Rattlesnakes & How to Snake Proof Yards

Rattlesnakes are most common in hot desert areas such as Arizona, New Mexico and Southern California, but rattlesnakes lives all throughout the United States. When a rattlesnake is startled or feels threatened, it delivers a venomous bite that, when left untreated, can cause death by paralysis or circulatory arrest. For this reason, most would prefer to keep rattlesnakes far away from their homes, families and pests. According to the California Department of Fish and Game, a rattlesnake fence provides the best protection against the dangerous snakes.

Axe

Measuring tape

Shovel

Wire cutters

Mesh wire fencing

Remove piles of vegetation, wood and rocks from your yard and keep your grass mowed short to discourage rattlesnakes from living and hiding around your home. Keeping a clear yard will also discourage prey animals such as rabbits and mice, and will make it easier to spot any dangerous snakes that sneak in.

Measure around the perimeter of your yard in preparation for setting up a fence. Dig a 6-inch-deep hole all around the perimeter. Using an axe, chop down any trees, shrubs and other large plants within a 5-foot distance of this trench -- snakes can climb to the top of a large plant and enter your yard that way.

Purchase enough wire fencing to surround your yard. Choose fencing about 3 foot 6 inches wide with a mesh smaller than 1/4 inch to prevent rattlesnakes from slithering through. Use wire cutters to cut the fencing to size.

Bury the wire fencing in the trench around your yard so it extends 3 feet high, with 6 inches underground. Tilt the fencing 30 degrees away from your yard.

Use caution when removing piles in your yard, as a rattlesnake may already be hiding there.