Squirrel Removal, Trapping & Control 

Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services, LLC is Licensed and Insured, and Provides Both Residential and Commercial Squirrel Removal Services.

Squirrel Removal & Control In Central Virginia

We offer squirrel removal, trapping, management, capture and control services throughout Central Virginia in the cities, towns and counties of Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, Glen Allen, Short Pump, Charlottesville, Chester, Mechanicsville, Ashland, Midlothian, Amelia, Powhatan, Hanover, Fluvanna, Lake Monticello, Goochland, Louisa, Orange, Lake Anna, Bon Air, Woodlake, Albemarle, Brandermill, VA, Virginia, West End and surrounding areas.

From gray squirrels to flying squirrels, Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services will remove squirrels of all types and prevent them from entering your home and business. We are Central Virginia’s animal control, wildlife removal and pest control specialists.

Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services provides residential and commercial nuisance squirrel trapping, squirrel removal, squirrel control, squirrel damage repairs and squirrel exclusion for Central Virginia and surrounding areas.

Do You Need Squirrel Removal Services In Central VA?

The Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) often causes problems in Central Virginia when it decides to take up residence inside of your attic. Once in your Central Virginia attic they can be extremely destructive – tearing up and soiling insulation, gnawing on wires and structural materials, and generally making a lot of disruptive noises.

Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services performs many squirrel evictions every year in Central Virginia. We are not only knowledgeable in eviction techniques, but also in exclusion techniques to prevent your problem from recurring in your Central VA home or business.

Squirrels in Central Virginia are diurnal, meaning they are active twice a day, generally in the morning and evening. They mate two to three times a year and have litters of 3-5 young per litter.

The Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans) can also be a problem in the attics of Central VA homeowners for many of the same reasons as the Gray Squirrel.

Description of Squirrel Damage in Central Virginia

Squirrels in Central Virginia may occasionally damage forest trees by chewing bark from branches and trunks. Pine squirrels damage Ponderosa pine, jack pine, and paper birch. In the Southeast, fox squirrels damage loblolly and other pines.

Squirrels in Central Virginia may eat cones and nip twigs to the extent that they interfere with natural reseeding of important forest trees. This is a particular problem in Ponderosa pine forests where pine squirrels may remove 60% to 80% of the cones in poor to fair seed years. In forest seed orchards, such squirrel damage interferes with commercial seed production.

At Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services we are constantly striving to advance our education so that we may serve you better.

In nut orchards, squirrels can severely curtail production by eating nuts prematurely and by carrying off mature nuts. In New England fruit orchards, pine squirrels may eat ovaries of cherry blossoms and destroy ripe pears. Pine, gray, and fox squirrels may chew bark of various orchard trees.

In Central VA residential areas, squirrels sometimes travel powerlines and short out transformers. They gnaw on wires, enter buildings, and build nests in attics. Squirrels in Central Virginia may damage siding, insulation, or household contents when they take up residence in homes or other buildings. They frequently chew holes through pipelines used in maple syrup production.

Squirrels in Central Virginia occasionally damage lawns by burying or searching for and digging up nuts. They will chew bark and clip twigs on ornamental trees or shrubbery planted in yards. Often squirrels take food at feeders intended for birds. Sometimes they chew to enlarge openings of bird houses and then enter to eat nestling songbirds. Flying squirrels in Central Virginia are small enough to enter most bird houses and are especially likely to eat nesting birds.

In gardens, squirrels may eat planted seeds, mature fruits, or grains such as corn. (Source: Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage, 1994)

Squirrel Health Concerns In Central VA

Gray squirrels in Central Virginia are also subject to a host of parasites and diseases. Botfly larvae can cause enormous cysts on a squirrel before the larva emerges to pupate and metamorphose into a fly. Mange can leave squirrels with patches of raw furless skin. Ticks, fleas, lice, and worms also afflict gray squirrels in Central Virginia.

Another peculiar ailment that is found in gray squirrels is squirrel pox or fibromatosis. This disease is caused by a virus and results in multiple large skin tumors which may appear anywhere on the squirrel´s body. Normally, this disease will run its course and the tumors will disappear unless secondary skin infections occur. If the tumors occur around the eyes or mouth, the squirrel may be unable to see or feed and may succumb due to starvation. Squirrel droppings, like pretty much any wildlife dropping, are associated with Leptospirosis and Salmonella. (Source: www.newyorkwild.org)

Central Virginia Flying Squirrel Removal

Flying Squirrel Description

A very small squirrel. Very silky coat grayish brown above, white below, with hairs all white from tip to base. Loose fold of skin between foreleg and hind leg. Flattened, gray-brown tail. Large black eyes. L 7 3/4-10 1/8″ (198-255 mm); T 3 1/8-4 3/4″ (81-120 mm); HF 7/8-1 1/4″ (22-32 mm); Wt 1 1/2-3 1/8 oz (45-90 g).

