Highlands, NJ Expert Pest Control Services

A customer in Highlands contacted Cowleys nuisance wildlife after finding a few uninvited snakes slithering around in her garage.  There are twenty-two known species of snakes in New Jersey. Fortunately, most stay far away from human habitats and naturally avoid people. Generally, you have to venture deep into forests or or rural areas, often near bodies of water, to come across these fear-inducing reptiles. 

However, a few species, like the garter snake, can show up virtually anywhere.  If a homeowner encounters a snake, there is a good chance that it’s a garter snake. These snakes are attracted to the many hiding spots in and around homes. You’ll find them under the siding of a home or in our “cavelike” basements and crawl spaces.  Sometimes, homeowners catch these snakes “sunbathing” out in the open on driveways. These cold-blooded reptiles seek out comfy places like warm pavement to absorb heat and sunlight. 

As happened with this Highlands homeowner, you may find snakes in that continuation of your driveway — your garage. Garages are a great place for snakes to hide from the outdoor elements and other predators and garage doors often provide easy access since they often do not seal shut, leaving a small gap in the bottom for snakes to come and go as they please. Snakes are not like raccoons, rodents, and other animals that can dig and claw their way into your home.  If there is a snake in your house, shed, or garage, there is some opening somewhere allowing access.  

We caught the snakes using large sticky traps placed near garage entry points. The ultra-sticky glue holds snakes firmly until released with cooking oil. All New Jersey snakes are protected under the NJ Endangered and Nongame Species Conservation Act. It is illegal for anyone to kill or collect our native snake species. If there is a snake on your property, it legally must be trapped and relocated. If you have a home that has ongoing issues with snakes, make sure all cracks and crevices in the house and outbuilding foundations are sealed.  Also, backyard sheds and other structures elevated off the ground should have a snake barrier installed around the base.

Even though there are no venomous snakes in this area, all snakes can deliver painful bites. If you are not experienced with snakes, trying to catch them on your own is asking for trouble. A common DIY mistake is directly handling a snake by trying to pick it up and shove it in a try to pick it up a pillowcase. This is asking a trouble, and you may very well wind up taking an expensive trip to the hospital.  The safest course of action when it comes to snake in or around your home is to contact a wildlife control technician who is experienced with snake removal.