When are badgers most active?

• <div><p>Badgers are nocturnal, which means they’re most active at night. This is when they leave their homes and go out in search of food. They’re also creatures of habit, so they will continue going back to the same places when they are active, as long as there doesn’t appear to be any danger.</p></div>

Do pest-repellent plants repel all insects and animals?

• <div><p>No, pest-repellent plants can only reduce the number of pests in your garden—they won’t repel all of them. So, for example, a plant like catnip that repels mosquitoes won’t completely eradicate them from your yard.</p></div>

Best animal removal specialists near Penhook, VA

Q: Can an animal get out of a chimney on its own?

• <div><p>Some animals, such as bats or birds, will be able to get out of chimneys on their own since they can fly. Other animals, however, may have a harder time and will require the help of a professional to escape. Squirrels and raccoons in particular may become stuck inside a chimney, especially if you have a buildup of soot or creosote inside. This can prevent them from being able to climb out, in which case you&rsquo;ll need to call an animal control expert to help remove them. </p></div>

Q: When are badgers most active?

• <div><p>Badgers are nocturnal, which means they&rsquo;re most active at night. This is when they leave their homes and go out in search of food. They&rsquo;re also creatures of habit, so they will continue going back to the same places when they are active, as long as there doesn&rsquo;t appear to be any danger.</p></div>

Q: What scent keeps gophers away?

• <div><p>Like many animals, gophers are bothered by strong scents. Peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and coffee grounds can be used as deterrents against these pests. Similarly, you can try planting lavender, rosemary, sage, geraniums, or pine trees, as these plants all have strong smells that can ward away gophers. While it may be less pleasant to work with, coyote urine scares gophers by tricking the pests into thinking your yard is a predator hot spot.</p></div>

Q: How effective are natural mice deterrents?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/get-rid-mice-and-spiders-essential-oils.htm">Scented mouse deterrents</a>, like peppermint oil, can be effective in the short term. The pungent smells may temporarily repel mice, but they lose effectiveness as the scent fades or mice get used to it. The main drawbacks are frequent reapplication and the fact that these deterrents don't address the root cause of the infestation, such as entry points or food sources. While they can be part of a broader strategy, scented deterrents alone are rarely enough to eliminate a mouse problem.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Animal Removal pros in Penhook, VA

*The Angi rating for Animal Removal companies in Penhook, VA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Animal Removal needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Animal Removal companies in Penhook, VA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Animal Removal needs.

Last update on November 12, 2025

Reviewed in November 2025
I had a unique need to remove a metal chimney located in a wooden chase. Scott arrived explaining he had not done this type of work before but was ready to accomplish the task. He examined the chimney construction, devised a plan on how best to remove the metal flu sections and within a few...
Virginia Repair and Restoration
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Reviewed in November 2024
Steven was prompt in getting me an estimate & getting the tree removed. They showed up when he said they would. He & his crew worked hard & diligently to make sure the tree came down safely and that I was satisfied. A job well done
Scalla LLC
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Reviewed in August 2024
The crew showed up on time ready to work. They quickly took care of the trees I needed removed and made my magnolia tree look brand new. The crew was very professional and I would hire them again for any tree removal or trimming I need.
Arbor Docs, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2023
The man was not equipped to do three removal
Red's Handyman
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Reviewed in July 2023
This is the second time in two years to get them here to remove trees and I was familiar with their work. I found them the first time through Angi so when they came up this time I selected them quickly. They do good work and clean up after themselves.
Trez R Us, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2023
Did a great job. Important to them that we were happy with the final results. Cleaned up very well after the tree removal. Price beat every other company. Spikeless climbing to protect trees.
Green Apes Tree Service
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Reviewed in March 2023
Very professional and quick in and out just over an hour. Plus they removed a stain left from a dresser that had gotten wet.
The Carpet Cleaning Crew LLC
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Reviewed in July 2021
Efficiently removed & hauled away old refrigerator.
Hite's Painting
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Reviewed in February 2021
Job was done in timely fashion. I was surprised at the cost to remove furniture but this company offered the lowest price.
Under One Roof Home Liquidation and Estate Services, Inc.
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Reviewed in June 2020
Came out when they said they would. Removed several trees and cleared yard as they worked. Unfortunately, we have to pay someone else to remove a stump.
Virginia Timber Services, Inc.
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Top-Rated Animal removal specialists in Penhook - Updated Nov 2026

Terminix® Pest Control

3.9(

1,074

)

Pest Control - Rodents

Serving Penhook, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1927

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Did a greta job with inspecting the house."

52 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by81%of homeowners

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General Pest Exterminating

5.0(

)

Pest Control - Rodents

Serving Penhook, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Noah is very knowledgeable and proficient! We had a HUGE tick infestation, He came out and treated our yard and garden, and because the infestation was so bad, he came back ( no extra charge) and treated it again! We have signed on for a monthly visit to make sure our pests don’t return. Highly recommend this company!"

Response time1 day

Response rate92%

Pest Control - Birds and BatsPest Control - RodentsPest Control - Small Animals+1 more

Serving Penhook, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 1993

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"They did a great job. They solved all the problems I had with the chimney and it’s been working perfectly ever since. They also fixed a problem on the roof around the chimney; they replaced the wood around the chimney with a material that would never rot, so they fixed it even better than it was before. It took them a couple of days to do the work. They took care of all the cleanup as well. We've been real happy with them."

Recommended by78%of homeowners

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Sharky's Pest Control - Strona gwna Facebook

New to Angi

Pest Control - Rodents

Serving Penhook, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Sharky's Pest Control is a local, family run business with over 34 years of experience taking care of just about anything that shouldn't be in your home. We can handle bats, ants, rodents, stink bugs, spiders, ticks, fleas, snakes, birds, bed bugs, ground hogs, and skunks, to name a few. We also offer lawn treatments for flea and tick control.

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Animal Removal FAQs, answered by experts

Some animals, such as bats or birds, will be able to get out of chimneys on their own since they can fly. Other animals, however, may have a harder time and will require the help of a professional to escape. Squirrels and raccoons in particular may become stuck inside a chimney, especially if you have a buildup of soot or creosote inside. This can prevent them from being able to climb out, in which case you’ll need to call an animal control expert to help remove them.

Badgers are nocturnal, which means they’re most active at night. This is when they leave their homes and go out in search of food. They’re also creatures of habit, so they will continue going back to the same places when they are active, as long as there doesn’t appear to be any danger.

Like many animals, gophers are bothered by strong scents. Peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and coffee grounds can be used as deterrents against these pests. Similarly, you can try planting lavender, rosemary, sage, geraniums, or pine trees, as these plants all have strong smells that can ward away gophers. While it may be less pleasant to work with, coyote urine scares gophers by tricking the pests into thinking your yard is a predator hot spot.

Scented mouse deterrents, like peppermint oil, can be effective in the short term. The pungent smells may temporarily repel mice, but they lose effectiveness as the scent fades or mice get used to it. The main drawbacks are frequent reapplication and the fact that these deterrents don't address the root cause of the infestation, such as entry points or food sources. While they can be part of a broader strategy, scented deterrents alone are rarely enough to eliminate a mouse problem.

No, pest-repellent plants can only reduce the number of pests in your garden—they won’t repel all of them. So, for example, a plant like catnip that repels mosquitoes won’t completely eradicate them from your yard.

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