Preventing and managing conflicts with snakes
How to remove a snake from your home or property and treat rattlesnake bites.
Endangered snakes
Before you remove a snake, you must check if it’s protected by the Endangered Species Act.
To find out, contact your local ministry work centre.
How to remove snakes from your property
- you can humanely kill or trap snakes that are damaging or about to damage your property
- if you are using a firearm, you must follow certain regulations and local bylaws
- pest control specialists can help in safely capturing and releasing the snake
- you can install a one-way door in the area where the snake is present
- you can use live traps
How to avoid conflict
Keep animals out
- seal ground-level holes or cracks and watch for warped siding
- don’t leave the garage door open and fix poorly fitting doors
- reduce shelter (e.g., tall grass, wood piles) on your property to reduce habitat for snakes and their prey (e.g., rodents)
- rodents may be further reduced by removing ripened fruit from trees, picking up vegetables and fallen fruit, and by cleaning up spilled food around bird feeders
Limit places animals live
- place smooth steel wraps around tree trunks to prevent animals from climbing
- reduce shelter such as tall grass, brush, wood piles or rock piles
- block potential den areas such as under decks or inside sheds
Rattlesnake bites
If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, get medical help immediately and call:
Poison Control Centre
1-800-268-9017
You should also:
- keep the victim calm and restrict movement
- keep the affected area below heart level to reduce flow of venom to the heart
- wash the bite area with soap and water
- remove any rings or constricting items; the affected area will swell
- cover the bite with a clean, moist dressing to reduce swelling and discomfort
- to treat for shock, keep the victim quiet and maintain body temperature — a blanket if they’re cold, fanning if they’re hot
Updated: August 09, 2023
Published: November 25, 2021