How do I get rid of a small rattlesnake hiding in my garage?

1. 77

   suziecat7posted 12 years ago

   How do I get rid of a small rattlesnake hiding in my garage?

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2. 95

   mary615posted 12 years ago

   
   
   Oh, my!  A small rattlesnake will grow into a BIG rattlesnake.  If you are sure it is a rattlesnake, I think you need to kill it as soon as possible.  Rattle snakes are deadly!  We have those here in S. Fl. and I have seen quite a few.  I have even shot a couple for fear it would bite someone (like my kids or pets).
   Good luck with this problem.
   I wrote a Hub about Venomous snakes in Floria.

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3. 0

   Amy Elizabeth Jposted 12 years ago

   There are several different organizations that would come out and remove it.  Contact your local zoo or reptile house and inquire about this.  Even pest businesses may remove it, or others that specialize in trapping and removing animals.  If this is not available to you, leave your garage open overnight (a few inches) and chances are it will leave on its own.  Snakes are cold blooded and therefore seek warmth at night, which it would not be getting from your garage.  If you have any heat source in your garage, remove it if possible until the animal leaves.  If the snake is in an area easy for you to reach, open the garage door and take something such as a broom with a long handle and push it along out of your garage.  This animal is afraid of you and although it will rattle, it will not turn around and come after you. If it comes in your direction it's just looking for somewhere to hide.  It simply wants to get away.  Still I would recommend leaving it up to professionals if at all possible.  Given this information, there is no reason to kill the snake.  They are beneficial to the environment and will typically leave you alone or find a different place to live all together.

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4. 80

   Attikosposted 12 years ago

   Your county will have animal control people who will be happy to come by for it. Alternatively, if you can entice a blacksnake to move into your garage, he'll kill it for you. Hoes work pretty well, too, if you can get to it with one.
   
   A problem is that if one is nesting there, more may be present. They're usually loners in warmer months, so probably not this time of the year, but keep an eye out. You never know.

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5. 67

   Angela Blairposted 12 years ago

   If you choose for the snake to change residences and not kill it -- get a box of moth balls and sprinkle them all over your garage (particularly in dark, hiding places) -- the snake will move on as they definitely do not like moth balls or gasoline (don't try gasoline as the fire danger would be too great). Hope this helps -- my son used to go on rattlesnake hunts and moth balls and gasoline is what they used to get the snakes out of snake dens.

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6. 64

   GarnetBirdposted 12 years ago

   My sister had this problem in Georgia..one was living under her mobile home. Animal control told her they would charge over 100.00 to come out and get it. Exterminators are the same. States vary, but I hope you get it out of your space fast as they can really provide a nasty surprise..be careful!

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7. 70

   crazymom3posted 12 years ago

   Run!! lol just kidding!!  But seriously do stay away from it,  I would. I would call animal control to come get it out.

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8. 77

   suziecat7posted 12 years ago

   Thanks, everybody - We put some smelly stuff all over the garage and are hoping it will vacate on its own.

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9. 79

   Golfgalposted 12 years ago

   OH MY..... Call the Orkin man  The local extension service might lend a hand, but definately call someone to rid you of a potential bite.  A baby vipor is just as deadly as the adult.  Keep dogs and kids away for sure.

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10. 81

    Danieljohnstonposted 12 years ago

    Something I have found works with getting rid of animals, or even insects like bees, is to get a smoke machine and smoke them out. Animals generally like breathing, so they look for the best way out when smoke pours in.

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11. 59

    LPogueposted 12 years ago

    I would get a couple of cats and put them in the garage. Cats and snakes hate each other, and cats will kill a snake if it doesn't leave.
    
    Two years ago, we watched a cat charm and kill a rattlesnake in Texas.
    
    Take care.

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    1. 77

       suziecat7posted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I have cats but worry they'll get bit by the snake!

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