We have seen 5 black snakes in 3 weeks. I am scared of these huge animals. One almost got on our porch last week. I ran into someone who said a Daisy BB gun would kill them. Does anyone know that is the case. Please don't tell me black snakes are not poisonous as I already know that. they have become too comfortable around people but thats not the case for us. I do not want them around my house or family. Please advise. Thanks
Advice on Daisy BB gun
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MedWheeler
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It would be hard to hit them, but not impossible. Daisy BB guns typically do not have rifled barrels, but they can be fairly accurate. But probably not "minute-of-snake-head" accurate unless you want to get up close and personal. Still, you'd likely be able to run 'em off by popping off a few rounds at them. Nothing but a head shot, though, will stop them "right there."
As far as airguns go, a rifled-bore rifle that takes .177 caliber pellets (not BBs) will be more accurate. Daisy does make them, as do Crosman and Remington. A decent one with a pump-up mechanism can be had for +/- 50 bucks.
This is a firearms forum, so there will be those here who will come and suggest a .22 revolver loaded with snake shot. I agree, but I don't know your environment or finances. For further airgun research, you might find more direction over at www.airguns.net. Good luck!
As far as airguns go, a rifled-bore rifle that takes .177 caliber pellets (not BBs) will be more accurate. Daisy does make them, as do Crosman and Remington. A decent one with a pump-up mechanism can be had for +/- 50 bucks.
This is a firearms forum, so there will be those here who will come and suggest a .22 revolver loaded with snake shot. I agree, but I don't know your environment or finances. For further airgun research, you might find more direction over at www.airguns.net. Good luck!
Ranger Roberts
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A head shot will kill them, just make sure the bb gun is pumped all the way up. I doubt a body shot would do very much from a bb gun. A swift blow to the head with a shovel will do it as well, but you got to have the stomach for it. Just a warning though, even after they are shot they will continue to wiggle around for close to a 1/2 hour or more. I'm in the same boat as you. I can't stand snakes and I usually kill everyone of them that I come across.
r1derbike
Member
Get psychological help for your fear of these beneficial snakes, and all snakes; even venomous.
The internet is rife with information about snakes, and it is free for the taking.
This is a gun forum, as was mentioned above.
The internet is rife with information about snakes, and it is free for the taking.
This is a gun forum, as was mentioned above.
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Everything's got a right to live.
Perhaps there is another way to remove them from your area. Don't underestimate the benefit of their presence though. Rodent control and may even be keeping venomous snakes away.
A food supply brought them in. When they go, what might take their place?
I found this. Maybe worth trying.
Egg trap. Small wooden box with a 2 holes on one side about 4" apart, medium egg inside for bait. Snake goes in, eats egg then cannot make the curve to get out and is waiting for you.
Perhaps there is another way to remove them from your area. Don't underestimate the benefit of their presence though. Rodent control and may even be keeping venomous snakes away.
A food supply brought them in. When they go, what might take their place?
I found this. Maybe worth trying.
Egg trap. Small wooden box with a 2 holes on one side about 4" apart, medium egg inside for bait. Snake goes in, eats egg then cannot make the curve to get out and is waiting for you.
OH_Spartan
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I'm pretty certain the only way to determine if it is venomous is to conduct an autopsy. They are helpful in
the eco system but will have social implications near your house. Snakes have very bad immune systems so a bb or pellet that goes all the way thru will likely kill them eventually. Bigger snakes more resistan than little ones. head shots are most effective and the wounds get less effective as you approach the tail. If I find a snake near the house I use a garden tool or grab a stick to pin down their head until someone arives with a snake charmer.
the eco system but will have social implications near your house. Snakes have very bad immune systems so a bb or pellet that goes all the way thru will likely kill them eventually. Bigger snakes more resistan than little ones. head shots are most effective and the wounds get less effective as you approach the tail. If I find a snake near the house I use a garden tool or grab a stick to pin down their head until someone arives with a snake charmer.
WardenWolf
member
What you need is psychological help for your snake phobia, and a good set of snake tongs like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/60-Extra-He...360?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c33557b08.
I've killed more rattlesnakes than I can count, most without the aid of a snake grabber. For a non-poisonous snake, grab it, put it in plastic bucket, and put a lid on it. Then relocate it and release it. For poisonous snakes, well, I just kill them. I don't want to risk them coming back.
I've killed more rattlesnakes than I can count, most without the aid of a snake grabber. For a non-poisonous snake, grab it, put it in plastic bucket, and put a lid on it. Then relocate it and release it. For poisonous snakes, well, I just kill them. I don't want to risk them coming back.
No, a Daisy "BB gun" would not be suitable for any small game and would be inhumane. Wounding intentionally, even moratally, is inhumane and is the reason for some game laws and the heavy penalites levied against people who intentionally harm wildlife.
As you already know your fear of "black snakes" is somewhat irrational, but very real to you. Nonpoisonous snakes may bite in an attempt to defend themselves and while not directly dangerous such a bite may become infected if not properly cared for. The association with poisonous snakes and the lack fo familiarity and understanding of nonpoisonous snakes leads to fear, prejudice, and hatred (kinda like Antis lack understanding of us and fear or hate gunowners). Understand that "black snakes" normally feed on rodents and you may have a rodent infestation that you're not aware of that has drawn them since they prey on them. Look for ways to prevent them accessing your porch and look for signs of increased rodent activity that might be attracting them. If you keep chickens the snakes can be attracted to the eggs and tightening your hen house against them might drive them away. Remove the reason for them being there and they'll look for mice and other small game elsewhere.
