I would go with the jack russell idea myself. I can give you a couple of tips that I have seen work. If you get a snake in the house, throw down some sticky boards. These are the kind you buy to catch rats. The snake will stop on these boards and start rolling to get away. It will really slow one down. Keep several of these handy.
Here is the best method for removing a snake out of a hole. Have someone watch the hole while the wife goes to the kitchen. Have the wife put a pot of water on the stove. When the water is boiling, bring it out and pour it down the hole. Get your shovel, hoe, pistol,shotgun, machine gun ready because he will be out shortly. Be advised, if he wasn't mad before, he will be now. PS- have camcorder ready because it is gonna be the best home movie. BTW- have plenty of ammo on hand too.