A pest tech spotted a rattlesnake using a backyard rodent bait box as cover. Right next to it was the AC unit, and there was a hole running under the concrete pad. That kind of gap is basically a shaded tunnel system, and snakes will use it like a travel lane and a daytime hideout.

If you have bait boxes, AC pads, sheds, pool equipment, or anything sitting on a slab, check for voids underneath. Seal gaps where you can, keep rodent activity down, and do not reach into anything you cannot clearly see.

And of course, using poison bait in natural areas is something that needs to end. The bobcats, birds, and other predators of rodents in the area that will die from it would eat many more rodents than these will ever kill. Thankfully this snake was moved before it ended up with a poisoned lunch.

Bonus Western Banded Gecko that Marissa found during the release (she made sure it went to deep, dark cover)