Posted by Jim Higgins on September 17, 2003

Q: Yesterday morning, in my house, I came across a 71/2 to 8 inch black snake with a yellowish ring around the neck,I believe that it is a ring neck. I caught it and let it go in the woods. Later that evening I came a across a second. I caught that one and let it go outside as well. I have turned my house upside down to assure my wife that they are gone. My concern is that I have a nest somewhere inside my house. My question is three fold. How many babies do they typically have? Any tips as to where in house I should concentrate my search? What is the most effective way to get rid of them? My wife is 8 months pregnant so I do not want to use any chemicals. But these visitors must go. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

A: To begin with, Ringneck Snakes are quite harmless - this is a really beautiful little snake and one that makes a good "first" snake for neophytes! Ringnecks are not aquatic but are often found near water and areas where there are lots of nooks and crannies for hiding. I'd look in damp areas of your home, ie basement, lower bathroom, laundry room, garage to see if there are any others but I'll bet there aren't. Rather than look for the snakes IN your house, I'd concentrate on how they're getting in - probably an opening close to the ground that gives them access. Any hiding places near your foundation may provide a good area for them to use for shelter and then allows for entrance into your home. Once you've found any access sites, you can close these off.

You don't have a nest in the house as the individuals you're seeing are close to adult size and wouldn't have been in your house from infancy. I'm quite sure these have simply found access to your home.

From what I've been able to find, Ringnecks have a small number of young (3-5).

I certainly agree that you don't want to use chemicals and they probably wouldn't be effective anyway. Your hand removal of the snakes is probably the best method and if they're released quite a ways from the house, won't return. Again though, I'd make sure access is eliminated. Good luck!

John Wiessinger ( September 17, 2003)