Rattlesnakes are venomous pit vipers found across North America, and safely coexisting with them requires a proactive approach to property management and a clear plan for unexpected encounters. These reptiles are not inherently aggressive but will defend themselves when they feel threatened, which is the cause of most human bites. Understanding how to manage your environment to discourage their presence and knowing the immediate steps to take during an encounter or a bite are necessary for safety. This guide provides actionable steps for securing your property and responding to a rattlesnake emergency.
Immediate Steps During an Encounter
If you see or hear a rattlesnake, stop immediately and remain calm. Rattlesnakes use camouflage as a first line of defense and will only strike if they feel cornered or threatened. They often rattle as a warning before striking. The characteristic buzzing sound signals that you are too close and should retreat.
Once you have located the snake, slowly back away, creating a minimum distance of 6 feet (about 2 meters). Rattlesnakes can strike up to half their body length, so this distance provides a safe margin. Never try to provoke, handle, or move the snake, as most bites occur when people attempt to kill or capture one.
Securing Your Property Through Habitat Modification
The most effective long-term strategy for rattlesnake prevention is making your environment undesirable by removing their food and shelter. Rattlesnakes are attracted to areas that offer cool, dark hiding spots and a steady supply of prey, primarily rodents. Removing these two factors reduces the likelihood of a snake taking up residence.
Removing Shelter
Eliminating potential shelter involves removing common outdoor debris. Snakes seek protective, insulated spaces. Keep grass cut short and ensure low-lying shrubs are trimmed up off the ground. Replacing thick mulch or decorative rock with fine, coarse gravel can also deter snakes, as rough surfaces make movement difficult.
Common outdoor debris to remove includes:
- Rock piles
- Lumber stacks
- Dense brush
- Leaf litter
Controlling Prey
Controlling the rodent population is important, since snakes are present only because a food source is nearby. Securely covering all garbage and compost containers prevents attracting mice and rats. Pet food should not be left outdoors, and bird feeders should be cleaned regularly to prevent spilled seeds from drawing in small mammals.
Physical Barriers
The most reliable physical barrier is specialized snake-exclusion fencing installed around the perimeter of your yard. This fencing should use galvanized steel mesh with openings no larger than 1/4-inch, which stops juvenile snakes. The mesh barrier must be at least 30 inches high and should be buried 6 to 12 inches deep into the ground, often angled slightly outward, to prevent burrowing.
Avoid relying on chemical snake deterrents, such as mothballs or sulfur. Scientific evidence does not support their effectiveness, and the chemicals can be toxic to pets and children. Focus your efforts instead on creating a physical barrier and removing the resources that attract the snakes.
When to Call Professional Removal Services
Professional intervention is necessary when a rattlesnake has entered an enclosed space or poses a direct threat. If a snake is found inside the house, garage, or a confined area like a shed, immediately close off the area and contact a professional. Attempting to catch or corner a snake in a small space increases the risk of a bite.
The appropriate contacts include local animal control, specialized private snake removal services, or licensed wildlife control operators. These experts possess the tools and training to safely capture and relocate the snake. In many states, rattlesnakes are protected wildlife, and unauthorized killing or relocation may be illegal, resulting in fines.
Professionals should also be called if you suspect a den or large infestation on your property, such as finding multiple snakes in the same area over a short period. A den, or hibernaculum, can be located in a rocky outcrop, under a deck, or in a large rodent burrow. These situations are dangerous to handle without specialized knowledge, and experts can ensure the snakes are removed safely and humanely.
Emergency Response If a Bite Occurs
A rattlesnake bite is a medical emergency that requires immediate professional treatment; call 911 or your local emergency number right away. The person who was bitten should remain as calm and still as possible to slow the spread of venom through the body. Limit movement and try to keep the bite area at or slightly below the level of the heart.
While waiting for medical help, remove any tight clothing, rings, watches, or jewelry from the bitten limb. Swelling occurs rapidly, and these items can quickly become constricting bands, causing tissue damage. The only effective treatment for a venomous snake bite is antivenom, which must be administered in a medical facility.
Do not attempt dangerous, outdated folk remedies:
- Do not cut the wound.
- Do not attempt to suck out the venom.
- Do not apply a tourniquet.
- Do not apply ice.
Cutting the wound or suctioning is ineffective and introduces bacteria. Applying a tourniquet or ice can concentrate the venom and increase the risk of severe tissue damage or amputation.