Similar Species

Slightly larger Northern Flying Squirrel is a richer brown, with abdominal fur usually gray at base. Breeding: Mates in early spring; 2-7 young born after gestation of 41 days. Often second litter August-September, usually by females not breeding in spring. Habitat: Various deciduous forests such as beech-maple, oak-hickory, and, in the South, live oak. Range: Eastern U.S. (except for north New England and southern tip of Florida) east of Minnesota, east Kansas, and east Texas.

Discussion

Flying squirrels in Central Virginia are the only nocturnal tree squirrels. Although it is active in all seasons, the Southern Flying Squirrel may remain in its nest in very cold weather and will enter torpor in times of extreme cold or food scarcity. The state of torpor is not as deep as true hibernation, but the animal’s body temperature can drop to 22°F (-6°C), and it may take up to 40 minutes to wake. In Central Virginia, the flying squirrel does not truly fly, but glides through the air, up to 80 yards (meters) or more, from the top of one tree down to the trunk of another. It flies with its legs outstretched and the fold of skin between foreleg and hind leg acting as a combination parachute and sail (or glider wing). While gliding, it can turn or change its angle of descent. Just before landing, it drops its tail and lifts its forequarters, slackening the flight skin, which then serves as an air brake. It lands very lightly on all four feet, and at once scurries around to the other side of the tree trunk, in case a predator has followed its flight. Agile and extremely surefooted aloft, it is relatively clumsy on the ground.

The most carnivorous of Central Virginia’s tree squirrels, the Southern Flying Squirrel feeds on nuts, acorns, seeds, berries, fungi, lichens, birds and their nestlings and eggs, some insects, and sometimes other vertebrates, including carrion. Hard parts and wings of larger insects are often discarded. Flying squirrels in Central Virginia will gnaw bark from maple trees and drink the sap, and also eat moths that come to the sap to feed. Great quantities of nuts, acorns, and seeds are stored for winter use, in tree hollows, in their nests, in crotches or cracks in trees, and in the ground. Hickory nuts and acorns may be buried throughout the home range, adding to the general store of nuts buried by other species of squirrels. Southern Flying Squirrels in Central Virginia may store up to 15,000 nuts in a season. They use their front incisors to pound the nuts into the ground or a crack in a tree.

Woodpecker holes are favored nest sites, but the Southern Flying Squirrel in Central Virginia may build a summer nest of leaves, twigs, and bark that is similar to that of gray or fox squirrels, but is only about 8 inches (200 mm) in diameter. Typical dens are dead tree stubs 8 to 20 feet (2.5-6 m) high that contain woodpecker holes, 1 1/2 to 2 inches (40-50 mm) in diameter. The nest cavity is lined with shredded bark or, in the Deep South, Spanish moss and palmetto fibers. There is often a primary nest, plus many secondary nests used for temporary shelter. Some dens are used exclusively for defecation; over time, humus can build up to 1 1/2 feet (half a meter) deep. In winter, several individuals may den together in one tree hole, as their combined body heat brings up the den temperature; as many as 50 individuals have been found in one nest in winter. Flying squirrels in Central Virginia know their home range very well, and when abroad will hide in a hollow tree, under loose bark, or another convenient spot, such as an old bird or squirrel nest.

The Southern Flying Squirrel mates in early spring. The female is receptive for just one day. She usually mates with the dominant male, and often a subordinate as well. At about four weeks of age the young resemble adults; at five weeks, they exit the nest to take solid food. Females of this species defend their young vigorously, and will move them to another nest if danger threatens. The main calls of adults are faint and bird-like notes, described as similar to those of night-migrating birds. The young produce squeaks, which include ultrasonic components. One researcher listened to ultrasonic sounds on a bat detector of a female and its young as the two became reunited after both hit a bat net (only the young became entangled). Southern Flying Squirrels in Central Virginia are more aggressive than its northern counterpart. Predators include owls and many mammals, but the house cat is the most dangerous. (Source: www.enature.com)

Central Virginia Flying Squirrel Damage and Concerns

Flying squirrels in Central Virginia may cause damage when they enter buildings via construction gaps, dormer and louver vents, chimneys, fascia boards and soffits. Their entrance hole is often times the size of a quarter. Squirrels in Central Virginia have been responsible for starting fires by chewing on electrical wires. Other damages include accumulated droppings, urine stains, chewing and gnawing on wood, and degradation of insulation.

