QUICK TIPS: A mesh “Krueger Snake Trap” can prevent predation by snakes, but the snakes will die if not removed, and some snakes are protected by law.
Bluebirder Harry Krueger designed a snake trap that was very effective at stopping most snakes from accessing a nestbox mounted on a 1/2″ metal pole. Figure 2 shows Keith Kridler’s favorite design. Krueger found that a snake that could defeat a sheet metal raccoon guard or four inch PVC pipe could be trapped with a mesh net just under the box (see Figure 3.)
However, it should be noted that snakes left in a mesh trap will die if not removed, and some snakes are protected by law. See more information on Snakes as Nestbox Predators.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Sources and More Information:
- Originally posted on The Bluebird Box with support and permission from Keith Kridler, file conversion by Tom Heintzelman
- Snakes as Predators in Nestboxes
- Predator ID: Problems and Solutions
- Mounting Styles – Pros & Cons
- Krueger Snake Trap Plan
There’s a snake lurking in the grass.
– Virgil
