How to prevent rattlesankes from coming into your yard?

Dottie04

I'm not sure if this is the place to post this, but yesterday evening our dogs found a 4 and half foot rattlesnake in our yard. Do any of you know how to keep rattlesnakes out of our yard?

ucgrad

Where do you live? Do you know what kind of rattlesnake it was?

Dottie04

ucgrad:

Where do you live? Do you know what kind of rattlesnake it was?

I live in Texas. It was a diamondback rattlesnake.

~NB~

The cheap and effective way that immediately comes to mind is inhumane. Short of building a 6' high, very smooth faced wall, I couldn't tell you. It's just one of those unpleasant regional inconveniences, like hurricanes in Florida or snow in North Dakota. Rattlesnakes, coyotes and scorpions are a fact of life in the southwest.

clea

I might have to wear snake boots and carry a small pistol.  If they start rattling, you just have to shoot them.

ucgrad

In general, try to keep shade to a minimum and rodents to a minumum. They'll be less likely to hang around if there is nothing to eat and nowhere to stay cool. There is the fence option. Generally not a whole lot of great options out there. Unfortunately, diamondbacks have long fangs and are agressive. There are a lot of non-agressive rattlesnakes out there... I did find this online but don't know if it really works for not: http://www.pestproducts.com/snakeinfo.htm It says it is non-toxic and the army used it during the gulf war.

TootsieK

A friend was told to sprinkle sulfur around her yard to keep the snakes away.  I think she bought it at an agricultural supply store.  She seemed to think it was effective (but boy, did it stink!)

adsube

pretty much sulfer or moth ball's,.. then there is the snake away which is 3 times the price but i'm sure its sulfer they smell the same,. also cats or guineas are good at keeping snakes away. good luck!