These are not venomous snakes. The one in the second photo is a juvenile Eastern Ratsnake (also known as the Black Rat Snake), a very common species, even in suburbia. Although the markings on the snake in the first photo are more unusual, this also appears to be a juvenile Eastern Ratsnake. Several species of snakes have different coloration and patterns as juveniles than they do as adults. Despite "rat" in the name, their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a rodent problem (regarding whatever adult in the general area that birthed these babies), though they might be wandering indoors to seek warmth as our nights cool.

Whatever passage is allowing the crickets in, that is potentially also how the snakes are getting in, though ratsnakes are excellent climbers and could enter through points higher-up on walls than crickets would be likely to. As with any household pest insects, it's best to deter their entry entirely by sealing all detectable gaps and cracks (especially in exterior walls) and replacing any worn-out weather-stripping around doors/windows and by repairing or replacing torn window screening. The crickets are not breeding indoors -- it's too dry and there probably isn't enough for them to eat -- so they must be entering through some access point that can be blocked to prevent the situation in the future.

Adhesive traps are not a recommended tool for dealing with crickets or other household pests because they easily ensnare harmless animals like this. (Plus, such traps aren't reducing a breeding population since there isn't breeding occurring, so it doesn't address the cause of the cricket presence in the first place.) This can cause a slow, painful death for snakes, which are hard to free from such entrapment without serious injuries and detached scales. Careful, slow extraction using a lubricant like cooking oil (vegetable oil, for instance) on a cotton swab to loosen scales as you gently pull them off is the usual advice for freeing them. It's possible a freed snake will succumb to its injuries, especially since it becomes hard for them to expand their lungs to breathe while trapped. If freed, you can release it outside or bring it to a licensed wildlife rehabber if you prefer. Ironically, the snakes could also be present because they are attempting to pursue crickets since they are too young to eat much larger prey.

The only venomous snakes in Maryland are the Copperhead and the Timber Rattlesnake, both shy enough to not be encountered regularly, especially the rattlesnake, which is generally found only in our western counties. You can use publications like the MD DNR's Common Snakes of Maryland Photo Guide and the Copperheads and Similar Looking Harmless Species page by the Virginia Herpetological Society (our states share most of the same snake species) to help you recognize what traits to look for when investigating snake ID.

Miri

Dear Miri,

Thanks for this very useful information and for the gentle reprimand about using sticky strips. We have already identified a significant gap that we have blocked off which hopefully will resolve both the cricket and snake  problems.
Norman