Do Not Try to Grab the Snake
Even if the snake appears small, harmless, or sluggish, you should not pick it up unless you are specifically trained and equipped to handle that species.
A snake's appearance alone is not always enough to determine whether it is dangerous.
Trying to catch it with your hands can result in a bite, and attempting to corner it can make it defensive.
Even a nonvenomous snake can bite if it feels threatened.
Give the Snake an Exit—If It Is Safe to Do So
If the snake is in a room with a door leading directly outdoors, and you can do this without approaching the animal, you may be able to provide a clear route outside.
For example, if a snake is near the far side of a room and there is an exterior door nearby that can be opened from a safe position, opening that door may give it an opportunity to leave on its own.
Then give it space.
Do not stand directly in front of the exit.
Do not try to push the snake toward the doorway.
Do not chase it with a broom.
The less threatened the animal feels, the less reason it has to defend itself.
However, if opening a door requires you to move close to the snake, do not attempt it.
Your safety comes first.
What If the Snake Disappears?
This can be one of the most stressful parts of the situation.
You may see the snake one moment and then lose sight of it behind a cabinet, appliance, box, or piece of furniture.
If that happens, don't start moving everything around immediately.
A snake that feels threatened may move farther into the house or into a difficult-to-reach space.
Instead, keep the area as controlled as possible.
If practical, close the room and prevent children and pets from entering.
If the snake is potentially venomous, cannot be identified, or has disappeared into an inaccessible area, contacting a qualified wildlife or animal-control professional is the safest option.
Should You Sprinkle Something Around to Make the Snake Leave?
There are many claims online that certain powders, household chemicals, strong-smelling substances, or other materials will make snakes immediately flee.
These claims are often much more reliable as internet folklore than as a guaranteed solution.
Products such as mothballs, bleach, ammonia, gasoline, or other chemicals should not be scattered or poured around your home in an attempt to drive out a snake.
They can create hazards for people, children, pets, and wildlife, and they may not solve the underlying problem.
The same caution applies to homemade mixtures promoted as instant snake repellents.
If you want to reduce the likelihood of snakes entering your home, physical exclusion and habitat management are generally more sensible strategies than relying on strong smells.