Outside their Central Virginia home they are known to denude bark on trees and shrubs, dig holes in turf, and raid bird feeders and gardens. There are few health concerns associated with flying squirrels. They are, on rare occasions, carriers of rabies and typhus, but these squirrels pose little, if any, significant threat to humans.

Central Virginia Flying Squirrel Control

There are various approaches for controlling flying squirrels in Central Virginia. Prevention of the flying squirrel entry, or excluding the site, is of extreme importance in solving this situation. Another technique is humanely live-trapping the flying squirrels from the space. Cage trapping flying squirrels can be utilized, using nuts and vegetables. Tree trimming around the building will discourage use by these squirrels, along with other birds and animals. We also recommended installing chimney caps on any uncovered chimney, to prevent unwanted flying squirrel entry into Central Virginia homes.

Central Virginia Flying Squirrel Management

To successfully manage a flying squirrel population in Central Virginia, you must have an integrated wildlife pest management plan. Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services uses multiple approaches to eradicate and exclude these and other nuisance animals from your Central Virginia home, business and property.

The Squirrel Exclusion Process

When squirrels make their way into your home, garage, or place of business, you want them gone as soon as possible. These destructive critters can ruin all kinds of fixtures and building materials in your home, as well as create more holes so more nuisance animals can get in. Once you have them removed, it is very important to perform a squirrel exclusion process. Continue reading to learn more.

What Is Exclusion?

Animal removal is when you or a professional wildlife removal company physically remove animals from your home and buildings. The removal process is important, but the exclusion of future animals is just as important. Exclusion is making it impossible for any future pests to get into your home. In this case, the discussion is on excluding squirrels. However, once you have done a single exclusion for any species, it is highly unlikely that any other nuisance animal will be able to make its way into your home. That is why it is so important to have a professional wildlife removal company perform exclusion services for you.

The Exclusion Process

The exclusion process looks different for every different wildlife control company, each having its own way of doing things. However, most squirrel exclusions will begin with an overall inspection of the home and property. This inspection allows the pest control experts to assess the situation and determine a proper solution. In many cases, there will just be a couple of quick fixes, however, in others, it might take a good amount of work. Luckily, pest control specialists generally have tons of experience in dealing with a wide variety of unique situations, giving them the confidence and knowledge needed to quickly and effectively perform a squirrel exclusion. The fixes that can occur range from simply applying an all-weather sealant to problem areas or adding aluminum sheeting, to installing chimney guards and other deterrents. Once these have been installed, your home should be good to go. With that being said, many pest control companies will take further steps if requested.

Can I Do It Myself?

Many homeowners have the do-it-yourself attitude that is great for many situations. However, pest control is one area where doing it yourself can cost you a lot of money, time, and damage in the long run. Many homeowners believe that excluding squirrels is fairly simple. Just install one-way doors to get them out of your home and then seal up your home. While it sounds simple in theory, sealing up your home is hard work, and there are many details that are generally overlooked by do-it-yourselfers. In addition, working around squirrels and their feces can be potentially deadly, due to the variety of diseases they carry, so it is always recommended to use an abundance of caution when attempting any pest control or exclusion on your own. If squirrels are able to make their way into your home in just one place you may have overlooked, you will likely spend far more money and time trying to remove them than you would have by hiring a professional pest removal company from the start.

Why Hire Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services?

At Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services, we have decades of experience in dealing with virtually any nuisance animal situation that is possible in Virginia. We are proud to service the whole state of Virginia, and we love being able to perform squirrel exclusions for our beloved clients. If you are dealing with a squirrel problem of any kind, not only can we humanely remove them, but we are also experts in exclusion and cleanup as well. Give us a call if you have any nuisance wildlife problems and live in the Central Virginia area! You may also find our blog on 5 reasons why you need a professional pest control service helpful.

Animal Sounds In My Attic, Walls, Ceilings Or Crawlspace? What Type Of Animal Could It Be?

If you are hearing animal sounds in your attic, walls, ceilings or crawlspace we can help. Our local animal removal and pest control specialist are professionally trained to help you address all of your animal control needs in the Henrico, Glen Allen, Richmond, Midlothian and Charlottesville Virginia areas. Call us today at (804) 457-2883.

VPWRS Extensive Services

Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services provides nuisance wildlife removal, animal control, predator control, pest control, nuisance wildlife exclusion, and wildlife clean-up services.

We have experience handling bats, beavers, birds, Canada geese, chipmunks, coyotes, deer, foxes, groundhogs, mice, moles, raccoons, rats, opossums, otters, skunks, squirrels, snakes, voles, muskrats, bobcats, Copperhead snakes, pigeons, and other species of Virginia wildlife.

We operate our business within accepted industry standards and best practices, and in accordance with local, state, and federal laws.

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