Pest Identification: Common Garter Snake

It is unlikely you will ever find a venomous snake in Massachusetts, but if you spend time outside, you will eventually encounter one or more species of harmless snakes. Five common snakes most likely to be seen in Massachusetts are: The Garter snake, Milk snake, Ring neck snake, Water snake and the Black racer. There are only two venomous snakes in Massachusetts – the timber rattlesnake and the copperhead and they are rarely seen.

Snakes are important part of our natural ecosystems both as their role as predators and prey. Depending on their size and species, they may feed on invertebrates such as slugs, worms and insects, fish, amphibians, birds and the eggs and small mammals such as mice and voles. Snakes can invade homes and patio areas seeking shelter or a place to have their young. Once inside they can follow piping and wiring or just slither right up the stairs searching for a way out. Exclusion should be performed by sealing cracks and crevices they are using to get inside.