Operational Placement
Position the trap flush against a wall or vertical structure where snake movement has been observed. Snakes naturally follow edges and shaded boundaries, increasing capture efficiency. The unit is designed for deployment in shaded environments to maintain internal temperature stability.
Entry & Activation Mechanism
Snakes may enter the trap from either end of the enclosure. Upon reaching the central section, the animal must traverse the low-profile trigger bar. Due to their mode of locomotion, snakes apply direct downward body pressure, which activates the trigger mechanism.
Door Closure System
Activation of the trigger bar initiates the synchronized closing of the dual non-return doors, aligned with the snake’s direction of travel. The doors are engineered to close smoothly and without resistance, allowing the snake to fully enter the enclosure without injury or compression.
Species Discrimination
The trigger bar geometry prevents activation by legged animals (rodents, frogs, toads, spiders, small mammals), which naturally step or jump over the shaft. This ensures a snake-only response and prevents false triggers in operational environments.
Audible Alarm Notification
Trigger activation simultaneously engages the integrated audible alarm module, providing an immediate notification of capture. Optional GSM/SMS or Wi-Fi alarm modules are available for remote alerts (model-dependent).
Transport & Relocation
Once contained, the snake remains calm within the darkened enclosure. The trap serves as a direct transport unit, eliminating the need for transfer into a secondary container. A qualified handler may relocate and release the animal by opening a single door, ensuring controlled exit.
Yes, very easy. The trap activates in just two simple steps, similar to setting a basic mouse trap. No assembly is required — it’s ready to use straight out of the box.
Simply place the trap where you’ve seen snake activity, making sure it is set in a shaded area and positioned against a wall or vertical structure, as snakes naturally travel along edges.
Once positioned, follow the two activation steps shown in the video and test the alarm once before leaving the trap armed.
This trap does not require bait and does not lure snakes from a distance. Snakes use their Jacobson’s organ to detect scent, which typically works only within 3–5 meters — not kilometres — so bait will only influence snakes already very close by, not attract new snakes from far away.
When a snake encounters the trap, what attracts it is simply the dark, sheltered space, which feels like a safe place to hide.
If you prefer to use bait when trying to catch a specific snake you already know is on your property, you may use:
droppings from the snake’s natural prey
an unwashed chicken egg
rodent cage shavings with mice/rat scent
bird feathers
If using bait, please check the trap daily, as the doors are bright red and make it easy to see if a snake has been captured.
First, from a safe distance, make sure both red non-return doors are fully closed. Then close and secure both end-cap doors. This creates a dark, secure environment that keeps the snake calm.
Once the trap is sealed, you may switch off the audible alarm.
Next, contact your local professional snake handler, who will take the trap to a safe release location. The snake can be released unharmed by placing the trap on the ground and opening one door, allowing it to exit in a controlled and safe direction.
You are responsible for your own safety when handling a trapped animal. Kief Traps assumes no responsibility or liability for any injury resulting from interactions with wildlife captured using this trap.
The trap can safely capture a snake more than twice its own length. For example, a 0.9-meter trap can contain a snake longer than 1.8 meters.
How is this possible?
When the snake reaches the centre and activates the trigger bar, both non-return doors close at the same time. The rear door startles the snake slightly, causing it to instinctively move forward. When it reaches the front door, the snake begins to coil inside the trap, naturally pulling the rest of its body in behind it.
What if the snake is even longer?
The non-return doors will prevent the snake from backing out, keeping it securely contained. If the snake appears significantly longer than the trap, it is best to contact your local snake handler immediately and keep a safe distance while monitoring the trap until the expert arrives.
Each trap includes an Audible Alarm specifically to prevent this. It alerts you immediately when a snake is captured.
Even so, it is recommended to check the trap regularly (daily, if possible). If you are going away for a few days, ask someone to check it for you or temporarily disarm the trap so it does not capture anything while you are not home.
Snakes can survive at least a week without water and many weeks without food, so if one is captured it will generally remain fine—especially if the trap is kept out of direct sunlight.
The alarm is weather-resistant and designed for reliability, but like any electronic device, it can still fail. This does not affect the trap’s ability to capture or contain a snake.
If the alarm stops working completely, replace the batteries or the alarm unit if necessary.
You should still check the trap daily. Once you set a trap, it is your responsibility to ensure that no animal remains inside for an extended period of time.
Regular checks and proper battery maintenance will ensure the trap continues to operate safely and effectively.
If the trigger bar does not trip and close the doors, the snake will simply move through the trap and continue on its way.
To prevent this, always test the trap a few times after placing it to ensure the trigger moves freely and that nothing is obstructing the mechanism.
It is also recommended to manually test the mechanism once a month, as the trap contains moving parts and dust or debris can accumulate over time if not maintained.
Regular testing ensures the trigger bar stays reliable and the trap continues to operate as intended.
No lubrication is required — the trap is designed to be simple and low-maintenance. With the alarm removed, you can rinse the trap with water to clear any dirt buildup, and it will be ready for use again.