Snake Removal

Question
Hi There...
I've got several Texas Rat Snakes that have moved into my tool shed, and I've got to find a way to chase them out.  
I figured I could make them move out by lighting a Smudge Pot inside the shed, or if necessary, an insect fogger; but I really didn't want to kill them.  Do you feel that this would work.  If not, what will ?  How about Mothballs ?
If I do manage to chase them out, will they re-occupy the shed after the smoke clears ?  If I surround the shed with Ground Glass, will they cross the glass circle ?  How can I keep them out ?

Thank You for your time !

Ed VA


Answer
Hello Ed,

Unfortunately, there is no current effective way to repel snakes.  Trust me, many things have been tested.  I believe that the snakes are there because of food, you probably have mice in there.  The other reason is that snakes like cool, damp places.  So you could try setting up mouse traps to take away their food source.  You could try the insect fogger, it doesn't sound bad, but mothballs have been tested and are useless.  Try to seal up any entrances that they could get in through, there's probably more than you think so look hard.  Good luck!