Category: Snake Fence

No, Rattlesnakes Can’t Climb Over Your Block Wall

Posted on by Bryan Hughes

Rattlesnakes, like all terrestrial snakes, can and do climb! It’s not uncommon for a rattlesnake to be found in a bush, tree, up in rocks, or any number of surprising places. This is a very different situation than a rattlesnake climbing straight up a relatively smooth surface. A common misconception, fueled by a combination of a general lack of knowledge of snake physiology, is that rattlesnakes can easily climb up and over a backyard block wall.

So … let’s put it to the test! If rattlesnakes can climb over a block wall, they will have no problem getting over a shorter version. Right?

The Experiment: Put rattlesnakes in an approximation of a standard Phoenix-area block wall and see if they can climb out.

Watch the experiment and additional information here:

Whenever we talk about Rattlesnake Fencing, we get comments saying it can’t possibly work because rattlesnakes can just climb over the wall. Well … let’s see if they can!

We put it to the test with every species of rattlesnake in our service area, along with a couple of non-venomous snakes. According to the comments, all of them should be able to climb the wall and escape without any trouble. But what actually happened isn’t a surprise to anyone with a bit of knowledge of how snakes work.

Snakes included in the experiment:

  1. Adult Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
  2. Two juvenile Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes
  3. Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake
  4. Mojave Rattlesnake
  5. Sonoran Sidewinder
  6. Tiger Rattlesnake
  7. Blacktailed Rattlesnake
  8. Newborn (days old) Western Diamondback Rattlesankes
  9. California Kingsnake (common, harmless snake)
  10. Sonoran Gophersnake (common, harmless, BIG snake)

Why Can’t Rattlesnakes Climb Over?

Rattlesnakes can climb a tree, up rough stone, and other sufficiently rough surfaces, but going up smooth surfaces isn’t something they are capable of. If the wall has big problems, like an uneven surface or other ledges, then this is considered part of the rattlesnake fence design. What no rattlesnake can do, however, is climb right up a wall like a slug.

Why is knowing what rattlesnakes can climb important?

The physical capabilities of rattlesnakes, and snakes in general, are widely misunderstood. It’s no mystery, too, as to why. We’re raised to believe they’re slimy, supernaturally evil creatures. But, a little knowledge shows this is not the case. And, sometimes, those misconceptions can actually be dangerous.

When can not understanding rattlesnake physiology be dangerous? When it prevents people from taking basic actions to protect their properties. An example of this that we discuss every day: people who choose not to have rattlesnake fencing installed or take other preventative measures because a neighbor or random Facebook person told them that rattlesnakes can just climb over the block wall, so it’s useless. Anyone with a little knowledge of snakes knows this is not the case, but we know that the misconceptions about them are typically louder than the facts.

This is not snake trivia, it’s a message of public safety. Rattlesnake encounters and rattlesnake bites are largely preventable issues. It requires letting go of cultural misconceptions, however, which ironically perpetuate needless danger.

As Temperatures Cool, Rattlesnake Activity Heats Up: Fall Safety Tips

Posted on by Bryan Hughes

Temperatures are finally coming down and the air in the morning has just a little bit of cool. And, being from Arizona, we’re all pretty excited about that. Not just people but wildlife as well, including rattlesnakes. We are about to enter one of the periods with the most random rattlesnake encounters.

Here’s a summary of what rattlesnakes will be doing this fall, why they do it, and how you can best avoid an unexpected encounter. Note: This applies to Arizona south of the rim. In other locations, timing and behavior will differ.

“Why are rattlesnakes more active in the fall? I thought they loved heat.”

While temperatures were lethally hot in this record-breaking year, rattlesnakes were doing about the same thing we were: hiding. They spend a lot of time in one location, tucked away and only coming out at night to move short distances. The locations the snakes choose to hide away are very specific, which means that rattlesnake encounters are more predictable in some areas.

But now that nights are cool and daytime reasonable, they are out and about with a lot to do before winter sets in. Rattlesnakes need to find prey and water and start their often-long journey to the dens where they will spend the winter. They also may mate during this period, adding even more activity.

This all means that rattlesnakes are on the move in less predictable locations, regardless of the presence of attracting factors. Random encounters with rattlesnakes of all age classes are highest during the fall.

Baby rattlesnakes can be just about anywhere in the fall.

In addition to the adult rattlesnakes, who may have just given birth and need to move and eat, there are a huge number of baby rattlesnakes trying to score their first meal. These newborns have to accomplish a lot in their first couple of months. They must find prey, succeed in hunting, and establish the beginning of their home range.

While this may be informed by scent and interaction with other rattlesnakes, these little ones are on their own. As a result, they often show up in unexpected places. Being under a foot long, they can be easily missed.

During this time, many of them are eaten by predators, fail to find food in time, pick bad locations for hibernation, are killed by cars or the sun, and countless other threats. Many will not survive to the next year, meaning that right now is the highest number of rattlesnakes out there in any given year.

rattlesnake by door
Situations like this, with a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake hiding under a door, are often temporary, random events during the fall.

