Nigerian Snake Expert Reveals Safe Method for Indoor Snake Capture Using Rat Glue Boards
In response to growing concerns about snake safety in Nigerian residences, a prominent wildlife conservationist has shared practical advice on non-lethal snake capture techniques. Mustapha Iskil Gbolahan, widely known as Arojinle, has detailed how homeowners can effectively use rat glue boards to trap snakes without causing harm to the reptiles.
Practical Steps for Non-Lethal Snake Capture
Arojinle, who operates from Ibadan in Oyo State and offers free snake removal services, explained his method through social media platforms. The conservationist emphasized that this approach requires careful implementation to ensure both human safety and snake welfare.
The expert outlined several key steps for successful implementation:
- Acquire three to four rat glue boards, opening and arranging them together based on the suspected snake's length
- Place one or two eggs in the center of the arranged boards as potential bait
- Position the boards strategically where snake activity has been observed
- Monitor the boards regularly once deployed
Arojinle noted that the eggs serve as attractive bait for hungry snakes, while the boards themselves might incidentally catch rats, which could subsequently attract snakes seeking prey. Once a snake ventures onto the adhesive surface, it becomes securely trapped without suffering fatal injuries.
Additional Safety Measures and Considerations
The wildlife expert also addressed supplementary precautions that homeowners might consider. He mentioned that sulfur, when ground and sprinkled around areas of frequent snake sightings, can act as a deterrent. However, he strongly cautioned against allowing sulfur to contact food items or kitchenware, emphasizing its potential toxicity to humans if inhaled or ingested.
Arojinle acknowledged the complexity of creating exit points for trapped snakes, noting that while opening doors or creating escape routes might encourage snakes to leave, such openings could also serve as entry points for other unwanted creatures. This presents homeowners with a challenging decision that requires careful assessment of their specific circumstances.
Context: Rising Concerns About Snake Safety
This guidance emerges amid heightened public awareness about snake-related dangers in Nigerian households. The tragic death of soprano singer Ifunanya Nwangene, known professionally as Nanyah, has particularly intensified these concerns. The former contestant on The Voice Nigeria passed away in late January 2026 after suffering a snakebite while sleeping in her Abuja apartment.
Nwangene's unfortunate demise at the Federal Medical Centre in Abuja has sparked renewed conversations about preventive measures and safe removal techniques. Social media platforms across Nigeria have seen increased discussion about snake safety, with various experts contributing to the dialogue.
Other wildlife specialists, including Dr. Mark Ofua from Saint Mark's Animal Hospital in Lagos, have previously shared complementary advice about snake prevention. These experts collectively emphasize the importance of understanding snake behavior and implementing practical, non-lethal solutions when encounters occur within residential spaces.
Arojinle's approach represents a humane alternative to traditional, often lethal, snake removal methods. By focusing on capture rather than extermination, his technique aligns with conservation principles while addressing legitimate safety concerns. Homeowners implementing these methods should exercise caution and consider consulting professionals when dealing with potentially dangerous snake species.
