We associate rattlesnakes with the Southwest, but they live in nearly every state in the U.S. Timber rattlesnakes, also known as canebreaks, live on mountains and in forests, swamps, floodplains, and cane thickets. The Eastern diamondback can be found in pine and coastal forests, barrier islands, and coastal plains. Pygmy rattlesnakes live in marshes, swamps, pine forests, and sandhills. Fortunately, rattlesnakes are shy creatures that we usually encounter accidentally in wild areas.
Rattlesnakes may be a fact of life in the wild, but finding one in your yard is an entirely different matter. The last thing you want is to step on a rattlesnake on your way out of the house. You certainly don't want children and pets playing with a rattler nearby. While you don't need to panic, you should take action if you see a rattlesnake in the garden. We have a few tips on what to do if you find a rattlesnake in your yard.
Keep Your Distance
First off, stay at least 5 feet away from a rattlesnake so you're well outside the range of a strike. Ten feet is even better. Despite what Uncle Bill may have told you, it's not a great idea to grab a shovel and try to kill a rattlesnake. Do not try to catch it, either. More than half of venomous snake bites occur due to people handling or harassing a snake.
Bring Children And Pets Indoors
Before you even think about getting rid of the rattlesnake on your property, you need to make sure all members of your household are safe. Bring children and pets indoors until you're confident the snake has departed. A dog or cat that hasn't learned any better may be curious about a snake and get into serious trouble.
Close Exterior Doors
Snakes will gladly take shelter inside a cool, dark shed or garage if you leave the door open. Close all exterior doors and seal any gaps that a snake could slither through. Ensure all windows on your house are tightly closed as well.
Remove Food Sources
Bird feeders and pet bowls attract rodents, squirrels, and ground-feeding birds. Rattlesnakes will hunt all of these. Take any feed indoors immediately so that you don't have so many mice and squirrels running around. Make sure that trash cans are sealed as well.
Step Carefully
Rattlesnakes often shelter under rocks or in brush piles during hot afternoons. You don't want any surprises, so step carefully around hiding spots in your yard. Avoid wandering around your yard during dusk and at night, when it's especially difficult to see snakes. Rattlesnakes are most active at night during extreme heat.
Call Animal Control Or A Removal Service
If the snake is in a high-traffic area, call the local animal control or an animal removal service that can relocate the snake for you. If you live alone and rarely spend time in your yard, you can choose to let a rattlesnake leave on its own. Making your yard less attractive should speed up its departure.
Make Your Yard Less Appealing
Last but not least, take steps to make your yard less appealing to rattlesnakes in the future. Here are a few steps you can take to discourage rattlesnakes from entering your yard:
- Keep the grass cut short and remove weeds.
- Remove rock piles, brush piles, and other hiding spots.
- Cut back overgrown bushes.
- Add screens at the base of decks and porches. Seal up any openings in your foundation.
- Don't hang bird feeders while snakes are active, which is usually from spring through fall.
- Consider installing a snake fence. The mesh should be buried below ground and cover the bottom 3 feet of your fence.
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