Does vinegar keep animals away?

• <div><p>Vinegar can keep some animals at bay, like deer, rabbits, foxes, and raccoons. Keep in mind that your household pets, like cats and dogs, also don’t like the smell of vinegar. You can soak rags in white vinegar and put them up around your garden beds to keep the pesky critters from eating your plants.</p></div>

Can animals in my attic get into my house?

• <div><p>As a general rule, if you hear an animal in your attic, don’t assume it will stay there. Animals are drawn to warmth and food sources, which could lead them to other parts of your house. In particular, it’s likely that small pests such as rats and mice that only need tiny gaps to squeeze through will end up in your walls and ductwork. Larger animals like raccoons may be limited to an enclosed attic.</p></div>

Best animal removal specialists near Penhook, VA

Q: Do dryer sheets keep squirrels away?

• <div><p>Whether dryer sheets can keep squirrels away is a bit of a mystery because the evidence is entirely anecdotal. Many households claim to have success with using dryer sheets for keeping squirrels away by placing them throughout their attics, yards, on a clothesline, and any other area where squirrels like to run through. Squirrels do not like strong scents, so if you try using dryer sheets, the ones with the strongest scent may be the most effective.</p></div>

Q: Can you get rid of badgers naturally?

• <div><p>Badgers have a strong sense of smell, so it&rsquo;s possible you can deter them with strong scents, such as applying citronella oil to the bottom of your fence, adding crushed scotch bonnet peppers sprinkled throughout your garden, or mixing both of these into a solution to spray around your home and garden.</p></div>

Q: What are the signs of badgers in a yard or garden?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-animal-is-digging-holes-in-my-yard.htm">Signs of badgers in a yard</a> or garden include large burrow holes 2 to 9 feet deep and 1 to 2 feet wide in your lawn or garden or under your fence. Badgers may even break through fences in some cases. Partially eaten fruits, vegetables, and animal carcasses can also be a sign. Look for bits of fur, bones, spines, and skulls.</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."

56 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

Vinegar can keep some animals at bay, like deer, rabbits, foxes, and raccoons. Keep in mind that your household pets, like cats and dogs, also don’t like the smell of vinegar. You can soak rags in white vinegar and put them up around your garden beds to keep the pesky critters from eating your plants.

Whether dryer sheets can keep squirrels away is a bit of a mystery because the evidence is entirely anecdotal. Many households claim to have success with using dryer sheets for keeping squirrels away by placing them throughout their attics, yards, on a clothesline, and any other area where squirrels like to run through. Squirrels do not like strong scents, so if you try using dryer sheets, the ones with the strongest scent may be the most effective.

As a general rule, if you hear an animal in your attic, don’t assume it will stay there. Animals are drawn to warmth and food sources, which could lead them to other parts of your house. In particular, it’s likely that small pests such as rats and mice that only need tiny gaps to squeeze through will end up in your walls and ductwork. Larger animals like raccoons may be limited to an enclosed attic.

Badgers have a strong sense of smell, so it’s possible you can deter them with strong scents, such as applying citronella oil to the bottom of your fence, adding crushed scotch bonnet peppers sprinkled throughout your garden, or mixing both of these into a solution to spray around your home and garden.

Signs of badgers in a yard or garden include large burrow holes 2 to 9 feet deep and 1 to 2 feet wide in your lawn or garden or under your fence. Badgers may even break through fences in some cases. Partially eaten fruits, vegetables, and animal carcasses can also be a sign. Look for bits of fur, bones, spines, and skulls.

The Penhook, VA homeowners’ guide to animal removal services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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Who to Call for Wildlife Removal and How to Prevent Critters From Coming Back
Using this guide, you’ll learn who to call for a wild animal in the house. The answer comes down to what type of animal has entered the home.