I would sit your mother down and tell her directly that her criticism of your hobby makes you and your friends uncomfortable in what is supposed to be YOUR home. I would then reiterate that it is your home, you pay for it and you deserve to feel comfortable in it. I agree with ChrisS that you need to lay down the law. I've had to do so with members of my extended family on more than one occasion (not related to snakes, but if that came up, I would) and its not pleasant, but in the long run it makes your relationship better than simply avoiding the issue indefinitely.
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