When are rattlesnakes most active during the fall?

During these cooler, transition times, rattlesnakes become crepuscular, becoming most active in the twilight transitions in the morning and at night. They often bask and hunt in the morning, hide away during much of the day, then leave again as the sun sets to travel longer distances.

Throughout September and early October, the first hour after sunset will see a surge in rattlesnake movement. It slows overnight, but rattlesnakes can be active even as temperatures dip into the 50s. Then again in the morning, rattlesnakes will be out in relatively random locations, typically near temporary hiding spots.

In late October through about the second week of November, rattlesnake activity changes a little bit, with less morning movement. Starting in the late afternoon, around 3 pm, they make large straight-line movements towards den locations. This will carry through and peak in the first hour after sunset, then largely stop.

By the third week of November, most rattlesnakes are where they intend to be for the next few months. So while encounters will still happen, their nature and cause are very different.

rattlesnake den
Rattlesnakes resting at a den site. During the fall, rattlesnakes are making large movements towards these locations, sometimes on a path through the backyard.

What can pet owners do about rattlesnakes during the fall?

The situation of dogs with rattlesnakes is very different than it is with people. Rattlesnake bites to dogs are typically on the muzzle and face, meaning it is a secondary encounter. Rattlesnakes don’t attack dogs; dogs go after snakes, and the snakes defend themselves. The difference is intention, and this means that much can be done.

For any dog owner living where rattlesnakes are, here are some essential actions:

  • Get your dog rattlesnake avoidance trained. We recommend our friends at Rattlesnake Ready in Cave Creek.
  • Walk the yard before letting the dogs out in the morning and at night. Just a quick perimeter check can reduce the majority of snake bites.
  • Never leave dogs unattended in the backyard at dusk or in the first hour after. This is when rattlesnakes are most active, and the majority of bites will occur.
  • Contact 24-hour emergency vets in the area ahead of time, and have a plan. Be sure to ask if they treat with antivenom. If they say no, find a different one. Doing this work in advance can save time in the event of a bite, which can greatly affect outcomes.

“What can be done to protect my family from rattlesnakes in the fall?”

Unlike dogs, people can learn and change their behavior with new information. It’s unlikely that you’d intentionally stick your nose on a rattlesnake, so that leaves accidental bites as the situation to avoid.

Here are a few things you can do on a single Saturday that would reduce the chances of you or a loved one taking a rattlesnake bite:

  • Keep flashlights near all doors, and have a rule that shoes and lights are to be used at all times without exception.
  • Clean up any debris in the yard, remove hiding spots, reduce clutter, and do any maintenance necessary to make the yard less snake-friendly.
  • Consider having a professional visit to inspect the property, make recommendations, and evaluate if the property may be a candidate for rattlesnake fencing.
  • Continue becoming knowledgeable about snakes in the area via passive means. We recommend joining a snake identification Facebook group to get a slow flow of information. Over time, this can help immensely with how you feel about the situation.
  • Keep this number somewhere handy: 480-237-9975 (Phoenix area) or 520-308-6211 (Tucson area).

Learn about the snakes in your area:

snakes in the Phoenix area

For a full list and more details of rattlesnake activity during the fall and steps you can take to be safe, take a look at this article:

When Will Rattlesnakes Go Away To Hibernate? Details Based on Thousands of Rattlesnake Relocations

Arizona Laws and Ethics of Rattlesnake Removal and Snake Fence Installation

Posted on by Bryan Hughes

This post isn’t exciting, but it is necessary. We are so happy that the tides seem to be changing on the topic of rattlesnakes. The old ways of killing them are being replaced with smarter practices. Short-distance relocation and prevention, like snake fence installation and habitat reduction, are becoming the norm. Not only are these practices better for the environment, but they are more effective in avoiding encounters than the old ways.

But, that comes with it’s own troubles. More people than ever are offering their services to the public to relocate snakes and install snake fencing … but are they doing it right? Is the service even legal? More often than not, unfortunately, multiple laws are often broken by well-meaning individuals. It’s wonderful that this goodwill exists out there, but now comes the more complicated second half of the task: making sure that providers are acting responsibly. As a homeowner, the laws of snake relocation and prevention are important to understand. So get a coffee and get ready, because this will not be exciting.

Snake Relocation in Arizona REQUIRES a Wildlife Services License

Snake Relocation services offered to the community requires a Wildlife Services License from the Arizona Game and Fish Department! Private certifications and training do not allow legal offering of these services to the community, and should not be confused with legal permits to perform these tasks. Removal and relocation of a rattlesnake is a complex matter, which is not as simple as simply putting a snake in a bucket and taking it to another location – that’s where the real work begins.

EVERY snake relocation person needs their own license

Any entity or business offering snake removal services must have EVERY member of the team be granted individual Wildlife Services Licenses. If one member of the team has a license but others are performing relocation services without it, this is against the law. If you live in a community where the security guards offer snake removal services, it is most likely against the law.

