Rattlesnakes: Coexisting with Wildlife
Removal
Below is helpful information on rattlesnakes, including how to deter them from living near your house, what to do if you discover one and what to do if you are bitten by one.
If you have rattlesnakes living in your yard, they will often leave on their own when they finish basking in the sun. San Diego Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement team can assist with removing rattlesnakes who are putting people and/or companion animals in immediate danger. Call 619-299-7012 and press 1 for Dispatch.
How to Deter Rattlesnakes
Fencing
One way to deter rattlesnakes from entering your yard is by adding a low-level rattlesnake-proof fence around the perimeter of your yard. While this is not a cheap option, it is very effective and can reassure you that a particular zone of your home is safe from rattlesnakes. If this option is too expensive or you are only worried about rattlesnakes entering a particular area, you don't need to wall off your entire backyard. For example, you can select an area for the children or pets to play in and only fence off that part. This becomes the "safety zone."
- Use a mesh that is not wider than a quarter of an inch in diameter or use solid material. Any un-textured material is best as snakes cannot climb smooth surfaces because they cannot get a solid grip.
- The fence must be at least 3 feet tall and buried at least 3 inches in the ground.
- It’s important to ensure that gates have no gaps on the sides and sit flush with the ground. If there is a gap between the ground and the gate, it can help to place a concrete slab directly under the gate going into the ground. But make sure the concrete sits flush with the base of the gate.
- Be sure to maintain the fence — all gaps and holes must be fixed quickly to prevent possible entry points.
Remove Hiding Spots
Remove shrubs, overhanging vegetation and any other plants from the perimeter of the fence.
Do not lean anything against the fence that a rattlesnake might be able to use as leverage to crawl over.
Check Under and Around the House
Look for gaps or areas that a rattlesnake can use to access underneath the house and fill, plug or board off these areas. Under the house is an ideal environment for a snake as it provides them with protection, so be sure to check the walls, foundation, stairs and any other places snakes may be able to use to find an entry point.
Avoid Piles
Keep wood piles and any other materials stored in your backyard away from the home. If you already have piles of wood, be careful when removing them as a snake or other animal may have already settled there.
Keep the Rodents Under Control
Remember that rattlesnakes are only coming near our homes because they have found a valuable resource, like shelter or food. Rodents make up a large portion of snakes' diets, so by rodent-proofing your house and getting rid of mice, rats and other rodents, you will remove a major rattlesnake attractant. This is especially important in areas where animal food is stored on farms.
Other Food Sources
Keep other food sources out of snakes’ reach. This means keeping pet food and bird seed inside or covered. Garbage and compost cans should be securely covered at all times. Improper storage of pet foods, bird seed and garbage or compost will attract rodents, and consequently snakes as well.
Nesting Sites
Eliminate rattlesnake homes and nesting sites. Potential areas for rattlesnakes to build nests should be removed from the area around your home. This includes such things as wood piles, rock piles, garbage piles, long grass, brush, undergrowth or piles of building materials. Think about the places that would be cozy for a snake (think warm, dark and damp) to move into and remove them — but remember to be careful when you do! There may already be a rattlesnake in residence.
Keep It Mowed
Keep lawns and fields around the house mowed. A short lawn or field is not a great place to hide and makes it very easy for you to spot a rattlesnake taking a shortcut. Be careful, however, not to provide sheltering places such as piles of timber or rocks that create safety stations for snakes crossing short grass, or you will not succeed in discouraging them.
Know your snakes!
San Diego County only has three species of venomous snakes — the red diamond rattlesnake, Southwestern speckled rattlesnake and Southern Pacific rattlesnake. Most other snakes can be good to have around as they deter rattlesnakes through natural competition. Some snake species, like kingsnakes, will even eat rattlesnakes! If you don't mind the snakes, appreciate seeing the gopher snakes and kingsnakes in your area as they are non-venomous and excellent rodent control.
Remain Calm
If you do discover a rattlesnake in your backyard, keep calm. Go indoors immediately, and make sure to bring your pets with you. You can keep an eye on the snake from inside and wait for them to leave. Call for professional assistance if you are concerned that the rattlesnake may be settling in, but if you have made your yard as unfavorable to a snake as possible following the guidelines above, the snake will leave if given the chance. There are strict laws regarding killing rattlesnakes in any other situation than an immediate threat and in your own self-defense — most rattlesnakes will only strike if acting in self-defense and are typically nonaggressive. If you leave them alone and give them lots of space, they will leave you alone.
What to Do If You Are Bitten by a Rattlesnake
- Stay calm, get safely away from the snake and have someone call 9-1-1 (or the emergency number in your area). Have the victim move as little as possible to prevent further spread of the venom.
- Immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than the heart.
- Wash the bite with soap and water.
- Remove any rings, bracelets, boots or other constrictive items.
- Cover the area with a clean compress or moist dressing.
- Monitor vital signs.
Actions to Avoid:
DO NOT cut the bite. The additional tissue damage may actually increase the diffusion of the toxins throughout the body.
DO NOT apply a tourniquet. Such action can result in the loss of the limb.
NEVER try to suck out the venom by mouth. You can try the suction cup in a snakebite kit if it doesn't delay other needed treatment; however, suctioning seldom provides any measurable advantages.
DO NOT apply cold and/or ice packs. Recent studies indicate that the application of cold or ice makes the injury much worse.
Do NOT let the victim do any strenuous activity.
Do NOT apply electric shock.
Do NOT let the victim drink alcohol.
To learn how to train your dog(s) to safely avoid rattlesnakes using positive training methods, visit: https://theproficientpup.com/rattlesnake-avoidance/
