Wildlife Removal in El Paso: Rattlesnakes, Roof Rats & the Franklin Mountains

El Paso sits in the heart of the Chihuahuan Desert — the largest desert in North America — at the base of the Franklin Mountains, which bisect the city from north to south. That geography creates wildlife pressure from multiple directions: desert-adapted species from the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert, and mountain species from the Franklin Mountains State Park that runs through the center of the city. The summer monsoon, which arrives in July and intensifies through September, drives peak wildlife activity.

El Paso has several rattlesnake species, and monsoon season is when encounters spike. Monsoon rains trigger increased snake movement — animals that were sheltering during the dry heat emerge to hunt, breed, and establish new territories. Encounters in yards, garages, and near foundations increase significantly from July through September.

Western diamondback rattlesnakes are the most common rattlesnake in the region and are found throughout El Paso County. They're the largest rattlesnake in Texas and can reach five feet.

Mojave rattlesnakes are found in desert areas throughout the region and are considered to have more potent venom than most rattlesnake species. They're found throughout the valley, particularly in areas bordering the desert.

Black-tailed rattlesnakes are found in rocky terrain in the Franklin Mountains and surrounding areas.

Neighborhoods bordering the Franklin Mountains State Park — Northeast El Paso, the Upper Valley, and areas near the Hueco Tanks — face the highest rattlesnake encounter rates.

Roof rats are a significant and growing problem throughout El Paso. The city's warm climate supports year-round breeding, and fruit trees — citrus, fig, pomegranate — common in El Paso yards provide year-round food. Palm trees, ubiquitous in El Paso landscaping, provide harborage. Roof rats are agile climbers that enter homes through rooflines, gaps in tile roofs, and gaps around utility penetrations.

Signs of roof rats: scratching sounds in the attic at night, gnawed fruit in the yard, droppings in the attic, and grease marks along rafters. By the time most homeowners notice these signs, the infestation is well established.

The Chihuahuan Desert supports extraordinary bat diversity, and several species roost in El Paso buildings. Mexican free-tailed bats form large colonies in older buildings throughout the city. Texas Parks and Wildlife Code prohibits exclusion from June 1 through July 31 (maternity season). Outside that window, exclusion can be performed year-round.

The Franklin Mountains State Park runs through the center of El Paso, and neighborhoods on both sides of the range face elevated wildlife pressure from mountain species. Rock squirrels — which burrow extensively and undermine foundations — are common in foothills neighborhoods. Coyotes range freely between the park and adjacent residential areas.

Call (800) 319-1556 for a free inspection. We serve El Paso County and surrounding areas.

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