Practical Prepping Podcast Episode # 73, " Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, And Other Slithering Critters."Please share this episode with friends. Here is the direct link: https://practicalpreppingpodcast.buzzsprout.comIn this episode we discuss: Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, And Other Slithering Critters, and how to keep them away from your property, and though not medical advice, we discuss the treatment of snakebites.We've are having more reported snake sightings, and in unexpected areas. They are moving into urban areas becaus of drought in some western states and reduction of their natural habitat. Snakes are attracted by food, water, and cover. If we deal with food and cover, we can deter their staying in unwanted areas. Occassionally they are found on porches, in yards, in wood piles, near pools, under play equipment, in potted plants, in flower beds, and under lawncare equipment.Keeping them out of your environmentKeep grass cut shortHelps you see themThey feel vulnerable to hawks & owlsBuild a perch pole for hawks and owlsClean up debrisPiles of wood, lumber, limbs, leaves give snakes cover.Keep stacks of firewood away from the houseControl rodents(Snakes feed on mice, chipmunks, squirrels)Feed pets inside, or don't leave petfood outsideKeep birdfeed inaccessible to rodentsRodents can chew through plastic, cardboard, even woodStore birdseed in metal container / tight fitting lidKeep feeders well away from the houseConsider snake fencing if appropriateUse Snake RepellentsCommercially available, but many toxic to pets and childrenClove oil, cinnamon, and ammonia can helpMoth balls has mixed reviews, but I personally used it in daughter's yard, in an area prone to copperheads, and no snakes were found in her yard. Spread them around the exterior of the perimeter fenceYard/Barn Cats will help control rodents, which takes away a food source for snakesCats will kill snakes, or alert you to their presenceWe tell the story of our son-in-law being alerted by their cats to the presence of a rather large rattlesnake just a few feet from the yard. Yep, he dealt with it to protect the family.Treating Rattlesnake BitesGet away from the snakeStay calmSeek emergency medical treatmentStay immobile if possibleKeep the bite well below the level of the heartRemove any jewelry or clothing near the biteMay constrict blood flow from swellingRemove shoe or boot on affected leg in case of swelling.Let the wound bleed for a bit, which may drain out some of the venom.DO NOT cut the fang woundsDO NOT "suck the poison out" with your mouthUse a suction device if availableDO NOT apply a tourniquet, as it often does more harm than goodPlace a clean bandage on the woundDo not drink alcohol or caffeine, as it can speed absorption of the venom.Positive identification of the species of the biting snake should be made, if if is safe to do so. If the snake cannot be positively be identified, but the snake can be killed and taken to the emergency room for positive identication, but NEVER  TAKE A LIVE SNAKE TO THE ER. (Yes, it has happened).Please consider supporting the podcast by buying us a cup of coffee. You can do that by going to www.buymeacoffee.com/practicalprepDrop us an email at info@practicalprepping.infoVisit our website at www.practicalprepping.info