EMERGENCY PEST GUIDE
I Found a Snake on My Property
Arizona has 13 rattlesnake species. Don't try to identify or handle it — treat every snake as venomous until confirmed otherwise.
Back Away Slowly
Put at least 6 feet between you and the snake. Snakes strike at roughly half their body length. Most bites happen when people try to handle or kill the snake.
Keep Eyes on It
From a safe distance, watch where it goes. If it's in your yard, note its location. If it's in your garage or house, close the door to that room and block the gap under the door with a towel.
Keep Pets and Kids Inside
Dogs are the most common rattlesnake bite victims in Arizona. Bring all pets and children indoors immediately. Don't let dogs investigate — their natural curiosity gets them bitten.
What NOT to Do
Don't try to kill it — that's how most bites happen. Don't pick it up, even if it looks dead (reflex bites). Don't spray it with a hose. Don't try to identify the species from close range.
Who to Call
For rattlesnakes: Call us at (480) 864-2728 or Arizona Game & Fish at (602) 942-3000. Our wildlife biologist handles rattlesnake relocations — we move the snake safely off your property. For non-venomous snakes like king snakes or gopher snakes, they're actually beneficial (they eat rodents) and will usually leave on their own.
If Someone Is Bitten by a Snake
- Call 911 immediately — do not wait for symptoms
- Keep the person calm and still (movement spreads venom faster)
- Remove jewelry and tight clothing near the bite (swelling will occur)
- Keep the bitten area below heart level
- Do NOT apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, or try to suck out venom
- Do NOT apply ice — it can increase tissue damage
- Note the time of the bite and try to remember the snake's appearance for medical staff
NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP?
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Same-day service available. Call or text us — we'll get someone to your property fast.