Rattlesnakes

About Rattlesnakes

Rattlesnakes are California's only venomous snake. They have a triangular-shaped head and their eyes have elliptical pupils (similar to a cat's eye). They have a blunt rattle on their tail and can be six inches to four and a half feet long. Their color ranges from dark green to pale or deep yellow. 

Gopher snakes are often mistaken for rattlesnakes, but gopher snakes are non-venomous. Gopher snakes have eyes with round pupils and do not have a rattle. However, if you spot any kind of snake it is best to keep away.

Rattlesnake behavior:

• They feed on birds, rodents, and other small animals.
• Adults mostly eat rodents.
• Young snakes mostly eat lizards and young rodents.
• Snakes tend to look for prey and hide in rodent burrows, under rocks, in tall grass, and under house foundations.

Why are they important?

Rattlesnakes are an important part of our ecosystem. They feed on birds and help keep rodent populations under control, but encountering one can be scary and dangerous. 

Services

You can request a free home inspection and consultation for issues with snakes. Our trained technicians will inspect the exterior of your property and do the following:

• Look for possible entry points.
• Identify what might be attracting wildlife to your property.
• Provide consultation and advice on how to: 
  • Do the repairs to keep wildlife out of your property. 
  • Reduce availability of food, water, and shelter. 

DO NOT tease or handle a live or dead snake. If a snake needs to be removed from your property, call a professional pest/wildlife control vendor who specializes in snakes.

REQUEST A WILDLIFE INSPECTION

How can I prevent snake bites?

To prevent snake bites during outdoor activities you can:

• Wear protective clothing like closed-toed shoes or boots, long pants, and long sleeve shirts.
• Do not hike alone and be cautious outdoors.
• Keep children and pets close to you.
• Stay in the middle of trails and avoid tall grasses, weeds, and heavy underbrush.
• Look before sitting on rocks or logs.
• Do not touch a rattlesnake event if it looks dead.
• Do not touch baby rattlesnakes. They are venomous too and do not have a rattle.

How can I prevent snakes at home?

• Clear your yard of dense vegetation.
• Clear piles of rocks or logs.
• Put up snake-proof fences.
• Eliminate food, water, and shelter that attracts rodents.
• Fill in holes around the yard.

Exclusion

• Seal all gaps 1/4 inch or larger that are around doors, vents, windows, and crawl spaces. This will also keep out rodents that might attract them.
• Exclude them from yards by installing a snake proof fence using 1/4 inch hardware cloth and extending it at least 3 feet high and extend it at least 4-6 inches below the ground.

What if I got bitten?

In the case of a snake bite, the California Poison Control Center recommends to:

• Get immediate medical help. A rattlesnake bite can be deadly.
• Remain calm and do not run.
• Keep the bite site elevated above your heart while you wait for help.
• If your pet is bitten, many veterinarians carry rattlesnake anti-venom and vaccines. Contact your veterinarian for more information.

If bitten, do not attempt the following:

• DO NOT apply ice or heat to the bite site.
• DO NOT cut or slice around the bite site.
• DO NOT drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks.
• DO NOT suck out venom/poison.
• DO NOT take medicines.
• DO NOT use a constricting band or tourniquet to restrict blood flow.