I'm sorry you're having problems with the HD contractors, but try not to get too upset. Being in this hobby you are bound to come across a LOT of people with ophidiophobia... it's actually considered the most common fear by some experts. It might be a good idea to be more accomodating with these people and eventually some of them will come around to learning and understanding more about these creatures.

Another option you might have tried was to inform HD that you needed a contractor that wasn't afraid of snakes because you keep several non-venomous pet snakes. Quite often people will come around if they're informed of them beforehand instead of being confronted by them all of a sudden.

Good luck! Besides, just think about all the melamine you can buy with your gift card.