Practical Prepping Podcast Episode # 73, " Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, And Other Slithering Critters."

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In this episode we discuss: Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, And Other Slithering Critters, and how to keep them away from your property, and though not medical advice, we discuss the treatment of snakebites.

We've are having more reported snake sightings, and in unexpected areas. They are moving into urban areas becaus of drought in some western states and reduction of their natural habitat. Snakes are attracted by food, water, and cover. If we deal with food and cover, we can deter their staying in unwanted areas. Occassionally they are found on porches, in yards, in wood piles, near pools, under play equipment, in potted plants, in flower beds, and under lawncare equipment.

Keeping them out of your environment

• Keep grass cut short
• Helps you see them
• They feel vulnerable to hawks & owls
• Build a perch pole for hawks and owls
• Clean up debris
• Piles of wood, lumber, limbs, leaves give snakes cover.
• Keep stacks of firewood away from the house
• Control rodents
• (Snakes feed on mice, chipmunks, squirrels)
• Feed pets inside, or don't leave petfood outside
• Keep birdfeed inaccessible to rodents
• Rodents can chew through plastic, cardboard, even wood
• Store birdseed in metal container / tight fitting lid
• Keep feeders well away from the house
• Consider snake fencing if appropriate
• Use Snake Repellents
• Commercially available, but many toxic to pets and children
• Clove oil, cinnamon, and ammonia can help
• Moth balls has mixed reviews, but I personally used it in daughter's yard, in an area prone to copperheads, and no snakes were found in her yard. 
• Spread them around the exterior of the perimeter fence
• Yard/Barn Cats will help control rodents, which takes away a food source for snakes
• Cats will kill snakes, or alert you to their presence
• We tell the story of our son-in-law being alerted by their cats to the presence of a rather large rattlesnake just a few feet from the yard. Yep, he dealt with it to protect the family.

Treating Rattlesnake Bites

• Get away from the snake
• Stay calm
• Seek emergency medical treatment
• Stay immobile if possible
• Keep the bite well below the level of the heart
• Remove any jewelry or clothing near the bite
• May constrict blood flow from swelling
• Remove shoe or boot on affected leg in case of swelling.
• Let the wound bleed for a bit, which may drain out some of the venom.
• DO NOT cut the fang wounds
• DO NOT "suck the poison out" with your mouth
• Use a suction device if available
• DO NOT apply a tourniquet, as it often does more harm than good
• Place a clean bandage on the wound
• Do not drink alcohol or caffeine, as it can speed absorption of the venom.

Positive identification of the species of the biting snake should be made, if if is safe to do so. If the snake cannot be positively be identified, but the snake can be killed and taken to the emergency room for positive identication, but NEVER  TAKE A LIVE SNAKE TO THE ER. (Yes, it has happened).

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