Things You Will Need
Unlike many other snakes, rat snakes tend to stay still when a person walks up to them, according to Davidson College.
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Place a damp large burlap sack near where the rat snake is known to be hiding. Snakes often seek out hiding places and burlap sacks are ideal, according to Colorado State University Extension. Check regularly to see whether the snake is in the sack. If so, put on work gloves, pick up the sack and dump the snake outside. Although rat snakes are not poisonous, they can bite. Seal up any openings around the rat snake’s former den. If the snake needs to be moved immediately, go to Step 2.
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Take a broom or rake and sweep the snake into a large bucket, preferably one more than 5 gallons large. Take the rat snake outside and release, then seal up the den.
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Eliminate all food sources for rat snakes to prevent them from returning. Clean up food spills, get rid of tall grass, leaf piles and stone piles. Trim bushes and shrubs so the leaves do not hug the ground, because this creates a hiding place for both rodents and rat snakes. Seal all cracks or openings in basements, windows or under decks.