Top Wildlife Removal in Virginia Beach, Virginia Ranked

Finding an unexpected animal in your attic, under your deck, or rummaging through your trash can be a startling experience. Wildlife removal is the professional service dedicated to safely and humanely resolving conflicts with wild animals that have become a nuisance or a hazard on your property. In a coastal city like Virginia Beach, where urban development meets natural habitats, these encounters are common. This guide will help you understand your options, the local regulations, and how to find qualified professionals to address wildlife issues effectively and legally.

Go-Forth Pest Control

1431 Air Rail Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Go-Forth Pest Control is a family-owned pest control company serving Virginia Beach, VA, since 1959. They offer comprehensive pest management services for homes and businesses, including ant, termite, rodent, mosquito control, and wildlife removal. Their approach combines thorough inspections with eco-friendly treatments tailored to the local coastal environment. Go-Forth specializes in termite inspections and ongoing prevention, using advanced monitoring and treatment methods to protect structures from damage. They also provide commercial pest control solutions customized to meet regulatory requirements. Same-day and emergency services are available to address urgent pest issues promptly.

4.9

1.7k Reviews

Terminix

957 Norfolk Square, Norfolk, VA 23502

Terminix offers pest, termite, wildlife, and moisture control services in Virginia Beach, VA. The company provides residential and commercial pest control solutions, including bed bug treatment, cockroach and ant control, rodent management, termite inspections, and wildlife removal. Terminix also specializes in moisture control to prevent wood decay and reduce insect infestations, particularly in crawl spaces. The company serves the Tidewater region and Eastern North Carolina and is known for implementing comprehensive moisture control measures.

4.9

1.6k Reviews

Mitchell Pest Services

4604 Pembroke Lake Cir #104, Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Mitchell Pest Services is a locally owned pest control company based in Virginia Beach, VA. They provide residential and commercial pest management solutions including bed bug treatment, rodent control, termite inspections, mosquito control, and wildlife removal. The company offers same-day service and free retreatments to address persistent pest issues. Mitchell Pest Services serves a broad area including Virginia and West Virginia, with coverage in cities such as Arlington, Chesapeake, Richmond, and more. Their team is trained to deliver tailored pest control solutions that focus on both immediate pest removal and long-term prevention.

4.9

1.3k Reviews

Terminix

1606 S Church St, Smithfield, VA 23430

Terminix provides pest, termite, wildlife, and moisture control services in Virginia Beach, VA. They offer treatment for bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, rodents, and termites, along with moisture control to prevent wood-decaying fungus. Terminix serves both residential and commercial clients and is known for implementing moisture control measures in crawl spaces and other environments. Their service area extends from Eastern North Carolina to Tidewater, VA.

4.9

1.0k Reviews

No To Bugs

virginia beach

No To Bugs is a family-owned pest control company serving Virginia Beach, VA, and nearby areas. Founded in 2015 with over 30 years of combined industry experience, they offer tailored pest control and wildlife removal services for homes and businesses. Their approach includes Integrated Pest Management techniques to provide effective treatments and educate customers on preventing future infestations. The company is licensed and insured, providing same-day and emergency services when possible.

4.9

144 Reviews

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Common Nuisance Wildlife in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach's diverse ecosystems support a wide range of wildlife, but some species are more likely to cause problems for homeowners. Knowing what you're dealing with is the first step toward a solution.

Mammals:

• Squirrels: Often enter attics and crawlspaces to nest, chewing on wires and wood.
• Raccoons: Intelligent and dexterous, they raid trash cans and can tear into soffits and roofs to find shelter.
• Opossums: While generally less destructive, they may take up residence under porches or decks.
• Rats and Mice: Common year-round pests that contaminate food and can cause significant structural damage.
• Bats: Can form colonies in attics; their removal is sensitive due to protected species status and health concerns like guano accumulation.
• Woodchucks (Groundhogs): Burrow under sheds, decks, and foundations, potentially causing structural issues ^{1 2}.

Birds:

• Starlings, House Sparrows, and Pigeons (Rock Doves): These birds often nest in vents, gutters, and on building ledges, leading to clogged drains and unsanitary conditions ^{1 3}.

Reptiles:

• Snakes: While many are harmless, the presence of venomous species like copperheads means snake removal is often best left to specialists who can safely identify and handle them ¹.

Your Options for Wildlife Control

When faced with a wildlife issue, you generally have three paths: do-it-yourself prevention, contacting city animal control, or hiring a licensed wildlife control operator.

DIY Prevention and Trapping

For minor issues, proactive measures can be highly effective. This involves making your property less attractive to wildlife by removing food sources like fallen fruit, securing trash in animal-proof containers, and sealing potential entry points into your home's structure ^{1 4}.