Snake Fence Installation often requires licensing from the state

Snake Fence installation requires a contractor’s license in most situations. AZROC licensing and insurance protect your property. If the total cost, including labor and materials of your project, is above $1,000, make sure the company is licensed, bonded, and insured with AZROC. You can check here: (https://roc.az.gov/search).

For your protection as a homeowner, and many other reasons: work with licensed contractors. It might seem great to save a few bucks up front, but when the installer ghosts you or messes up an expensive gate, you’ll be left without recourse.

Insurance! Don’t let someone on your property to catch a venomous snake who can hold you liable.

Rattlesnake bites are expensive! So are your walls and gates. The guy down the street who wants to help with a snake seems great, but what happens if his internet Steve Irwin act doesn’t work out? A rattlesnake bite is expensive, and you don’t want to learn this the hard way by being held liable.

What kind of insurance should be carried by ANY individual visiting a property to capture a venomous snake?

General Liability and Workers Compensation at minimum. As a property owner, I’d be cautious about inviting anyone to my place to catch a venomous snake that could hold me liable if they are bitten in the process.

Love it or hate it, the HOA has its say in your snake fence.

HOAs and private communities usually have very specific rules about snake fencing. Some of these rules can be complicated to work through or have requirements that would make any snake fence installation ineffective. If you have an HOA, it’s advisable that you inquire about these rules BEFORE getting any contractor involved. Unfortunately, we are often in the position of having to remove/fix snake fencing installed by landscapers and companies who circumvent these rules, and the homeowners end up with a mess.

Any changes to drainage can cause big problems if not properly assessed. In some parts of the county, drainage and flood aversion may be subject to special consideration. Check in advance!

Wait, is this just a way to get people to call you instead?

It might seem like that, but our real interest lies elsewhere: making sure that the snakes survive and that homeowners are protected … not only from rattlesnakes but the shady business practices that often feed on fear. There are many businesses that offer these services ethically and legally to choose from, so this article in no way singles out Rattlesnake Solutions as the only choice. Think of it this way: making sure to go through the proper legal channels, licensing requirements, and insurance coverage ensures that the business you hire has been scrutinized by regulatory entities and is a verified professional service. Kind of like “you must be this tall to ride this ride”, someone you call to catch a venomous snake in your garage should be able to meet certain requirements to be considered a viable service easily.

This is not as fun as our usual posts, but as a homeowner, I’d want to know these things about any contractor coming to work at my place. Snake-related services are kind of niche, so many aren’t aware of them. But now you are. Just remember, the same as anything else: if a price seems too good to be true, it’s likely some shortcuts are being taken. 

Avoid using zip ties or wire to attach snake fence

Posted on by Bryan Hughes

Avoid using wire ties or plastic zip ties wherever possible. Instead opt for a more permanent and removable solution, like self-tapping screws.

Why should you avoid using zip ties or wire on your iron fence? Simply: it’s less effective and can damage the fence. The reason we know the zip tie method has issues is why we’re there to begin with: more often than not, it’s because there was a rattlesnake in the yard. Obviously, something isn’t working as it should.

Some installers or DIY guides may suggest using zip ties or wire. They may say that these are cheaper options and easier to take on and off. But in reality, this isn’t the case. Plastic degrades quickly in the Arizona sun, and wire ties can rust through in a few years, leaving large gaps in fencing that can easily allow a rattlesnake entry into your yard.

When is it justifiable to use wire ties?

There are some circumstances where this is simply the only option. Fence that can’t take a screw, like chain link or rebar, need to be wire-tied or welded. Some HOAs also require wire ties – if this is a regulation in your community, send them the video below and see if you can get that one changed.

Here’s a short video showing some examples and further explanation.

It’s Almost Rattlesnake Time Maintenance Check

Posted on by Bryan Hughes

Starting in early March, rattlesnakes will again be a part of our lives in Arizona! While we’re excited, you may not be as much 🙂 Even when a rattlesnake fence is installed perfectly, things happen; rodents dig, branches fall, gates shift: we’ll make sure you’re good for Spring.

To make sure your yard is as good as it gets before things start getting all rattlesnakey out there, we’re offering a check-up and maintenance service to our Rattlesnake Fence customers through the end of February. 

  • Inspection of rattlesnake fence, and up to 1 hour of repair and maintenance (materials included!)*
  • Full property inspection, checking landscaping, snake-hiding spots, to look for possible snake dens and advise on potential trouble areas
  • Removal and relocation of any snakes found, both in and outside of the protected areas
  • Spot-check garage, storage shed, etc (checking corners and walls for snake tracks and signs of activity)

Booking through the end of February for $200. (You don’t need to be there, but you’ll get more out of it if you are). 

If you’re NOT a rattlesnake fence customer, we’ll add an 1-hour credit of labor and materials to an estimate for a new rattlesnake fence, good for anytime in 2021.

Email fence@rattlesnakesolutions.com or call us at 480-565-7824 to schedule.

* Repairs not related to workmanship or materials requiring more than 1 hour of labor/materials may be performed at additional cost, with your approval