Snakes??

So yah, I recently heard that a friend of mine has a mom living a few streets over. She has an old house, not unlike the one that I live in.

Difference? She has snakes in her basement!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now, living geographically where we do, I realize that poisonous snakes are a one in ten million chance. However, a slithering, tongue-lashing, zero-legged reptile of ANY kind in my house or even in my yard will probably result in an instantly fatal cardiac arrest for me.

I can't explain my fear of snakes. I've never been bitten by one. I did have one slither across the path at Shabbona State Park when I was out walking with my mom when I was a kid, and, yah, it scared the snot out of me.

And my dad, being a conservationist, would find random animals. I once verbally requested that he put a garter snake in a bucket for me. I was determined to make friends with it. It was small, and it was non-violent. Until it lurched at me (like any wild animal would). I picked it up. I let it roll along my arms as I squeamishly tried to love it. I could do turtles with ease (and great love). Frogs - no prob; would seek them out at twilight. Salamanders, a bit slimy but doable. Toads - hated their pee, but didn't mind them and loved to marvel at their lumpy backs.

Somehow, though, I never got around to loving snakes.

A few weeks ago, I was delivering Hogwash to an acquaintance. I dropped the bucket off on her porch and we were chatting.

As I turned to leave, I noticed a small garter snake slither beneath her bushes. Well, that was all it took for me to high-tail it to my vehicle (ignoring the yard completely and walking into the street to access my van). I did the whole girly squeal and expedient tippy toe walk of someone who's about to set off dynamite! I haven't seen a snake since, but now, I'm convinced they are all around me...

So hubby, who's at a terrible new job and experiencing lung problems because of it, will be set on  a quest to first scour our ol' basement for any non-legged friends and then seal any potential access points. I'd be naive if I thought mice and bugs can't make it into our old house. Thank God we have three cats (two of which seem to somewhat care). I understand that cat saliva is poisonous to snakes?? Hallelujah!

Anyhoo, a spider or an earwig can surprise me. Even a mouse. Even a RAT! I think I'd live thru the initial shock. But a snake....that's worth calling 911!! So please, let this new/old house be snake free. I have no evidence to support any snakes living here, but, I'm also not willing to take any chances!

CHOMP