Wildlife in Your Hampton Roads Home?
Here's Who to Call.
Precision Pest Management specializes in pest control — not wildlife removal. We've put together this guide so you know exactly where to turn, and how we can help once the animals are gone.
Wildlife vs. Pests: What's the Difference?
Requires a separate Virginia license. Specialists trap, handle, and relocate wild animals in compliance with Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VDWR) regulations.
Animals: raccoons, squirrels, bats, snakes, birds, deer
Licensed through the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. We treat insects, rodents, and other common household pests.
Pests: termites, mosquitoes, mice, rats, bed bugs, cockroaches, ants
Here's where it overlaps: Once a wild animal leaves or is removed, they almost always leave behind damage, droppings, and entry points that attract rodents and insects. That's exactly where Precision Pest Management comes in.
Common Wildlife Calls in Hampton Roads
Between coastal marshes, wooded neighborhoods, and the Great Dismal Swamp, our region sees a range of wildlife that frequently ends up where it shouldn't.
🐿️Squirrels in the Attic
Squirrels are one of the most common attic intruders across Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and surrounding cities. They chew through fascia boards and roof vents to nest, especially in the fall when they're looking for winter shelter. You'll usually hear them early morning or late afternoon. Damage to wiring and insulation can be significant.
Who to call: A licensed wildlife removal company in your city (see the resource table below). After removal and exclusion work is complete, contact PPM if you're seeing rodent activity in the same area.
🦝Raccoons
Raccoons are intelligent, strong, and surprisingly good at tearing into crawl spaces, soffits, and trash areas. In Hampton Roads, they're common in suburban neighborhoods with tree cover and near waterways. Raccoons can carry rabies and roundworm, so contact with them or their droppings should always be handled by a professional.
Who to call: A licensed wildlife removal specialist. Do not attempt to trap a raccoon yourself.
🦇Bats
Bat removal is one of the most legally complex wildlife situations a homeowner can face. Virginia has strict regulations around bat exclusion — particularly during maternity season (May 1 through August 15) when removing bats is prohibited to protect nursing pups. Bats commonly roost in attics and wall voids, and their guano accumulates quickly, creating a health hazard.
Who to call: A licensed bat exclusion specialist. Timing matters enormously with bats, so call early.
How PPM can help after: Bat guano often attracts beetles and flies. After exclusion is complete, we can treat secondary insect infestations.
🐦Birds & Pigeons
Pigeons, starlings, and sparrows are the most common nuisance bird species in Hampton Roads. They nest in HVAC systems, roof voids, signs, and loading docks on commercial properties. Bird droppings are corrosive, can carry disease, and create slip hazards. Most bird species are protected under federal law, so removal requires specific permits and humane deterrent methods.
Who to call: A wildlife or bird control specialist with experience in exclusion and deterrent installation.
How PPM can help after: Bird droppings attract secondary insect infestations. We can treat those once the birds are gone.
🐍Snakes
Most snakes found in Hampton Roads homes are harmless species like black racers and rat snakes, but the region is also home to the copperhead and cottonmouth (water moccasin), both venomous. Snakes typically enter homes in search of rodent prey or cool shelter in summer. A snake inside your home is often a sign of a rodent problem.
Who to call: For venomous snakes, contact a wildlife removal professional. For non-venomous snakes, your city's animal control can often assist.
How PPM can help after: Snakes usually follow rodents. If you're seeing snakes near your home, let us address the rodent problem that's attracting them.
Hampton Roads Wildlife Removal Resources by City
For professional wildlife trapping and exclusion, search for licensed operators through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources or ask your city's animal control for a referral.
| City | Animal Control Contact | Phone | PPM Pest Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | Virginia Beach Animal Control | 757-385-4444 | Our Virginia Beach Services |
| Norfolk | Norfolk Animal Control | 757-441-5505 | Our Norfolk Services |
| Chesapeake | Chesapeake Animal Services | 757-382-8080 | Our Chesapeake Services |
| Hampton | Hampton Animal Control | 757-727-6111 | Our Hampton Services |
| Portsmouth | Portsmouth Animal Control | 757-393-5346 | Our Portsmouth Services |
| Suffolk | Suffolk Animal Control | 757-514-7800 | Our Suffolk Services |
| Newport News | Newport News Animal Control | 757-933-2311 | Our Newport News Services |
After the Wildlife Is Gone: How Precision Pest Management Can Help
Wildlife removal solves the immediate problem, but it rarely ends there. Once an animal has been living in your home, it leaves behind entry points, damaged insulation, droppings, and often a food source that's been attracting it in the first place.
Rodent Control
Squirrels and snakes frequently move in because mice and rats are already present. We'll identify and eliminate the rodent activity drawing wildlife to your home.
Insect Infestations
Bat guano and bird droppings attract beetles, flies, and other insects. We treat these secondary infestations as part of our general pest control services.
Ongoing Prevention
Our recurring pest control plans maintain a pest-free environment year-round, reducing the conditions that attract wildlife in the first place.
Not sure if you need pest control or wildlife removal?
We're happy to talk through what you're experiencing and point you in the right direction — even if that means referring you to a wildlife specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wildlife in Hampton Roads
Does Precision Pest Management do wildlife removal?
No. Precision Pest Management specializes in pest control services including general pest treatment, termite control, rodent control, mosquito control, and bed bug treatment. Wildlife removal requires a separate license in Virginia, and is a service we do not provide. We always refer homeowners to qualified local resources.
Who do I call for a wild animal in my house?
Start with your city's animal control department, especially for an immediate situation. For trapping, exclusion, or recurring issues, contact a licensed wildlife removal company in your area. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (dwr.virginia.gov) also maintains a list of licensed nuisance wildlife control operators by region.
Is it legal to remove wildlife from my home myself?
It depends on the species. In Virginia, many wildlife species are protected under state and federal law. Bats, most birds, and certain other animals cannot be legally trapped or relocated without a permit. Even for unprotected species, improper handling poses health and safety risks. We strongly recommend hiring a licensed professional.
I had animals in my attic and now I have bugs. Can you help?
Yes, absolutely. This is a common situation. Bat guano, bird droppings, and rodent activity attract secondary insect infestations including carpet beetles, flies, and mites. Once the wildlife has been removed, contact Precision Pest Management for a thorough inspection and treatment. We serve all of Hampton Roads and offer a satisfaction guarantee.
I keep seeing snakes near my house. What should I do?
Snakes near or in your home are often a sign of a rodent problem, since rats and mice are a primary food source. While Precision Pest Management does not remove snakes, we can eliminate the rodent activity that's attracting them. Addressing the root cause is almost always the most effective long-term solution.
How do I know if I need pest control or wildlife removal?
If the problem involves insects, termites, mosquitoes, bed bugs, or rodents (mice and rats), that's pest control. If it involves wild animals such as raccoons, squirrels, bats, birds, or snakes, that's wildlife removal. When in doubt, give us a call at (757) 854-9177 — we'll help identify what you're dealing with and connect you with the right service.