Humane Wildlife Control in Elizabeth, NJ
The Humane Wildlife Control Society recommends non-invasive solutions to resolve human-wildlife conflicts. This includes:
Determining if the issue needs to be addressed at all
Opting for preventative measures first
Opting for wildlife exclusion as opposed to trapping
If trapping is the only way to solve the problem do so humanely
The Humane Wildlife Control Society screens candidates prior to recommendation. Our process requires any company we recommend to meet the following criteria:
Is properly licensed in New Jersey for wildlife control
Carries appropriate business licenses and insurance
Complies with all New Jersey laws and regulations for wildlife control
Adheres to the humane principles listed above.
In Elizabeth, New Jersey we recommend Humane Wildlife Removal Elizabeth for professional wildlife control services. This is a private company that charges for their services.
Contact Information:
Elizabeth Wildlife Pest Control
973-658-5655
If you have any wildlife issues that can be handled by the state government agency for free, the New Jersey Wildlife Commission can help.
State Contact Information: 609-292-2965
The State Department of Agriculture may also be able to address your wildlife problem for no charge.
USDA Contact Information: (609) 292-3976
Elizabeth Municipal Guide to Humane Wildlife Exclusion Policy on Humane Exclusion Approved Exclusion Techniques Structural Sealing: Inspect and seal all potential entry points—roof vents, eaves, foundations, and utility gaps—with durable materials like galvanized steel mesh (minimum ¼-inch gauge) or concrete. Wood alone is insufficient against persistent species like squirrels. Sealing must be comprehensive—no partial efforts are acceptable. Objectives of Exclusion Implementation Protocol
Official Techniques for Preventing Wildlife Conflicts
Elizabeth, New Jersey, a densely populated urban center in Union County near the Arthur Kill and Newark Bay, experiences frequent wildlife intrusions from species like squirrels, raccoons, bats, and pigeons. These animals exploit the city’s mix of residential, commercial, and industrial zones, posing risks to public safety, property, and sanitation. The City of Elizabeth mandates humane wildlife exclusion techniques as the official method to prevent these conflicts, ensuring compliance with state laws and municipal standards. This guide outlines the required practices for residents, businesses, and property owners.
The City of Elizabeth prohibits lethal wildlife control methods—such as poisons or kill traps—under municipal ordinance and New Jersey state law. These practices endanger public health, harm non-target species, and violate the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife (NJDFW) regulations. Humane exclusion, defined as preventing wildlife entry without causing harm, is the mandated approach. It is non-negotiable, effective, and legally enforced to maintain order and safety in our community.
The following techniques are required to exclude wildlife humanely:
One-Way Exclusion Devices: Install professionally designed one-way doors or tubes at active entry points (e.g., attic vents or wall cavities) to allow animals such as bats or raccoons to exit without re-entering. These devices, proven effective by wildlife management studies, must remain in place until all animals are confirmed gone, typically 3-5 days, per NJDFW guidelines.
Chimney and Vent Protection: Cap chimneys with stainless steel screens and cover exterior vents with heavy-duty mesh to block access by birds, bats, and small mammals. Installation must meet city building codes and be inspected for durability against Elizabeth’s weather conditions.
Elizabeth’s Urban-Wildlife Context
Elizabeth’s proximity to waterways, rail yards, and green patches like Warinanco Park creates a corridor for wildlife amidst its urban-industrial landscape. Cold winters drive animals into homes and warehouses for warmth—NJDFW data notes peak squirrel and bat activity in December—while spring nesting increases pigeon and raccoon presence in areas like Elizabethport or Midtown. Older buildings, common in our historic districts, offer easy entry through cracked masonry or unsealed roofs. Exclusion techniques address these challenges head-on, preventing infestations that threaten sanitation (e.g., rodent droppings) or public health (e.g., rabies risks).
Safety: Eliminates hazards from wildlife carcasses or toxicants in residential and commercial zones.
Legal Compliance: Adheres to Elizabeth Municipal Code and NJDFW regulations, avoiding fines or penalties.
Community Protection: Maintains property integrity and public health standards across the city.
Mandatory Responsibilities
Property Inspection: Regularly assess buildings for vulnerabilities—cracks, holes, or loose fittings—and seal them immediately. Neglect is not excused.
Professional Execution: Engage NJDFW-licensed wildlife control operators for installing exclusion devices or handling active infestations. Unauthorized methods violate city policy.
Maintenance: Ensure exclusion measures withstand Elizabeth’s seasonal extremes—snow, rain, and humidity—through annual checks.
Enforcement and Compliance
Failure to implement humane exclusion techniques breaches Elizabeth Municipal Code (Chapter 8: Animals) and New Jersey Statute 23:2A, with penalties including fines up to $1,000 or mandatory remediation orders. The City’s Animal Control Division, in partnership with NJDFW, enforces these standards through inspections and response to resident complaints. Violations will be addressed swiftly to uphold public welfare.
Assessment: Licensed professionals must identify entry points and animal presence before exclusion begins.
Timing: Exclusion must avoid breeding seasons (e.g., spring for bats) to prevent trapping young, per NJDFW humane guidelines.
Verification: Post-exclusion monitoring ensures all animals are excluded and entries remain sealed.
