I have no advice for the first two questions......
But on keeping snakes out of the house. I put moth balls around the doors. Yes it stinks if you use to many. I live deep in the heat of Texas. We get small snakes and lizzards in our house. (I hate both) So I use moth balls, also in the flower beds and I throw them in the garage. My family makes fun of me, but so far they work. You need to replace them about every month, or sooner if it rains.
But that's one more thing you would have to teach young children to leave alone. Good luck.
But on keeping snakes out of the house. I put moth balls around the doors. Yes it stinks if you use to many. I live deep in the heat of Texas. We get small snakes and lizzards in our house. (I hate both) So I use moth balls, also in the flower beds and I throw them in the garage. My family makes fun of me, but so far they work. You need to replace them about every month, or sooner if it rains.
But that's one more thing you would have to teach young children to leave alone. Good luck.