Critter Control of Lynchburg

Wildlife Control Services for Lynchburg, VA

Critter Control is here for you every step of the way in the wildlife removal process. From inspection to removal—and even exclusion and repair—we have the services you need to get rid of raccoons, rodents, and other nuisances fast. First, we identify the animal on the property, then use humane methods to remove the animal and secure weak points where more could enter. If damage has been done, we can make those repairs for a complete restoration. Contact a Critter Control office near you today.

What are the Major Wildlife Removal Concerns in Lynchburg, Virginia?

Lynchburg is located in central Virginia in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and bordering the James River. A growing city that has been attracting new business activity since the early 2000s, housing has seen the same boost. While this growth is good for its human citizens, it’s less advantageous for its wildlife which has experienced a decline in natural habitat.

The usual critters can be found in Lynchburg and include squirrels, rodents, raccoons, and groundhogs. While the mice and rats are active all year long, raccoons, grey squirrels, and flying squirrels like the colder months.

Raccoon Removal

Raccoons are a common nuisance pest around Lynchburg as they like the ease in which food from humans is readily available. In their natural habitat, they like to live high up in trees as protection from predators. When they are forced to live in a more urban setting, attics and chimneys become a natural and good choice for them.

Inspection: During an inspection, a wildlife technician will look for footprints, an unusually large opening, raccoon scat, and young that can be present.

Removal: Live trapping and removing coupled with exclusionary measures that do not allow them re-entry are most effective. Should young be present, a wildlife rehabilitation center will be called in.

Repairs: Once all openings to an attic and chimney are sealed off to the raccoons, repairs include repairing chewed wires, replacing insulation, and cleaning and sanitizing the area.

Rat and Mice Removal

Rats and mice are found throughout the United States and are adept and comfortable living in most areas where humans live. They can gain entry into a home through a gap the size of a dime. Once in, they hide and nest in attics and basements where they reproduce rapidly. They also create trails to travel where the food is - in the kitchen pantry.

They are responsible for the spread of many diseases either by direct transmission or by contaminating food with their urine and feces. Moving around mostly at night, when one is visible during the day, it is because there is a large infestation.

Inspection: We will be able to quickly know if there is a mouse or rat infestation by the size of the feces found. Smudges on baseboards showing the paths they take and scurrying noises are other tell-tale signs.

Removal: Depending on the size of the rat or mouse infestation, a custom plan will be developed for baiting and trapping them.

Repairs: Rodents are responsible for more economic damage than any other vertebrate pest. We will seal all entry points, repair wires and insulation, and clean and sanitize the entire area.

Squirrel Removal

While squirrels scamper around outside all around us, we hardly think of them as the rodents that they are. Their preferred living quarters are in trees, but when availability is easy, they will use overhanging branches and electrical wires as paths to our rooftops and build nests in attics, wall voids, and chimneys.

Carolina northern flying squirrels and the Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrels are endangered and can not be killed.

Inspection: An inspection could reveal nesting materials such as insulation and cardboard, scurrying sounds, feces,

Removal: Using a one-way door is one of the most common and humane methods of removing squirrels from a home or business. As a rule, squirrels give birth about two times per year in early spring and again in late summer. Should young be found, they will be given over to a local wildlife rehabilitation center.

Repairs: Squirrels can be quite destructive. Repairs might be necessary to insulation, chewed electrical wires, and to holes created in your roof, eaves, and soffits. Mesh may need to be installed over chimneys and vents.

Bat Removal

There are four species of bats living in the Lynchburg area that could take up residence in your home - the Big brown bat, Evening bat, Little brown bat, and the Brazilian free-tailed bat. Beneficial to the environment, bats eat insects such as mosquitoes and beetles, pollinate plants, and disperse seeds.

Throughout Virginia, it is illegal to transport, release, or relocate a bat anywhere other than the property on which it was caught.

Inspection: An inspection of an attic or chimney will reveal how extensive the bat population is in your home. Inspectors look for feces, the ammonia smell of their urine, stains on the walls where they fly out, and squeaking or scratching noises.

Removal: A one-way door is used once young bats have matured that let the bats out but exclude them from re-entering.

Repairs: Once all potential openings to your home are sealed, the area is cleaned and disinfected.

Skunk Removal

The striped skunk is found throughout Virginia. A member of the weasel family, they are attracted to food, water, and shelter. When their natural habitats are waning because of urban development, they turn to more populated areas where food is more available. In Virginia, it is illegal to relocate a skunk.

