Not Sure What Animal You Have?
Strange noises, unexplained damage, mysterious odors — we investigate, identify, and solve wildlife problems across South-Central Virginia. You don't need to know what it is. That's our job.
Call us: (434) 608-9636
We are the detectives. You tell us what you're hearing, seeing, or smelling — we investigate the signs. Time of day, location, sound type, and patterns all narrow the field.
Every species leaves a unique calling card — droppings, tracks, entry point size, chew marks, shed skins, and feeding patterns. We know how to read them.
When evidence alone isn't definitive, we deploy cellular cameras to catch the culprit in the act — day or night — before recommending any work.
Once the animal is identified, we walk you through every step of the plan — what needs to happen, what it costs, and what can wait.
We don't just fix the immediate problem — we explain why it happened and what to do to stop it from happening again.
Time of day is the first clue. Daytime scratching = squirrels. Nighttime thumping = raccoons. After-dark chittering = bats or flying squirrels. Rolling sounds = raccoon kits. We inspect rooflines, soffits, and attics and deploy cameras when needed to confirm species before any removal.
Slow shuffling and odor = opossum or skunk. Larger tunneling and disturbed soil = groundhog. Quiet movement without obvious signs = possible snake. We use monitored traps and crawlspace cameras to confirm the source without unnecessary disturbance.
Hole size and pattern tell the story. Small cone-shaped holes in the lawn = skunks digging for grubs. Large openings near foundations or deck edges = groundhog. Surface runways just below the grass = voles. We evaluate the burrows and identify what's active before recommending a course of action.
How the bird was killed is the key. Heads missing = owl or mink. Taken whole = coyote or fox. Mauled in place = raccoon. Multiple birds killed at once = weasel family. We analyze prints, bite marks, and camera footage to identify the predator and recommend coop reinforcement.
A smell from walls, crawlspaces, or vents often means an animal died after being trapped or using a poisoned bait station elsewhere. We locate, remove, and treat the area with enzyme-based odor control. See our dead animal removal page for specifics.
If you're hearing or seeing something at night but can't identify it, we deploy cellular wildlife cameras to record nighttime activity and confirm what's entering or leaving your property — before we recommend any removal.
You spend time, money, and effort growing your garden — and something's been sneaking in and tearing it up. Bite marks, toppled plants, tunnels between rows, and droppings all tell a story. Here's how to read it.
- Cleanly clipped leaves and stems — as if snipped with scissors
- Small round dry pellet droppings scattered nearby
- Most active early morning and at dusk
- Half-eaten fruits or nuts left behind
- Small holes dug where bulbs or seeds were planted
- Chewed garden hoses or raided bird feeders
- Large tunnels near garden edges or fences
- Broad bites taken from multiple plants in one night
- Flattened paths through vegetation leading to 8–12 inch holes
- Cone-shaped holes 1–3 inches deep scattered in soil from grub digging
- Disturbed mulch or uprooted plants with few bites taken
- Distinct odor in the mornings after overnight digging
- Dug holes in soft dirt or compost looking for insects or small animals
- Missing poultry or fruit, especially at night
- Tracks and faint musky odor along property edges
- Plants pulled from soil or corn stalks bent to reach ears
- Trash cans tipped near gardens
- Tracks in soft soil resembling tiny handprints
- Tunnels or raised runways just below the grass
- Plants suddenly dying as roots are chewed off underground
- Mounds or trails between flowerbeds
You don't need to climb into your attic or dig through your yard — that's what we're trained for. But these steps help us narrow things down faster when you call.
Not sure what you're dealing with?
A $75 inspection is the fastest way to get a real answer — with photo proof, a clear species ID, and an honest plan. No guessing. No pressure.
Schedule an Inspection Contact UsEvery job is done with care and respect — for your property and for the animals we remove. You don't need to guess. You definitely don't need to go poking around trying to find it. That's what we're here for.