Rattlesnake problem where I'm tryng to build my new house? How to get rid of them?

Question

I live in Suffern New York and I've recently started construction on my new house. While they were working, the crew saw a few very large snakes, not sure that they were rattlesnakes though. But there is a park behind the house (behind a river) where it says to watch out for rattlesnakes and the previous owner of the property also said that they came into her basement on several occasions, along with some really big spiders. I am still continuing construction of the house, but i want to get rid of the snakes since they are a serious threat to my children. How can i get rid of them without killing/hurting them, since they are a protected species in my area? Btw, I have already bought very good windows for the basement and theres no way to stop building the house now. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

around here - Los Angeles area - animal regulations wont respond to any wild animal issues solong as a human is not in imediate danger. They would laugh if we called every time we saw a rattlesnake around the horse ranch. We have been advised to live with them, and/or kill them if safe to do so.

I've only ever had to kill one snake and that was two weeks ago - little rattler was in my tack room.


excerpt from: http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/professional-trapper/howtogetridofsnakes.htm

Wondering how to get rid of snakes? There is no magic spray or device that you can use to make them go away. Some people try to sell predator urine, such as coyote or fox urine to get rid of snakes, but that doesn't work. They also try to sell ultrasonic sound emitters. These devices are worthless at eliminating snakes. Some old wive's tales recommend the use of mothballs or ammonia-soaked rags to make them leave, but I've been to countless homes where these techniques failed - biologists know that these attempts won't work. The ONE AND ONLY WAY to take care of your problem is with physical removal of the animals. If you need to find a professional trapper in your hometown, just click our comprehensive list of hundreds of wildlife removal professionals, and you can have your problem quickly taken care of!

Answer 2

1. Most snakes you will see will not be rattlers. The poor rattler is very endangered in places where there are people (and the snake was there first.)

2. Moth balls don't work. Neither do King Snakes (Kings eat easier prey, like Gartersnakes, etc.).

3. If you have snakes, you have them because they like it there- you are offering food, water, or shelter. Eliminate rodents, caulk or fill cracks, and keep the yard clean and trimmed.

4. Even people who have snakes living under their houses are rarely bitten, and most who are bitten are mostly scared or hurt- they rarely die. Only about 15 people will die in a year from snake bite.

5. Seriously- they are NOT a 'serious threat' to your kids or anyone else. Ask the ER doctors locally how many bites they treat. Better yet- ask the vets since dogs get bitten far more often than people do. Answer- I bet is less than 1 a year for the dogs, and not in many years for the ER.

6. If it still worries you, talk to a wild animal or nuisance animal removal expert for advice for your location. They make a lot of money moving animals that people are worried about but are not really a threat.

7. Don't let your fears run away with you. 'Really big spiders'- the only two dangerous spiders up there are both very small. Learn about your area and the animals there at a local nature center. Knowledge will help you assess the risk more rationally.

Answer 3

Moth balls will not work- that is an old wives tale.
Getting a kingsnake will not help either- another myth.
Calling animal control is also ridiculous; if they relocate the snakes, they will return, or die trying. Likewise, snakes don't "trap" people.
Timber rattlesnakes are critically imperiled throughout the northeast, and you should not kill them. But, there are only two sure-fire ways to prevent encounters with snakes: kill them all, or destroy their habitat. Unfortunately, that's pretty much whats been happening with this species.
My advice is:
-Build a house with no cracks a snake could get into
-Do not pile debris near the house, as this creates hiding places for the snakes. Eliminate any potential hide-outs near the house.
-Learn to recognize the difference between rattlesnakes and non-venomous snakes in the area
-If you find one in your yard, remove it to the nearest appropriate habitat. Use a snake hook and a large garbage can to safely do this. Snakes fear humans, and the simple act of handling it may discourage it from entering your yard.
-Supervise your children closely, and keep them out of brushy or rocky areas.
-Above all, DO NOT BE AFRAID OF THEM! You are going to have to accept their presence (I wish I had snakes in MY yard!) The biggest danger is if you accidentally step on one, or try to grab one with your hands. They are not aggressive and will not chase or attack you. They normally flee.

Answer 4

rattlesnakes (as are most snakes) are very shy and will not seek people out. since you are building a new house just make sure there are no cracks to let them in - most likely they wouldnt want to come in anyways unless there is a lot of rodents around for them to eat --- keep your yard cut back and do not pile brush or debris near the house or play areas - most snakes are usually active at night and hide during the day - so check out any playhouses or sheds before the kids play in them -- most likely you will never see a rattlesnake, but if they are definately in your area just use common sense - dont shove your hand into places before you look - if you corner one just slowly back away - thats all they want you to do - they want to be left alone -- read up on them and learn as much as you can it will but you at ease -- remember most likely you will never see one even hiking in the woods.

Answer 5

If you find a rattlesnake in or around your home:
Call the Animal Control Officer in your area to remove the snake. Do not try to get rid of the snake yourself. If a person is trapped by the snake, call 9-1-1 for assistance.

Answer 6

I don't know if it works or not but the answer above mine is one I've heard of before...moth balls...it's already on here so I'm thinking there must be some truth or merit to it...I would try anything to keep snakes away from my house...give it a shot and good luck

Answer 7

Use moth balls put them around the houses, fence, pool, or whatever you have. Just use moth balls. Me and my family found a snake (don't remember what it was) but we killed it. And then we got moth balls and we haven't seen a snake yet. And it really does work. Try this, try the two below me, animal control, and the king snake. The king snakes eat poisonous snakes.

Answer 8

King snakes are supposed to be their natural enemy. I have not read this but a person once told me that he caught one and was bringing to his cabin to help solve the rattlesnake problem. Just looked this up, hope it helps.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_snake