In the United States, about 800 rattlesnake bites are reported annually. While seldom fatal, bites are extremely painful and can lead to medical trauma. It is important to never handle rattlesnakes, not even dead ones. Dead rattlesnakes can bite via reflex action for an hour after death.
In the wild, rattlesnakes should be left alone as they present little potential hazard. However, rattlesnakes around the home or garden are not acceptable to most people. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize the potential hazards.Rattlesnake Detection
Snake populations may fluctuate from year to year, depending on the availability of prey (among other things). Some animals, such as peacocks, turkeys, and dogs, can be good sentinels for detecting rattlesnakes. If your dog behaves in an unusual manner, such as excessively barking or whining, it would be wise to investigate for the presence of a snake. A veterinarian should immediately attend to dogs or domestic animals bitten by a rattlesnake.
If you have a snake-proof fence, be sure to check it for holes, gaps, or other damage prior to the time when snakes become active in the late winter or early spring.
Remember that keeping the rodent population in and around your yard under control is an excellent way to discourage snakes of all kinds.Habitat Modification: Rattlesnake Exclusion
One of the best ways to keep rattlesnakes away from gardens and homes is to remove suitable hiding places.Rattlesnake Exclusion
Measures to keep rattlesnakes out of houses and buildings are very similar to those for keeping out rodents, too.Snake Fences
Rattlesnakes can be excluded from an area by installing a snake-proof fence. Make sure the gates are tight fitting, and keep vegetation and debris from collecting around the fence. Snakes can climb accumulated vegetation and gain access to the top of the fence. Check the fence frequently to be sure it has not been damaged or torn in any way.Rattlesnake Repellents
Over the years various home remedies have been suggested to repel snakes, such as placing a horsehair rope around your sleeping bag or sprinkling sulfur dust or scattering mothballs around the area to be protected. Unfortunately, none of these work. Despite what you may hear, there are no plants or ultrasonic devices that repel snakes. Currently several commercially available chemical snake repellents are on the market, but they have not proven to be sufficiently effective to warrant recommendation.
Remember, if left alone, a snake is likely to move on to another area. Rattlesnakes are capable of striking quickly, so caution is important. Most rattlesnake bites occur when inexperienced people try to pick up or move a rattlesnake.
If you don’t want to kill the snake yet want it removed, it is best to call a professional pest or wildlife control operator who specializes in snake removal. Look to the left for experienced snake removal technicians today, and gain peace of mind.