAKES
To minimize chances of finding snakes indoors, block openings where they
might enter buildings. Snakes can pass through extremely small openings
and usually enter near or below ground level. Some other suggestions:
♦ Be sure doors, windows and screens fit tightly.
♦ Search walls and floors for holes or crevices. Inspect the masonry of
foundations, fireplaces and chimneys. Then plug or cement these
openings.
♦ Plug spaces around pipes that go through outside walls.
♦ Fasten galvanized screen over drains or ventilators, or over large areas
of loose construction.
Information from: University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension, Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension Service
University of Wisconsin-Extension • Cooperative Extension