There is no need to kill the snake. In fact, it is against state law to intentionally kill native wildlife without a permit. Snakes are an integral part of the environment. As predators, they feed on mice, rats, insects and other pest species. They are also prey for hawks, herons, raccoons, and other predators.
Snakes are an important part of the food chain.
Snake identification can be difficult, so one should use caution when removing the snake. Unless the person is familiar with handling snakes, it is best to pick it up with something other than one's hands. The snakes most commonly found in basements in Maryland are black rat snakes, ring-necked snakes and garter snakes. Adult black rat snakes are black on top with white bellies, and can be as long as four or five feet in length. Young black rat snakes are usually less than 12 inches in length, have a gray or tan back with black or dark brown spots distributed randomly from its neck to tail.