PAWS Pest Control - Pigeon and Wildlife Specialty Pest Control

10/08/2026

Two hurricanes are on track to hit the United States this weekend; one from the Pacific and one from the Gulf, and that can mean an uptick in rattlesnake sightings next week. Rattlesnakes most often reside underground, especially when it is hot. When it rains and their homes are flooded, they come out for survival, but also to take advantage of an increase in prey.

A rattlesnake on your property can be alarming to discover. In Arizona, it is important to know that it is illegal to kill a rattlesnake unless it poses an immediate threat to you or your property (family, pets, livestock). Killing snakes that rattle audibly increases the future risk of encountering rattlesnakes that are not as audible and are more likely to bite without warning. If you see or hear one by your home, odds are it is just stopping by on its way to hunt rodents and toads and won't stick around for long. However, if you want someone to come and remove it, we can help. lf you have a fence, we can also assess your property and provide solutions to decrease the risk of future snake encounters, giving you peace of mind for you, your family, and pets.

If you or a loved one ever encounter a venomous snake and happen to be bitten, there are important actions you must take. Please join the National Snakebite Support page, ran by board certified doctors, toxicologists, and veterinarians across the nation who specialize in venomous bites. Never comment on a post and only post if you have a live emergency. Link in comments.

06/30/2025

05/11/2023

It is snake season in the North American Southwest, which means your chance of seeing "nope ropes" when you venture outdoors has greatly increased. But before you panic and call for help, did you know that here in Arizona, we have some snakes that are not actually dangerous and are quite beneficial to have around? Take some time to learn how to recognize the vital differences between these two highly common snakes.

The gopher snake is non-venemous and has a narrow face. It will act just like a rattle snake and shake its tail when feeling threatened, but it cannot harm you the way a rattler can. We like keeping these snakes around because they are extremely beneficial at natural rodent control; hence their name "gopher snake!" Though commonly glossy, they may look dull if they are about to shed. Facial shape is going to be your most reliable indicator for identification.

The rattlesnake will always have a larger triangular head, have dull scales, and that infamous blunt rattle on the end of its tail. Rattle snakes are also great for rodent control, but are understandably not desirable to have near your home and property. Their bite is venomous and requires immediate medical attention if you or your animals are bitten.

If you come across a snake this summer and are having trouble identifying it, send us a picture and we can help you figure out what it is and what steps you should take next!