Snakes

Hi,

My husband found a black snake crawling into our basement through the sump pump. Has anyone have this happen to them and if so, does anyone know if this is a dangerous snake? How do we get rid of it? We can't find it now, so do we call the exterminator?

Thanks,
Lisa

 

Yikes - im guessing it entered through the drain in the areaway and or along the french drains on the outside of the house. Was it a big one? I've seen 2 or 3 lately along the sides of the house as ive been mowing and wondered is they could get in. Is your sump sealed with the lid and all?

 

Black snakes are not poisonous.

I grew up in Western Maryland and we had a big black snake that lived under our concrete front porch. He would come out from his den and snooze in the sunshine and I vaguely remember at least once he or another black snake got into the house. Can't remember what my dad did to get rid of it. Probably picked it up with a hoe or some such and returned it to the great outdoors.

 

This just gives me chills. I hhhhhhaaaaaaattttttttteeeeeee snakes! Off to get my husband to make sure the sump pump is sealed....

 

Definitely came through the pump sump as it wasn't sealed. It's been sealed temporarily and will be sealed more permanently tonight. It was about 3 to 4 ft long and it gave me major chills! So, I would definitely recommend sealing the sump pump, if you haven't already done so.

 

Sounds like a black rat snake, not dangerous at all. In fact, it is keeping rats, mice and chipmunks out of your house and garden.
If you see it in your house the best thing to do is gently edge it towards the door, with your foot, a broom etc. If you cannot get it outside, the Humane society has just launched an urban wildlife division and may be able to come and humanely remove it.

Seal up any entrances the snake may have used to enter your house-they can find their way into cracks just an inch or 2 thick. (This may also lower your heating/cooling bills)

Also, move piles of brush, rocks or debris away from your house, this can attract both snakes and their prey.

Julie

 

Okay, dumb question...how does one "seal" the sump pump. Do you mean the pipe coming out of the house? If so, I'm guessing just put a screen over it? I freakin hate snakes. I'd throw my wife in front of one and run like hell...sad thing is she knows. Ahhhhh, such a man!