Wildlife Removal Services in Sterling, VA
Professional & Humane
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Humane & Professional Wildlife Solutions
Whether you are dealing with squirrels in the attic, raccoons under the porch, or mice in the walls, our team offers reliable wildlife removal and exclusion services using safe, humane methods. By choosing PestNow, Sterling homeowners and businesses can effectively protect their property and their peace of mind.
What are the Risks of Wild Animals in Your Home?
The health risks are equally concerning. Wildlife droppings, urine, and nesting materials often harbor dangerous bacteria and viruses. Specifically:
Rodents can spread Salmonella and Hantavirus through their saliva and waste, and birds can transmit over 60 diseases.
Squirrels and raccoons are known carriers of parasites, ticks, and even rabies.
Even without direct physical contact, disturbed dust from contaminated droppings can cause serious respiratory issues. Because these risks escalate the longer animals remain on-site, quick professional action is essential to protect your health and property.
Our 4-Step Wildlife Exclusion & Prevention Process
PestNow's process combines expert knowledge and safe, humane techniques to handle wildlife effectively.
1. Comprehensive Inspection - Wildlife professionals start by examining the property, identifying where animals are entering and nesting. This includes attics, crawl spaces, vents, and outdoor structures.
2. Humane Removal and Trapping - All animals are handled with care using professional, humane traps and removal methods that meet Virginia wildlife regulations.
3. Exclusion and Repairs - Once the wildlife is removed, PestNow seals up entry points, repairs damage, and installs deterrents to stop future intrusions.
4. Cleanup and Sanitation - Droppings, nesting materials, and contaminated insulation are safely removed.
Pro tip: Wildlife is always on the hunt for an easy meal. You can significantly reduce the risk of a home invasion by securing your trash bins with locking lids and never leaving pet food outdoors overnight. Removing the incentive is the first step to keeping your property critter-free!
Wildlife FAQs
What kind of wildlife do you handle?
We specialize in the common "uninvited guests" including:
Squirrels & Raccoons (often found in attics)
Bats (common in older Sterling homes and barns)
Groundhogs & Skunks (found under decks and sheds)
Birds & Snakes
Opossums
I hear scratching in my attic. What should I do?
Don't wait! Scratching or thumping usually means an animal is nesting or chewing on your home's structure. Our Sterling specialists will perform a thorough inspection to identify the animal, find their entry points, and create a customized removal plan.
Is your wildlife removal humane?
Yes! At PestNow, we use "Integrated Pest Management" (IPM).
Does homeowners' insurance cover wildlife damage?
Most insurance policies in Virginia cover damage from "large" wildlife (like a raccoon crashing through a roof), but many do not cover damage from "rodents" (like squirrels or mice). We can provide you with a detailed inspection report to help you with any potential insurance claims.
How long does the removal process take?
The timeline for wildlife removal is rarely a "one-and-done" situation because it depends entirely on the guest you're trying to evict. On average, you can expect a process of 3 to 7 days, but it varies by species
1. The Initial Inspection (Day 1)
- A specialist needs to identify the entry points, the species, and whether there are offspring involved (which complicates things significantly).
2. Trapping or Exclusion (Days 1-5)
Raccoons & Squirrels: Usually takes 3 to 5 days. These are smart, wary animals that may take a night or two to trust a trap or use a one-way door.
Rats & Mice: Often takes 5 to 7 days (or longer for large infestations) because you have to ensure the entire colony is accounted for before sealing the house.
Bats: This can take a few days to a week, and in, it can only be done during specific "blackout" seasons to protect the pups.