Emergency Rattlesnake Removal at a Napa Winery: A Close Call for an Employee

Emergency Rattlesnake Removal at a Napa Winery: A Close Call for an Employee

Working around vineyards and wineries means spending a lot of time outdoors, and while rattlesnake encounters aren't an everyday occurrence, they are a very real hazard during the warmer months. Today, I responded to an emergency rattlesnake removal call at a local Napa winery after an employee narrowly avoided being bitten.

A Change of Plans

This afternoon I was driving to Benicia to perform an inspection for an animal that had gotten underneath a house. I had already made it to Vallejo when my phone rang.
It was the operations manager of a local winery in Napa.

An employee had just had a frightening encounter with a rattlesnake, and they needed it removed immediately. Based on what they described, I knew this wasn't a call that could wait.

I immediately turned my truck around, called the homeowner I was scheduled to meet in Benicia, explained that I had an emergency wildlife call, and let her know I would complete her inspection later that afternoon. She was very understanding, and I headed straight for the winery.

I estimated I could arrive in 25 minutes.
I pulled into the winery just 23 minutes after receiving the initial call.

A Very Close Call

When I arrived, the winery's operations manager had done exactly what I always hope people will do—he had safely kept an eye on the rattlesnake from a distance and was able to point out its exact location as soon as I stepped out of my truck.
That simple action saved valuable time and prevented the snake from disappearing into the surrounding vegetation or vineyard.
After safely capturing and securing the rattlesnake in my snake bucket, I had the opportunity to speak with the employee who had first encountered it.
His story was a reminder of just how quickly these situations can become dangerous.
He told me he was opening the door to a shed on the winery property. As he stood there unlocking the door, he suddenly looked down and heard the unmistakable sound of a rattlesnake rattling.
The snake was between his feet.
Instinctively, he jumped backward just in time.
Fortunately, he wasn't bitten—but he admitted it gave him quite a scare. Considering how close the encounter was, he was extremely fortunate.

Why Winery Properties Can Attract Rattlesnakes

Wineries often provide excellent rattlesnake habitat. Rock walls, equipment storage areas, sheds, landscaping, irrigation systems, rodent activity, and nearby vineyards all create places where rattlesnakes can hunt, cool off, or seek shelter.

Employees who work outdoors every day should always stay alert when:

• Opening sheds or storage buildings
• Moving equipment
• Walking through tall grass or vegetation
• Working around stacked materials or pallets
• Reaching into areas they cannot clearly see

A few extra seconds of caution can prevent a serious bite.

What To Do If You Encounter a Rattlesnake at WorkIf you find a rattlesnake on a commercial property:

• Stop work in the immediate area.
• Keep employees and visitors away from the snake.
• If it is safe to do so, watch the snake from a distance so its location isn't lost.
• Never try to kill or capture the snake yourself.
• Call a professional rattlesnake removal specialist immediately.

The sooner the snake can be located, the safer and more efficient the removal usually is.

Emergency Rattlesnake Removal for Wineries and Businesses

At Taylor's Trapping Service, I provide fast emergency rattlesnake removal for wineries, vineyards, businesses, construction sites, and residential properties throughout Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, Oakville, Rutherford, Calistoga, Sonoma, American Canyon, and the surrounding Napa Valley communities.

Whether it's a snake in a vineyard, warehouse, equipment yard, garage, shed, or backyard, I understand that every minute matters. My goal is to respond quickly, safely remove the snake, and get people back to work with confidence.
If you discover a rattlesnake on your property, don't take unnecessary risks. Contact Ryan Taylor with Taylor's Trapping Service for professional emergency rattlesnake removal throughout Napa Valley.