Home/FAQ
Wildlife Removal Questions, Answered
The questions Roanoke homeowners actually ask, answered against Virginia DWR rules and federal statute. Where a fact varies, we say so rather than guess.
Who to call
Can a regular exterminator do this?
Often not. Nuisance wildlife control needs a state licence that a pesticide applicator’s licence does not cover, and bats and nearly all native birds are protected by law. Ask to see the wildlife permit specifically.
Will animal control come out?
No. Agencies decline attic and exclusion work and refer callers to private operators; some states moved this out of government entirely. It is a private expense.
What should I ask an operator before hiring?
Whether they hold the state wildlife licence (not just a pest licence), whether the quote includes sealing entry points or only removal, what happens if young are found, and whether attic clean-up is included or extra.
Cost and timing
What does wildlife removal cost?
It depends on the animal. A single snake might be $150. A large bat colony with attic restoration can exceed $8,000. Each species page gives an honest range.
Why is the attic clean-up more than the removal?
Because removal is a visit and restoration is a job: bagging contaminated insulation, decontaminating, repairing wiring and ducts, and re-insulating. Typically $3,000 to $10,000 for a full attic.
How fast can someone come?
We cannot promise a response time. We pass each request to a licensed operator covering the area where one is available, and the operator who takes the job sets the schedule. If an animal is loose in your living space, say so in the request; if anyone has been bitten or scratched, see a doctor or call your county health department today.
What is legal
Is there a season when removal is not allowed?
Yes, for bats. Exclusion during maternity season traps flightless pups inside the structure, and it is restricted or prohibited depending on the state and the dates.
Can I remove a bird nest from my vent?
Usually not while it is active. The federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects nearly all native birds; only the pigeon, European starling and house sparrow are exempt. An active nest with eggs or young is protected regardless.
Can I trap and relocate an animal myself?
Rules vary and relocation is frequently prohibited: it spreads disease and usually kills the animal anyway. Check with your state agency before setting a trap.
Right now
There is an animal loose in my house: what do I do?
Close interior doors to confine it to one room, open an exterior door or window in that room if you safely can, and leave it alone. Do not corner it. If it is a bat and there is any chance of contact with a person or pet while asleep, call your health department; the bat may need to be captured for rabies testing rather than released.
Something died in my wall.
That is a specific job: locating the carcass, removing it and treating the area. Deodorising without removing the source does not work.
Should I put poison down?
No. Poisoned animals die in inaccessible places, which turns a removal problem into a dead-animal problem, and secondary poisoning kills pets and raptors.
Request a quote
We read every request and pass it to a licensed wildlife operator covering Roanoke where one is available. We are still building our list of operators here, so we cannot promise one is available or say how quickly they will respond.