The Eastern garter snake is common and harmless.
Few things are as creepy as walking downstairs in the middle of the night for a glass of water, turning on your kitchen light, and seeing a snake seemingly lurking in your kitchen. Or perhaps you see it slither across your path as your light flickers on. While only 20 native snake species in America are venomous, and most snakes would rather avoid you, knowing you have a snake in your house is still disconcerting. You want it out. You may just be able to do it yourself.
People react in one of two ways to snakes: Some people see any snake as "poisonous" -- although snakes aren't poisonous, but venomous -- and some have absolutely no fear. Whichever camp you fall into, make sure you identify the snake before you have a heart attack or get needlessly brave. If you're uncertain what kind of snake it is, use a snake identification book or website, or call a local agricultural extension or other wildlife expert.
Fortunately, most snakes found inside the house are relatively small. They wander in through small holes, cracks and entrances looking for either food or shelter. The simplest way to get them out is to throw a towel, blanket, or similar material and scoop them up before removing them from the house. Brave individuals may even wear gloves -- as long as it isn't venomous -- and do the same. Funnel traps are available but tend to not be very reliable. A better mechanical trap is a glue pad. Place it near a wall where the snake is likely to slither. Release the snake by taking it away from the home and pouring vegetable oil over it, which will eventually dissolve the glue and free the snake. For poisonous snakes, call a professional. Keep children and pets away from any snake.
Ohio Public Library Information Network: Snake Quick I.D.
Lapham, Karie. "How to Remove Snakes from the House." Home Guides | SF Gate, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/remove-snakes-house-81035.html. Accessed 19 April 2019.
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