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Squirrel Removal in Roanoke

Last reviewed September 8, 2026 against Virginia DWR published rules and federal statute. How we research this site.

Squirrels in an attic gnaw constantly, and wiring is among the things they gnaw.

Roanoke specifically

The wooded slopes come straight down into the neighbourhoods, which means the canopy connects to rooflines across most of the older parts of the city. Grey squirrels here have two litters, the first in late winter, and a cold snap concentrates everything toward whatever is warmest. A squirrel that finds a soffit gap in December will still be there in March, with company.

Squirrels in Roanoke County: who does what

The City of Roanoke states that its Animal Wardens do not handle wild animals unless the animal is a direct threat to public safety, and refers residents to a licensed trapper or a removal service. It also gives the state wildlife conflict helpline on 855-571-9003. That helpline is advice, not a visit; nobody from it is coming to your attic.

Inside the City of Roanoke, discharging a firearm is unlawful (§21-36), and so is firing an air gun except at an approved range or on private property with the owner’s permission when nothing crosses the property line (§21-37).

For identifying an animal or damage before anyone is paid to look, the Virginia Cooperative Extension, Roanoke County / Roanoke and Salem office is at 3738 Brambleton Avenue SW, Roanoke, VA 24018, (540) 772-7524 (office page).

What Virginia law says about squirrels

Squirrels are game animals in Virginia. DWR says a landowner needs no kill permit to kill squirrels on their own land in the closed season, and advises checking with the local Commonwealth’s Attorney about which removal methods are legal. Trapping one and relocating it is illegal. All Virginia rules →

Sources: Virginia DWR, local ordinances: City of Roanoke; Code of Virginia §29.1-100; Virginia DWR: squirrels; Virginia DWR: nuisance wildlife; City of Roanoke, help with wild animals. Checked October 2026.

A grey squirrel on a roof edge beside a chewed gable vent
Illustrative A chewed gable vent: squirrels gnaw continuously, wiring included.

Signs, and why they matter

  • Fast, light scampering in the attic or wall: loudest at dawn and again before dusk
  • Scratching and persistent gnawing sounds
  • A neat, round hole chewed through fascia, trim or a gable vent
  • Chewed electrical wiring, which is a genuine and documented cause of house fires
  • Chewed plumbing lines and irrigation tubing

How removal works

One-way exclusion doors let squirrels leave and stop them returning, followed by sealing every gnawed opening with steel or hardware cloth. Wood alone gets chewed through again within weeks.

Cut-away of a one-way exclusion door fitted over an entry hole A wall in cross-section with the attic on the left and outside on the right. A hinged flap is fitted over the entry hole on the outer face. An animal pushes the flap open from inside and leaves; the flap falls shut behind it, and a stop below prevents it opening inwards, so the animal cannot get back in. INSIDE: ATTIC OR CRAWLSPACE OUTSIDE WALL STOP: IT ONLY SWINGS OUT HINGED AT THE TOP OUT: ONE WAY AND NEVER BACK IN
A one-way door lets the animal leave and not return, which is why sealing the hole is the last step, not the first.

Squirrel questions

How much does squirrel removal cost in Roanoke?

$300 – $550 typical, depending on access and whether young are present. After a long stay in an attic the cleanup is often the bigger bill (attic restoration).

Is there a wrong time of year to deal with squirrels?

Two litters a year, typically late winter and again in late summer, so there are two seasons where young may be present and unable to leave.

Who handles squirrels in Roanoke County?

Inside the City of Roanoke, discharging a firearm is unlawful (§21-36), and so is firing an air gun except at an approved range or on private property with the owner’s permission when nothing crosses the property line (§21-37).

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.

We are an information and referral service, not a licensed wildlife control operator, and we may be paid for the introduction. You are never charged.

Request a quote from a licensed Virginia operator

Tell us what is in your house. 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.

Request a Quote