While some of my clients have lived here in El Dorado Hills all their life, more and more families I work with are moving here from the Bay Area. That means like my family- they had to learn fast about rattlesnake safety!

It's hard to even think about having a rattlesnake in your garden around your children and pets but it's important to know what to do if one finds its way into your garden.

It's pretty simple: 

If you see a rattlesnake call 911.

If you get bitten by a rattlesnake: call 911.

If you get bitten by a rattlesnake the most important thing you can do is stay calm until the help arrives. Try not to move the area that got bitten as this will increase the venom being circulated in your body causing more damage.

Remove any rings or bracelets near the area as there will be swelling.

El Dorado Hills is home to another large snake called a gopher snake. The rattlesnake and the gopher snake look very similar but the gopher snake has a smaller head. Both snakes will strike and bite you if they feel threatened but the gopher's bite will not have any venom. When in doubt, treat the snake like it’s a rattler and call 911. 

The El Dorado Hills Fire Department will remove the snake and relocate it as that is the most humane thing to do. The snakes were here first! 

If you are interested in having your property inspected for rattlesnakes I recommend Placer Snake Removal. 

https://placersnakeremoval.com/

For dogs there is a rattlesnake vaccine you can ask your vet about.

Also, there is Rattlesnake Avoidance Training which we took our dog Makena to!  She worked with a trainer and real rattlesnakes to learn how to avoid a rattlesnake. The training was $75 and worth the peace of mind to know she has some awareness of what to do if she encounters a rattlesnake. These training sessions are hosted by local vets- so call your vet to ask for more information. 

Be safe everyone!

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If you are seeking someone to help you with your home’s landscape, we’d love to meet you and discuss, as well as give you a free estimate.

You can schedule an appointment with us here: gill-gardens.com/schedule-appointment

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Greg Gill is a Professional Landscape Architect with over 25 years of designing, installing and maintaining residential gardens and landscapes. He is passionate about helping his clients achieve a garden space they will love and enjoy for years.

Registered Landscape Architect
State of California #6489

Gill Gardens serves the greater El Dorado Hills, California area, including Folsom, Granite Bay, Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, and everywhere in between. Not your ordinary landscaper.

Landscape Architecture | Landscape Design | Garden Design