As you already know your fear of "black snakes" is somewhat irrational, but very real to you. Nonpoisonous snakes may bite in an attempt to defend themselves and while not directly dangerous such a bite may become infected if not properly cared for. The association with poisonous snakes and the lack fo familiarity and understanding of nonpoisonous snakes leads to fear, prejudice, and hatred (kinda like Antis lack understanding of us and fear or hate gunowners). Understand that "black snakes" normally feed on rodents and you may have a rodent infestation that you're not aware of that has drawn them since they prey on them. Look for ways to prevent them accessing your porch and look for signs of increased rodent activity that might be attracting them. If you keep chickens the snakes can be attracted to the eggs and tightening your hen house against them might drive them away. Remove the reason for them being there and they'll look for mice and other small game elsewhere.
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That's completely incorrect.
Look at UNC's online snake identification for guidance on identifying snakes - http://www.herpsofnc.org/herps_of_NC/snakes/SnakeID/search.asp
stumpers
Member
In accordance with the law, of course, I would buy a used single shot 22 and use CB Longs or Shorts. It's much more versatile than a BB gun and depending on where you're shopping can be had for cheap. I bought a Marlin single shot for $69 used about two years ago.
With CBs, my 22 is less than or equal to a pump air rifle.
I also irrationally despise snakes and if legal would kill every one I saw. If rodents became a problem, I'd kill them, too...or get a cat or two (spayed or neutered) and let them roam.
With CBs, my 22 is less than or equal to a pump air rifle.
I also irrationally despise snakes and if legal would kill every one I saw. If rodents became a problem, I'd kill them, too...or get a cat or two (spayed or neutered) and let them roam.
The lowly BB gun will kill rabbits, I have even killed big jacks with chest shots, so snakes will be no problem.
And BTW, if you go for a pellet rifle, IMO do not waste your time with the pump up variety. If money not a problem, get a quality and very accurate rifled single stroke springer type with velocities of 1,000+ fps. Otherwise get a cheaper air rifle with near same velocities, like one's the Chinese make. Note; these springer's are not toys and are potentially lethal for humans shot with one.
And BTW, if you go for a pellet rifle, IMO do not waste your time with the pump up variety. If money not a problem, get a quality and very accurate rifled single stroke springer type with velocities of 1,000+ fps. Otherwise get a cheaper air rifle with near same velocities, like one's the Chinese make. Note; these springer's are not toys and are potentially lethal for humans shot with one.
JPG19
Member
I agree with the rodent problem you're asking for. If there are tons of them around though, then I can understand that being unpleasant. If you are going to shoot them, at least use a pellet gun with some good quality hunting pellets. Of course, you could go the cheaper and easier route; buy a hoe and chop the head off.
A shovel will be much more effective. A simple BB gun will kill a snake with a head shot but a black snake has a tiny head and accuracy is not real good on a BB gun. My area is overrun with grey rat snakes which can be scary looking but are really just free pest control. Most people I know are scared of snakes and could care less if it is poisonous or not. As long as they stay out of my house I leave them alone.
An old saying about snakes is that " A snake will make you hurt yourself worse than it will hurt you". I have seen that proven many times with people going psycho on a corn snake.
An old saying about snakes is that " A snake will make you hurt yourself worse than it will hurt you". I have seen that proven many times with people going psycho on a corn snake.
Sam Cade
Member
Black Snakes are your friend!
Leave 'em alone!
They actively hunt and kill venomous snakes.
Leave 'em alone!
They actively hunt and kill venomous snakes.
I'm not a big fan of snakes either, but we once had one that seemed to like living on the back concrete porch. Once we found out it was non-poisonous, we went out there, observed it for a while, and once it was in a position where it would be difficult for it to strike (had a hose or something it was partially under) I touched it a few times. We ended up naming it, and made a point to say hello whenever we saw it.
You can overcome your fears, and learn something in the process. Maybe look into that route.
You can overcome your fears, and learn something in the process. Maybe look into that route.
Officers'Wife
Member
OK, at risk of going off-topic, 'B-B' guns are best left to training. For true snake control find a dog with some mix of rat terrier and reward her with milk when she kills a snake. You will not only have more effective snake and rodent control but a live in burglar alarm that will give you sufficient warning time to get to your firearm should the need arise.
J-Bar
Member
Contact your County Extension Agent for advice.
Tinpig
Member
No reason to shoot black racers. They're harmless if you don't try to handle them and eat mice, rats, and insects.
Tinpig
Tinpig
How about a garden hoe?
If I don't have that, I use a shovel, and if I don't have that I'll grab the Heritage 6 1/2" revolver with Super Colibri's or the daughter's 19" T/C Hot Shot shooting Super Colibri's.
I have a nice .22 caliber air rifle, but the accuracy or the Super Colibri out of the T/C Hot Shot is just far superior. Also with the 19" barrel it is quieter than the the air rifle.
But there is nothing wrong with garden tools for killing snakes.
But leave bb guns for coke cans and balloons. They are not ethical to kill anything. I am speaking of the lever type bb gun. They are weak. I used my bb gun that my dad bought me at 7 years old (31 years ago) to teach my daughter to find a sight picture.
If I don't have that, I use a shovel, and if I don't have that I'll grab the Heritage 6 1/2" revolver with Super Colibri's or the daughter's 19" T/C Hot Shot shooting Super Colibri's.
I have a nice .22 caliber air rifle, but the accuracy or the Super Colibri out of the T/C Hot Shot is just far superior. Also with the 19" barrel it is quieter than the the air rifle.
But there is nothing wrong with garden tools for killing snakes.
But leave bb guns for coke cans and balloons. They are not ethical to kill anything. I am speaking of the lever type bb gun. They are weak. I used my bb gun that my dad bought me at 7 years old (31 years ago) to teach my daughter to find a sight picture.
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