Rattlesnakes do not hibernate during winter. However, they become much less active while in a state known as brumation.
Do Rattlesnakes Hibernate?
With lifespans lasting upwards of twenty years, rattlesnakes quickly learn how to survive in the cold. This can be difficult because their cold-blooded bodies keep them at the same temperature as their surroundings. Rattlesnakes do not hibernate during winter. However, they become much less active while in a state known as brumation.
Rattlesnake Brumation
The main difference between hibernation and brumation is that when a mammal nears its time to hibernate, it eats more to gain enough fat to sustain it through its winter’s sleep. Snakes nearing brumation eat less because they do not want food in their system during brumation. During a snake’s brumation period, they are lethargic but not totally asleep. They will rouse to find the water they need to survive and will sometimes even be found sitting on a warm rock in the sun on a warmish day in January!
During brumation, rattlesnakes lower their metabolic rates by nearly 70 percent, allowing them to live for months with little or no food. On warmer days, a rattlesnake in winter will bask in the open and soak up as much sun as possible. It will also hunt for small rodents that may serve as a much-needed meal.
When Do Rattlesnakes Enter Burmation?
Rattlesnakes generally enter burmation when the temperature is consistentlly under 60° Fahrenheit (15° Celsius). If you live in a warmer climate like Miami, Baton Rogue, Phoenix, or Los Angeles, rattlesnakes might stay active all year round.
Where Do Rattlesnakes Hibernate?
In warm weather, the pests hide near homes among rocks and thick brush. When temperatures drop, rattlesnakes avoid sub-zero conditions and find safe havens below the ground.
Rattlesnakes in the winter take refuge in animal dens and may curl up under a porch or shed to find warmth. The pests return to the same denning sites year after year, which can create conflicts with humans or other animals in the area.
Snake Control
A female rattlesnake reproduces every two or three years and has about 24 babies in each litter. Because of their birth rate and denning instincts, rattlesnakes around the home can become an urgent issue. Also, rattlesnakes on your property or in your house can be a sign of a rodent infestation. Concerned property owners should contact Critter Control for expert rattlesnake removal and rodent control.
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Customer Reviews
It has been very effective at reducing the number of mice, lizard, and snake sightings. During one visit Edgar removed a rattlesnake he came across. We may see a snake maybe two to three times during the spring and summer months, but it has been far less than before.
Serivces:
Wildlife & Rodent Control in San Diego
Full service. Excellent job of extracting raccoon, cleaning all animal waste, sanitizing, and spraying anti-parasitic substance. They closed all potential ports of entry, though the work did not match the vinyl, and it looks kind of tacky. They added blown insulation, which added a lot to the cost. They provide a one year warranty against animal intrusion, with an option to extend the warranty at the end of each one- year period. They were willing to work with me one the price. I will probably extend my warranty, and will definitely use them it the future.
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Chattanooga
I was really impressed by these guys. Got a call within a few hours of making an inquiry. Had a rep out to inspect the situation by the end of the week, and when they laid out the timeline they kept if not exceeded listed times.
Rob, Travis, and Jim were all professional, polite, and courteous and after months of hearing squirrels in my ceiling they are gone and the repair to my flashing looks excellent. Can't recommend these guys enough.
Jeff was incredibly professional and helpful. I'll use them again and would recommend them to anyone.
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Detroit, MI
Critter Control did a great job of evaluating our house for sites of entry after we found bats and a squirrel in our attic. They completed their work promptly and professionally.
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Seattle, WA
We heard some noise from the corner of our house. Concerned that it could be inside we called for an inspection. Jessy arrived as scheduled and conducted a complete inspection of our home. Based on a recording we made he determined we had a tree frog on our roof. I was pleased that we didn’t have any rodent in our house. And his inspection could a few spots I can tighten up around my house. I am very happy with the outcome.
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New Hampshire
We have a vacation home in
Western Mass and haven’t been there much during the pandemic as we live and work in Atlanta, GA. On our most recent visit we noticed that we had some rodent intrusion as well as some un-welcomed wildlife who decided to make our vacation home their home.
We contacted Critter Control and Mr. Cahoon was quick to set up an appointment as we wouldn’t be in town very long. He came out and assessed our issues. He informed us of our options to both eradicate and control future intrusions. Keeping in mind that wildlife is wildlife! He quickly got to work eradicating the rodents and wildlife from our home and addressing the intrusion issues. We feel much better leaving our vacation home for periods at a time knowing that Mr. Cahoon and Critter Control did their job and did it right! Thanks again!
We bought an old cabin last spring , it was used for years as a summer vacation cabin, therefore maintenance wasn’t a priority. After our project to remodel started, we found evidence of
mice droppings.
We immediately called Critter Control and they came and gave us a reasonable estimate to remove all remnants and insulation. They sanitized and replaced with new insulation and sealing up points of entry .
Seeing their professional work made us feel confident and secure that the problem was solved ! Everyone we worked with continued to show professional and respectful work. Highly recommend this company! We continue to use critter control monthly to be sure we are mice and bug free!
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