What type of snake is this? - Ask Extension
What type of snake is this?
Knowledgebase
What type of snake is this? #848343
Asked September 02, 2023, 3:04 PM EDT
What type of snake is this?
Prince George's County Maryland
Expert Response
We think that looks like a common and harmless Black Rat Snake.
(Lesser possibility of Black Racer but they just have a little white on the chin as opposed to more like your photo shows).
We hope you will leave it alone and/or escort it outdoors. They are great to have around as they eat mice and rats, which is likely why you are seeing it. If it is indoors, you can put a damp towel down overnight and then put a trashcan or tub over it and slide/scoop it in and bring it outside. Caulk up any openings.
Hopefully you are not using poison bait in that station, which can bioaccumulate up the food chain, killing multiple non-target species, including owls and other wildlife.
Here is our page on snakes:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/snakes
Christine
(Lesser possibility of Black Racer but they just have a little white on the chin as opposed to more like your photo shows).
We hope you will leave it alone and/or escort it outdoors. They are great to have around as they eat mice and rats, which is likely why you are seeing it. If it is indoors, you can put a damp towel down overnight and then put a trashcan or tub over it and slide/scoop it in and bring it outside. Caulk up any openings.
Hopefully you are not using poison bait in that station, which can bioaccumulate up the food chain, killing multiple non-target species, including owls and other wildlife.
Here is our page on snakes:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/snakes
Christine
Thanks so much! I’m not trying to trap or get rid of one at this time but will make use of your advice if I have to get one out if my home at some point.
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
On Sep 5, 2023, at 10:32 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
You're welcome.
Hi Maryland Extension Center,
do you have recommendations for what type of soil/mulch/other to put next to foundation to stop water from coming in basement and grading of landscaping near foundation? Are there any companies you can recommend that do this work? We don’t have water in basement but mold smell after it rains.
Thanks so much in advance for any information you can provide regarding this!
—Terry
Hello Terry,
We don't have recommendations for this particular situation, as mulch alone won't correct a drainage/leakage problem. If you have any roof downspout outlets emptying near the house foundation, extend them away (often people bury pipes rather than have them on the surface) so the excess moisture isn't contributing to a mold or leaking issue. Otherwise, you might want to consult with or hire a landscape architect since they have training in re-grading soil in a way that maintains stability (especially near a home foundation) without risking future issues with settling. Extension doesn't collect information about such businesses, or make company recommendations, so unfortunately we don't have a reference list to share.
Miri
We don't have recommendations for this particular situation, as mulch alone won't correct a drainage/leakage problem. If you have any roof downspout outlets emptying near the house foundation, extend them away (often people bury pipes rather than have them on the surface) so the excess moisture isn't contributing to a mold or leaking issue. Otherwise, you might want to consult with or hire a landscape architect since they have training in re-grading soil in a way that maintains stability (especially near a home foundation) without risking future issues with settling. Extension doesn't collect information about such businesses, or make company recommendations, so unfortunately we don't have a reference list to share.
Miri
