Posted by Marvin on May 22, 2005

Q: I live in Mid-Missouri. We have been doing a lot of work in our yard and have recently been finding several snakes. The last few I have not been able to recognize. We have searched the internet and not found any description that fits the snakes coloration. Our snakes are a brown-gray in color (almost olive in color), one was found coiled and the second was found 2 feet away from the first. One was approximately 3 feet long and the second was approximately 2 feet long. The underside is a yellowish-cream color. There is a thin line of bluish color between the brownish color and the underside. In our search the racer is the closest we could find. We would like to know if these are venemous or not. We have 3 children and would like to keep them as safe as possible.

I have been told that if you place moth balls around your home that snakes will stay away. Could you tell me if this is a myth or if there is any truth to this.

Thank you

A: From your description and location, I'd say your snakes are Eastern Yellowbelly Racers (a variety of Racer) as you've already guessed. These snakes are completely harmless and will help rid your area of small rodents, lizards, insects, and even other small snakes. I certainly understand your concern for your children but you needn't be worried. Thanks for your question.

John Wiessinger ( May 22, 2005)