Rattlesnakes are a common sight in many areas of the United States, especially in the southwest. While they generally prefer to avoid humans, rattlesnakes may find their way onto your property in search of food and shelter. If you live in rattlesnake territory, it’s important to understand what might attract them to your home so you can take steps to discourage their presence.
Shelter
Rattlesnakes are looking for places to hide from predators and regulate their body temperature. Your yard likely contains many appealing hiding spots, including:
- Wood or brush piles
- Tall grass or dense shrubs
- Holes or burrows
- Piles of debris or construction materials
- Rock walls or rock piles
- Pools of water
Rattlesnakes may seek shelter under porches, in crawl spaces, or in gaps in the foundation of your home. They can fit through surprisingly small spaces. Trimming vegetation back from the house and sealing up access points can help block rattlesnakes.
Prey
Rattlesnakes don’t hunt for humans, but they are attracted by the presence of prey animals around your home. Rodents like mice and rats may live in or under your home, especially if you have a garage, shed, wood pile, or gaps in the foundation. Chickens, rabbits, and family pets kept outdoors also attract snakes looking for a meal.
Water
Like all animals, rattlesnakes need drinking water to survive. They may come onto your property in search of any water sources, such as:
- Birdbaths
- Fountains
- Swimming pools
- Ponds
- Leaky hose spigots
- Pet water bowls left outdoors
Rattlesnakes can swim and may bathe in pools or birdbaths. Eliminating standing water sources can remove an attraction for them.
Heat or sunlight
Rattlesnakes are cold-blooded, so they rely on external heat sources like the sun to regulate their body temperature. Flat rocks, patios, decks, and asphalt driveways tend to collect heat. These spots offer snakes a warm place to bask during the day. Keeping areas around your home clear of debris limits basking sites.
Hiding spots
Rattlesnakes prefer not to be seen, so they search for protected hiding spots. Long vegetation, piles of wood or debris, and gaps under porches or sheds offer cover. Trimming back brush and moving wood piles away from the house removes potential hiding places.
Overwintering sites
In cold climates, rattlesnakes gather in dens below the frost line to brumate (hibernate) for the winter. They may seek spots under homes or porches to overwinter if suitable burrows are not available. Sealing foundation gaps helps keep them from getting inside.
How to discourage rattlesnakes
Here are some tips that can make your yard less attractive to rattlesnakes:
- Remove brush, wood piles, and debris
- Mow lawn frequently and keep vegetation trimmed back
- Eliminate standing water sources
- Fix leaky outdoor faucets
- Seal gaps in home foundation and walls
- Use mesh screen under porches and sheds
- Don’t leave pet food outside
- Install snake-proof fencing around chicken coops
- Set traps to control rodents on your property
| How to Keep Rattlesnakes Away | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Remove wood piles and debris | Eliminates hiding spots and shelter |
| Trim vegetation | Gets rid of protective cover |
| Remove standing water | Takes away a water source |
| Seal foundation gaps | Blocks access to den sites |
| Install snake fencing | Creates a physical barrier |
Rattlesnakes play an important role in the ecosystem, so you don’t want to completely eradicate them. Discouraging them from taking up residence right next to your home is the best approach.
What to do if you encounter a rattlesnake
If you spot a rattlesnake on your property, here are some dos and don’ts:
- DO keep your distance and leave the snake alone. Snakes only bite when threatened.
- DO alert children and pets to stay away.
- DO have the snake removed by a professional if it poses an immediate risk.
- DON’T try to kill the snake yourself.
- DON’T block a snake’s path – allow it to retreat.
Rattlesnakes provide free rodent control and are protected by law in many states. Peacefully coexisting with them is important.
Conclusion
Rattlesnakes enter areas near homes looking for food, water, and shelter. They can access seemingly small spaces, so sealing up access points is key. Removing their basic needs from a property discourages rattlesnake presence. With some awareness and snake-proofing, we can reduce unwanted snake encounters around homes.