Rattlesnake Fence Industry Standards

Our recommendations are based on decades of experience working with a variety of common, venomous, and endangered snake and other reptile species throughout California. They have been field-tested and comprise the best practices currently on the market. Individual recommendations may vary by project based on the field conditions, location, species, type of existing fence, and other factors. These serve as the industry standards and are updated to reflect the best available scientific knowledge and building practices.

“Snake-proofing” your property begins with an understanding of rattlesnake behavior and abilities. They are creatures of habit that maintain home ranges – an area they live and regularly seek food, water, shelter, and mates – and travel to/from winter hibernacula via the same routes from year to year. New housing developments may be constructed within established home ranges or along regularly used travel routes, making them more likely to show up on your property. The size of rattlesnakes differ between species with adults ranging from 33-65 inches on average in California. The sole exception is the western diamond-backed rattlesnake that can reach 90 inches in length. Baby rattlesnakes – also called neonates or snakelets – range from 6-12 inches in length and can fit through openings larger than a ¼-inch in diameter.

Recommended Snake Fencing Specifications

Fortunately, rattlesnakes are not good climbers. They typically climb heights measuring 1/3 to 1/2 their body length, so snake fencing should be a minimum of 38-inches for smaller species and 42 inches for larger species. In California, the exception would be a 58-inch tall fence for the western diamond-backed rattlesnake, which only occurs in the southeastern corner of the state. We recommend erring on the side of caution and installing a 42-inch fence.

Since baby rattlesnakes can move through 1/3-inch openings, we recommend installing mesh fencing with openings that are no greater than ¼-inch. Galvanized hardware cloth is the preferred mesh option as it provides a nearly invisible viewscape that meets various HOA and community aesthetic and visual standards.

Consideration should be given to what type of attachments are used. Zip-ties are convenient but are prone to premature degradation or expedite oxidation. Galvanized self-tapping or self-drilling screws with polymer or neoprene washers are the best choices as they are easy to install and minimize potential damage to existing fences. They also provide ease of removal to facilitate fence painting, repairs, or replacement.

Materials vary from galvanized hardware cloth to solid Animex Premium Snake Fencing. Both options prevent rattlesnakes from entering a property if properly installed, but solid fencing offers additional protection by providing a visual screen that functions as a behavioral deterrent. Species spend less time at a fence that obscures their view and are more likely to venture away from your property rather than spending time trying to find a way through the fence. Although industry standards do not exist for snake fencing materials, the decision regarding which type of fence to choose largely comes down to aesthetics and the degree of effectiveness desired.

Gates function as an additional access point for rattlesnakes and are often overlooked. Snakes and other wildlife travel along the base of fences as they offer a degree of protection and provide thermoregulatory properties depending on the material, especially in areas with adjacent vegetation, rocks, or other suitable habitat features. This behavior guides rattlesnakes to access points under gates and other locations that if not properly secured, can unintentionally trap snakes on the property. Many options exist such as painted steel or other decorative materials that can be custom designed to match the existing gate coloration, material, and design features.

Do not leave any gaps larger than ¼-inch below 30 inches from the ground level including those between adjoining structures including fencing, gates, foundations, walls, siding, columns, etc. Seal gaps using galvanized mesh, concrete fillers, epoxy, or other suitable rigid materials designed for outdoor use.