Skunks prefer to make burrows in dark, warm places and will make their nests in crawl spaces, sheds, and underneath decks and porches. Skunks do not hibernate in winter. January and February are their mating season, and to stay warm, they sometimes will shelter in communal burrows. Active at night, they pose a danger in that they can carry rabies as well as diseases such as tularemia, leptospirosis, and canine distemper.

Inspection: During an inspection, we will look for a skunk’s unique footprints and their droppings, which often contain undigested seeds and berries. Also looked for are shallow digged in areas of lawn where skunks look for grubs and other insects.

Removal: Trapping and releasing is the most humane and effective method of getting rid of one or more skunks in a burrow under your porch or shed.

Repairs: An empty burrow is an invitation for another animal to move right in, so the burrow will have to be closed up, and an exclusion method such as mesh or a fence around the foundation of the deck or shed is necessary to keep a future problem from arising.

Snake in your Home

If you have a snake in your home, you have another animal pest problem. Snakes generally enter a home looking for food. Snakes will also enter your home to explore, shed its skin, or as a temporary refuge. Removing the snake’s food source is the ideal way to remove a snake.

Inspection- snake skins, snake droppings, odor,  
Snake Trapping- Live traps and direct capture are effective methods. Most non-venomous snakes are protected from killing. Eliminating any prey species and sealing potential entry points help keep snakes from re-entering your home.
 

Wildlife Removal Q&A with Critter Control 

What are some of the most common wildlife issues that homeowners face in Southwest Virginia? 

Some of the most common wildlife issues a homeowner will face in this area are from grey squirrels, flying squirrels, snakes, groundhogs, and spiders.

Both grey squirrels and flying squirrels are known to chew into homes and destroy attic insulation. Both species can cause thousands of dollars in structural damage to the home. Grey squirrels are larger, and as a result, will create larger holes when chewing in. They are also diurnal, meaning they are active only during the day. Flying squirrels are much smaller, making it harder to determine where they are entering the home. Flying squirrels are nocturnal, and therefore are active during the night. Grey squirrels and flying squirrels are known to chew on wires which may cause house fires. In order to remove, and permanently keep out these pests: trapping, exclusion, and sanitation are required.  

Snakes, on the other hand, enter yards and homes where people and pets are present. The bite of a venomous snake can severely injure children, adults, and pets. The most common food source for snakes is mice/rats, frogs, lizards, insects, and other small pests found around a home. In order to reduce snake activity, the food source must be eliminated. Along with food source reduction, trapping and deterrents are also required to solve and prevent snake issues in an area.  

Groundhogs are destructive pests known to burrow under homes, porches, sheds, or other permanent structures. They can create basketball-sized holes in yards that may cause serious injury when stepped in. Groundhog burrows that run underneath homes, sidewalks, and other structures may weaken the structure and cause it to collapse. These animals also carry fleas which may spread into a home if burrows are nearby. Trapping, exclusion, and sanitation must be done in order to remove, sanitize, and permanently keep out these pests. 

How do the seasons affect wildlife activity in Lynchburg? 

Mice and rats are active all year. However, pests such as raccoons, grey squirrels, and flying squirrels thrive in the colder months. Snakes are not active during the fall or winter seasons. 

Any prevention tips for residents in Campbell County? 

Do not leave trash outside, unless it's in a secured trash can. Do not leave pet food outside. Regularly inspect your home. If you notice any strange signs such as chew holes, debris build-up, or if you hear any strange noises, call Critter Control. 

When should homeowners call Critter Control? 

At the first sign of evidence. It could be damage to the house such as chew holes, debris build up, or stains. It could also be a strange sound you hear in the attic such as scratching, walking, or other strange wildlife sounds. It is important to address wildlife issues 

Critter Control of Lynchburg

Critter Control in Lynchburg provides professional wildlife control services throughout Southwest Virginia. Our wildlife specialists use the most advanced techniques and tools in the industry to safely and humanely remove bats, squirrels, rats, skunks, and other animals unique to the Roanoke area. Critter Control of Roanoke also specializes in wildlife exclusion as well as professional repair of wildlife damage to commercial or residential property.  

Our 30 years of experience in wildlife control allows us to accurately assess an intrusion problem and take the necessary steps to immediately address the issue. The safety of our customers is always our top priority. If you have an intrusion problem on your commercial or residential property, contact Critter Control of Roanoke as soon as possible.  

Serving the following locations:

By County: Amherst, Bedford, Botetourt, Campbell, Craig, Franklin, Montgomery and Roanoke counties.