Securing Your RV From Pests Vol 4: Rattlesnakes!

Securing Your RV From Pests Vol. 4: Rattlesnakes

Ants, mice, and spiders (oh my!) might feel minuscule when it comes to the pest we’re covering today; rattlesnakes.

The good news? Rattlesnakes aren’t all that prevalent in many parts of the country. In other areas, though, they can be a real concern when you’re camping. So, if you ever plan on traveling to the Southwestern part of the country, these tips are important to keep in mind. We probably don’t have to tell you twice that no one wants to find a rattler on board their rig.

The bad news? Unfortunately, there’s no way to 100% ensure a rattlesnake won’t try to make it on board if you’re in an area they like to frequent. But, there are a couple things you can do to make it less likely.

Avoid Their Favorite Spots

While you don’t have to avoid camping in the country’s great Southwest, you can certainly avoid parking your rig in areas where rattlers might typically like to hide out. This includes staying away from areas with a lot of groundcover, or areas with heavy brush. These are perfect hiding spots for rattlesnakes. If you park near one of these areas, you might have a new friend slithering up to say hello.

Avoid Spilled Food to Avoid Rodents

While rattlers probably won’t be attracted to any food you leave out, other rodents might be. As a result, rattlesnakes can be attracted to that. If you spill food or leave an open container out, you might attract something like a mouse or rat. Rattlesnakes have a keen sense of smell and can track a rodent for long periods of time. They’ll have no problem following a mouse into your camper. Then, you probably won’t have a mouse problem, but you might have a bigger one to worry about.

Try a Snake Repellent

You can purchase snake repellents that are usually in the form of granules. Sprinkling these granules around your camper works as an invisible fence. The ingredients used in these repellents work by impairing the snake’s senses. They’re unable to process information about their surroundings. Therefore, they’re less likely to stick around!

Smart Solutions for Sneaky Serpents

You’re probably less likely to encounter a rattlesnake in your RV than some of the other pesky pests we’ve talked about in this series. But, you should still take precautions if you’re in an area where rattlesnakes are prominent.

Also, be sure to keep an eye on your pets if you’re in an area where rattlesnakes like to hang out. You may be successful in keeping them out of your rig, but a curious dog might try to lure them out of their home, and that could be dangerous for everyone.

Additionally, most rattlesnake bites that happen to people occur when the snake gets stepped on. If you’re in an area that’s known for having a lot of rattlers, simply watch your step! Thankfully, rattlesnake bites aren’t usually fatal to humans. But, they can cause a lot of pain and a lot of problems, and will probably require a trip to the hospital.

By keeping these tips in mind and keeping your eyes on the ground when you’re camping in rattlesnake territory, you can keep you and your passengers safe from any slithering stowaways.