How to avoid snakes now that rattlesnake season has arrived in California (2024)

FAQs

How to avoid rattlesnakes in California? ›

Stick to trails, avoid tall grass and heavy underbrush where snakes may shelter out of the heat. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes. Don't wear sandals in bushy, wild areas. Rattlesnakes can swim, so be careful about grabbing what look like sticks or branches in lakes and rivers.

Most bites occur between April and October when snakes and humans are most active outdoors. Prevention is key to avoiding unwanted encounters.

They're not keen on being around humans, but rattlesnakes will come out into the open to bask in the sun's warmth. That might include sunny areas on or near hiking trails.

The California Poison Control System manages and reports approximately 250 cases of rattlesnake bites each year, with over 50 cases occurring in Southern California. California is home to eight species of rattlesnakes, which may be spotted anywhere from off-road dirt trails to your own backyards and front porches.

Hike during the cooler parts of the day. Snakes like to warm their bodies in the sunshine. Hiking in the evening or early in the morning helps you avoid their favorite part of the day.

Just don't approach it — give it plenty of space, and leave it alone. Respect the snake and its space, and you will be safe." In the rare event that you are bitten by a rattlesnake, remain calm and seek immediate medical attention.

The most widespread rattlesnake in California is the western rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus), found from the northern part of the state as far south as Santa Barbara County and from sea level to 7,000 feet.

Rattlesnakes are common in Southern California, but are rarely seen during the winter months and even rarer still on beaches.

What Smell Do Snakes Hate? Strong and disrupting smells like sulfur, vinegar, cinnamon, smoke and spice, and foul, bitter, and ammonia-like scents are usually the most common and effective smells against snakes since they have a strong negative reaction to them.

What is the number one snake repellent? ›

Epsom Salt: Sprinkling Epsom salt around your home or garden will create a strong odor snakes won't want to come close to. Oils: Certain essential oils, such as peppermint and cinnamon oil, can help keep snakes away from your property.

Strong odors like garlic, mothballs, and coffee grounds can all help repel snakes. You can also try planting aromatic flowers and herbs around your property, like rosemary or marigolds, as snakes tend to avoid these fragrant plants.

Because they are cold-blooded, rattlesnakes are most active at dawn, dusk and night to avoid overheating.

Stay on trails, away from underbrush and tall weeds. Watch your step and pay attention to your surroundings. Carefully inspect logs or rocks before sitting on them.

Rattlesnakes will purposely attack only animals smaller than themselves, such as rodents, unless they are frightened by noise, vibrations or certain odors. They are afraid of humans (mainly because of our size) and would rather run than fight if possible.

Never corner a rattlesnake or get close enough for a bite to occur. When you are out hiking, make sure to always watch the trail ahead of you and to check carefully before stepping over rocks, reaching onto ledges or sitting down on a rock or log.

The exception is California's only native venomous snake: the rattlesnake. Rattlesnakes can cause serious injury to humans and, on rare occasions, even death. Generally not aggressive, rattlesnakes strike when threatened or deliberately provoked, but given room they will retreat.