Rattlesnake question...?

Question

So Sunday, my husband and I are taking the dogs out for a run and encounter a rattlesnake in the grass between our two trucks. We take the dogs back inside for a while and I watch the snake meander across the driveway and crawl up an embankment.

Now, let me set this up for you because knee-jerk reactions will not be appreciated...

We live, truly in the middle of nowhere in the mountains of NC. We have observed every snake that inhabits our region on or near our property before, but this is the first time such a hardcore viper has been spotted so close to the house. I am not a lover of snakes, but I try not to be afraid of them either because I respect their place in the world.

At work yesterday, everyone told me to kill it, and I heard some awful story about trying to kill one with a shovel only to mangle it and cause it to suffer before death.

So what I want to know is, does anyone know of a humane way to deter snakes from their property?

Answer 1

We have Western Diamondback Rattlers here in California, so we're on the same page, Jen........

Just remember, we are in THEIR habitat, NOT the other way around, same with the raccoons and opossums that we encounter nightly.....I have a bearing fig tree, and some of the damage that those two creatures have done really ticks me off, but I have to remember, "they were there WAY before humans were", so we have to respect their right to survival too....Since you live in a remote rural place, my best advice to you is to be conscientious of their presence especially during this time of year.....

Best way is to "give them a wide berth" and try your best to coexist with them....They are, after all, just another of God's amazing creations.....Peace to you.....

Christopher

Answer 2

There is no guaranteed method to deter snakes other than to eliminate their food source and elimnate hiding places. There are things people say, like mothballs, but these have been proven to not be effective. Honestly, I wouldn't worry. Here in Texas, rattlers, copperheads, and cottonmouths occasionally enter people's yards and I never hear of any problems. They really don't want any trouble from people and will leave you alone if you leave them alone. As far as your dogs, if they're outside dogs, you might want to see if they offer classes in your area. Here, they have classes which train dogs to stay away from snakes. And considering this is the first time you've seen a rattler, it doesn't sound like there's any kind of infestation or problem. Definitely don't kill them. They're just trying to live their life like we are ours.

Answer 3

You can use the lyme that you mix up (kinda like cement) or you can try mothballs in your yard, just be mindful of other animals you or a neighbor may have.  I have heard that if you use the lyme a snake will not cross it bc it burns their bellies (just like it can burn you as your are mixing it, so be careful).  I live in the mtns of NC too!!  Good luck and be careful!

Answer 4

You and your pets should stay clear.

Call Animal controll (the snake has to be visible, they won't go find it))or a private nuisance wildlife abatement company (google for one in your area) and have it removed.

or possibly your local Pentecostals

Good luck.

Answer 5

Call animal services to come take care of it for you. They wont kill it. Just relocate it.