How to get rid of snakes in basement? Serious question

Question

A couple of months ago, my husband came home to our cat beating up on a northern ringneck snake, which is evidently common in our area (VA), in the middle of our kitchen floor. After we had been away for a few days, I found what appears to be a mutilated baby ringneck in the basement. According to the info I have found about them, this is the time that babies are hatching. I really need some advice about what to do about getting rid of these things. Although I am not deathly afraid of them (my husband IS), I don't wish to be surprised by them, and I don't care to co-habitate with them. Any serious advice will be greatly appreciated! Here is a website about northern ringnecks: http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/northern_ringneck_snake.htm

Answer 1

Well, since they are helpful to humans (I read the info. from the website you posted) I wouldn't kill them. And I wouldn't want to co-habitate with them either. Clean the basement thoroughly inside and outside. Obviously there is a momma snake somewhere close by since there are babies so you need to find the nest. Clean all debris from outside and around the basement area. I've had good luck with spreading mothballs around. Spread them all around the outside of your basement and inside along the exterior walls. Look for any places where they could be getting in. Good Luck.

Answer 2

Put out bigger SAFER snakes

:)

Answer 3

try large glue traps from lowes

Answer 4

Put some mothballs down there... Snakes hate that stuff...

Answer 5

Call a proffesional.

It's good you're not scared. stay strong with your door closed every night...

Any kids?

Answer 6

sounds like a funny problem that I have never had to deal with.  I am a reptile breeder, but I have never had the task of repelling snakes before.  I would suggest maybe rat poison to get rid of their food and maybe the poison would kill the snake that eats the rat.  Horrible thought to me becuase I like snakes, but it might work for you.  Also, close up any openings they might have in or out of the basement.

Answer 7

I deal with the rescue of all sorts.The website you chose puts the worst  as a bite that won't break human skin. They are friendly, your home must have something they are keeping under control for you, and sounds to me like kitty is doing his/her job of any overflow. Husband, no offense but girt up like i had to and do your part for the balance of the world. LIVE AND LET LIVE. God made man over every living thing so they know your the man . Face your fear and look for what's going on and where. Then you can make a decision of what needs to be done.  

Answer 8

Okay, first, EW! And so sorry you have to deal with it!

I would call an exterminator, because you don't know if those snakes are dangerous or not, and if they get out of the basement, or you or your husband take the task on yourself, you can get seriously injured.

If you can't find an exterminator, then pick up a mongoose - they eat snakes. Of course, then you have to get rid of the mongoose.

My boyfriend suggests getting a s**y female snake and putting it on a fishing pole and wheeling it in to get the snake in a trap; and if it's female snakes in your basement, pick up a box of chocolates, and every 28 days, leave them down there inside a trap. LOL ;)

Answer 9

Just do the same thing they did on "Snakes on a plane", thats a DYI manual on snake removal

Answer 10

put some sulfur down

Answer 11

Maybe you should get some kind of animal control in there and once they remove the snakes make sure there are no cracks in the walls or any opening and block them from returning.

Answer 12

Quit feeding the cat.

(I know it's a kinda mean and gross solution, but it's natural, nontoxic, and cheep.)

Answer 13

we had this problem too we figured that they where cominng up throght a drain we covered the drain with this neating stuff and haven't had the problem since

Answer 14

ok, this is a safe, smell free way of getting rid of snacks, without any chemicals, or without actually hurting the snake...

#1: put hot water in a bucket.

#2: LOTS of salt in the hot water. wait for it to dissolve.

#3: mop the floor with the hot water of saltiness

#4: repeat every time you mop.

if you have carpeting... and no one in your house is allergic to citrus...

#1: get a BIG bottle of lemon juice

#2:pour it in any spay bottle... thingy,

#3:spay it lightly on carpeting ONLY, or your stuff will get sticky.

#4: re-do every month.

if you have carpeting AND are allergic to citrus... well then god intended you to have snacks in your home, and your screwed. and why did your husband have to kill the poor thing?

Answer 15

The basement would have to be sealed at every possible crack as snakes can squeeze in small spaces. As they are not poisonous, you might want to ask your self why there are down there. The only reason so many are there is a food source: kill the snakes and roaches or rats could overwhelm your house.

Answer 16

hehehe,not laughing at your problem.

It brought back memories of dad and the copperheads around the woodpile in WV.You could bet your last pair of pantyhose he carried a hoe when he went near that shed.It's funny but they scared me to death but it didn't seem to bother him (RIP).

I think I would contact a professional for that task.

My Best @ Good Luck

Answer 17

make sure its closed off and there are no holes leading to the outside. clean it maybe? it might be too dirty and really comfortable for snakes. make it uncomfortable for them.

Answer 18

http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/Professio...

this site should help good luck

Answer 19

either use a baseball bat, or by the sounds of it, leave your cat in the house...