Virginia law allows homeowners to trap certain nuisance species on their own property. However, it is critical to understand the regulations. Trapped animals cannot be relocated to another area. State law requires that they be either euthanized humanely or released on the property where they were captured ^{1 3 5}. This makes DIY trapping a less practical solution for many, as it places the burden of final disposal on the homeowner.

When to Call Virginia Beach Animal Control

The Virginia Beach Police Department's Animal Control unit is a public service, but its focus is primarily on domestic animals and immediate public safety threats. They typically respond to situations involving:

• A loose domestic pet inside a home.
• An animal that is injured, sick (e.g., displaying signs of rabies), or posing an immediate danger.
• An animal that is already trapped inside the living areas of a home ^{6 7}.

For general nuisance wildlife living around-but not inside-your home, or for animals in attics and walls, Animal Control will usually refer you to a private professional ^{1 8}.

Hiring a Licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO)

For most infestations or persistent problems, a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (often called a CNAP in Virginia) is your best resource. These professionals are licensed by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and are trained in:

• Safe, humane trapping and removal techniques.
• State laws and regulations governing wildlife.
• Identifying entry points and performing exclusion work (sealing up a home to prevent re-entry).
• Handling species-specific challenges, such as bat colonies or venomous snakes.

Using a licensed professional ensures the job is done legally, safely, and effectively. The Virginia DWR provides a Trapper Finder Tool to help you locate insured, local specialists ^{8 4}.

Understanding Virginia's Wildlife Removal Regulations

Virginia has specific laws designed to manage wildlife conflicts responsibly. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) sets these regulations, which all homeowners and professionals must follow.

The No-Relocation Rule: This is one of the most important regulations. It is illegal to trap and relocate most wild animals in Virginia. Relocation simply moves the problem to another property and can spread disease. The legal options for a trapped animal are humane euthanasia or release on the same property where it was caught ^{3 5}. A professional NWCO will know the legal and most ethical methods for disposal.

Licensing and Permits: Professionals who handle wildlife for a fee must be licensed by the DWR. This licensing ensures they have knowledge of animal behavior, state laws, and humane techniques. Always verify that a trapper you are considering is state-licensed ^{8 4}.

Protected Species: Some animals, like bats, may be protected by state or federal laws during certain times of the year. A licensed professional will know these regulations and how to obtain any necessary special permits for removal ³.

What to Expect: The Wildlife Removal Process

A professional wildlife control service typically follows a multi-step process to ensure a permanent solution.

1. Inspection and Assessment: The technician will perform a thorough inspection of your property to identify the species, locate all entry points, and assess the extent of the infestation or damage.
2. Removal: Using methods appropriate for the species and situation (live traps, one-way doors, etc.), the animals are removed from the structure.
3. Clean-up and Sanitation: This is a critical step, especially for rodents, bats, or raccoons. Droppings, urine, and nesting materials can pose health risks and attract new pests. Professionals will clean and disinfect affected areas.
4. Exclusion and Repair: Simply removing the animals is not enough. The technician will seal all identified entry points with durable materials (steel mesh, hardware cloth, etc.) to prevent future intrusions. This is the key to a long-term solution ^{2 9}.
5. Restoration: For significant damage-such as torn insulation, chewed wires, or soiled ductwork-many companies offer repair and restoration services.

Cost of Wildlife Removal in Virginia Beach

The cost for animal removal and control services varies widely based on the species, the complexity of the job, and the extent of repairs needed. It's important to get a detailed, on-site estimate.

• Basic Inspection and Removal: For a single animal in an accessible location, costs often start in the $150 to $300 range ^{10 11}.
• Standard Jobs: More common scenarios, like removing squirrels or raccoons from an attic, which may require multiple visits and basic exclusion work, typically range from $300 to $600 or more ^{10 11}.
• Major Infestations and Complex Repairs: Severe infestations (e.g., large bat colonies, extensive rodent damage) or jobs requiring significant structural repairs and sanitization can cost $1,000 or more ^{10 11}.

Always ask what is included in the quoted price. A comprehensive service that includes removal, clean-up, exclusion, and a warranty is often more valuable than a low-cost offer for trapping alone.

Choosing the Right Wildlife Control Professional

Selecting a qualified provider is crucial. Here are key questions to ask:

• Are you licensed by the Virginia DWR? This is non-negotiable.
• Are you insured? Liability and worker's compensation insurance protect you.
• What is your specific process? They should explain inspection, removal, clean-up, and exclusion.
• Do you offer a warranty or guarantee? Reputable companies often guarantee their exclusion work against re-entry for a period of time.
• Can you provide references? Look for reviews or ask for local references.

By understanding the local wildlife, your legal responsibilities, and the professional services available, you can confidently address any unwelcome animal guests on your Virginia Beach property.

Frequently asked questions

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