I know they aren't usually deadly but I still don't want to be bit by one and I sure don't want one of my dogs bit by one either. I already lost one dog to a pygmy rattler in FL, don't want to lose another one up here. Had to kill one last night in the backyard right behind the house. Dog went to sniff it and it struck at her but she jumped back in time. So you guys that know, what works best? Some kind of repellant or? We also have quite a few mice around here and I need to get rid of them as well but, it's woods so I realize they aren't going to be eliminated, just want to keep the population down and away from the home. Any and all help, suggestions and information is greatly appreciated, thank you.