Getting started in new mexico

My wife Melissa and I moved from Seattle to cotton city NM ,which is around the Az border off I-10 onto 56 acres. Long story short lis is going crazy cuz of the snakes, lizards, and scorpions that seem to infest this place. I am attempting to build her an Arizona room thats critter proof for her sanity. That being said how do we keep water that falls here, here? hugal berms are one way but is that it? Will the moisture keep the reptiles away? Is there people in this area who are into permaculture we could network with.? Thanks CHEERS

Welcome to the forum.

Sorry about all the wildlife aka critters.

I bet you moved into their space.  Our critters are deer and rattlesnakes.

My suggestion is to get a outside/inside cat.  We did and we have not seen a rattlesnake since she got here.

You asked, how do we keep water that falls here?  Rainwater Catchment.  Look into the work of Brad Lancaster:

https://permies.com/wiki/brad-lancaster

What is an Arizona Room?