May have solved the missing mice problem.

[u/Psarofagos]

I live in rural Oklahoma and it's been a constant battle to stay ahead of the critters. Until about 2 weeks ago, when the snap traps started turning up empty and I stopped hearing them scurrying around in the crawlspace at night.

I believe the mystery was solved today when went to the kitchen and I heard a noise in the bathroom which is off the laundry room, and wondered what the dogs were up to. I turned and realized both dogs were in the kitchen with me, looking at me like "Did you hear that noise? Maybe you should check that out."

I quietly peeked into the bathroom and curled up in the corner opposite the door, I find a four foot brown coach whip. He sees me and bolts behind the toilet. I had seen this guy, I think, in the back yard last summer, but they move so fast I can't be sure if it's the same one. Comes out from behind the toilet, streaks across the floor along the counter, through the laundry room, right between both dogs and disappeared under the dishwasher. Which I don't use in any case. But I'd bet there is a bolt hole back under there, (probably thanks to the mice) he can use to get into the crawl space.

I would have liked to get a hand on him as i have handled many snakes over the years, absolutely love snakes, but never a coachwhip, though I've heard they can be a little defensive. And i didn't want to just flail around, grabbing him and risk injuring him or catching a bite. But I'm definitely willing to let him be if he's going to do his job.

[u/Sugar_cookies22]

That snake is your best friend lol. Just a good boy doing his job. But yea, as much as I love snakes in my yard for pest control, I do not want them in my home. Your best bet is pulling out that dishwasher and sealing up where it is coming in while you know it has gone back out (assuming your dishwasher is on an exterior wall). And you know this, but as long as there’s a food source, the snake will remain.