Should I Buy an Ultrasonic Bat Repellent Machine?

Got nuisance bat problems that won’t seem to go away no matter what you do? If so, you may have come across some devices on the market known as ultra-sonic bat repellents. These can be highly useful, but only if applied in the right circumstances and conditions. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about using such devices for bat control, as well as, what you can do to protect your home from nuisance bat interference and damage.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Ultrasonic Bat Repellent Devices

If you have a high amount of bat activity on or around your property, they might become a nuisance, sooner than later. One way you can safely and humanely abate nuisance bat activity is to utilize certain types of innovative technologies available on the market for pest control and environmental modification. One such advancement are ultrasonic bat repeller devices, however, many consumers are unsure whether or not these devices are the real deal.

How They Work

Ultrasonic bat repellent devices do work effectively to abate nuisance bat activity around a property. They are safe and eco-friendly, and do not harm wildlife or the surrounding environment. Best of all, they do more than reduce bat activity; they also defend your property against a wide variety of other usual pests, like spiders and rodents.

If you want a safe and easy way to decrease the level of bat activity around your home or office, and ultrasonic bat repellent is a great place to start. However, in order to get the best results with an ultrasonic bat repellent, you must choose quality devices, as well as, have them installed by a professional Virginia Bat Control Company that knows the best strategies for abatement.

Ultrasonic Bat Repellents on the Market

Ultrasonic bat repellers come in various options and brands, all ranging in quality, application, features, and price. The device you choose will largely depend on the intended application of use and your overall budget. Some bat repeller devices thwart more than just bats. Many are designed to also fend off other pests, like insects, rodents, spiders, and more. Also, bat repeller devices are generally easy to install and easy to use. Most models simply require you to plug it in and leave it be.

In additional to ultrasonic technology, some have optimal deworming and electromagnetic features, too. Other admired features and applications of ultrasonic bat repellers include long range and the ability to penetrate walls. Also, many come with warranties or lifetime guarantees. A recommended retailer for ultrasonic bat repellers is Amazon.com, which offers a wide range of options for home and commercial use. Consider the Hoontä Powerful Solar Battery Powered Ultrasonic Outdoor Pest and Animal Repeller, which is motion-activated and highly-rated.

Get Safe and Humane Virginia Bat Control Service

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 when you need prompt and professional Virginia bat removal and control you can afford. We use safe and humane methods to deliver effective 24 hour bat control for residential and commercial properties throughout Virginia. We serve all of Virginia, including Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and all of their surrounding areas.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control

How to Help a Bat on the Ground

Not only are bats nocturnal in nature, they are generally very scared of humans. So, if you come across to bat on the ground, especially in the middle of the day, it is a blatant sign that something is wrong with the bat. For this reason, there are several safety precautions that you must take if you are considering helping the bat.

Continue reading to learn exactly what you should do if you ever find a grounded bat around your property.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Causes for Grounded Bats

There are many reasons why bat might be alone on the ground. One of the most common reasons has to do with illness. Bats are common carriers of the rabies virus, and one of the telltale signs of being infected with rabies is a backwards biological circadian clock. Basically, when a nocturnal animal is out during the day, it could be a sign that they are rabid or at least infected with rabies.

Another common cause of grounded bats is injury. A bat might’ve injured its wing and therefore, incapable of achieving flight. In other cases, a grounded bat is simply the result of a baby being abandoned or lost from its mother. In most cases, the mother comes back for the baby bat because they only have one per season. However, it is also common for mothers to entirely abandon their pup in the case that it is ill. Sometimes, I bat is simply tired and need to just take a rest.

What To Do For a Grounded Bat

The most important consideration you need to keep in mind when helping a grounded bat is personal safety. Under no circumstances should you ever attempt to attach or harm a bat. For this reason, it is important that you don yourself with the proper protective gear including thick work utility gloves that come up to the elbows, as well as a facemask. You also need a shoe box or some other type of similar container, as well as a soft cloth. You will not need to lead, but you will need some sort of sturdy stationary card.

First and foremost, give the bat a few hours to see if it’s just resting. It might take off and fly away soon. If it is still there after 6 to 8 hours, you can proceed with the following steps.

Start by segregating all other people and pets from the bat. Lock up your dogs and cats inside the house and tell your children to stay inside with them.

Next, put all of your protective gear on and slowly approached about holding your shoebox and lid. Slowly place the box on top of the bat and then using your stationary card, gently slide the bat inside the box.

Place a soft cloth inside of the box in the corner for the bat to feel safe and comfortable. Take the box with the bat to a faraway, safe habitat, such as a woodland area near a body of water.

Place the box on top of something high and leave the bat there. Eventually it should crawl out or take off. If it is sick, nature will simply take its course and the bat will become one with the ecosystem once again.

Or You Can Opt for Professional Bat Removal

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane bat removal and control assistance in Old Dominion. We serve all of Virginia and its surrounding areas. We offer 24 hour bat removal, as well as, numerous residential and commercial bat exclusion services, such as bat cleanup and restorations for bat damages. We even provide insurance work! Contact us today for a free estimate.

How Did Bats Get in the Attic?

Have you recently discovered a roosting colony of bats in your attic? If so, there are many steps you must take to have the bats removed safely, and then reverse all of the mess and damages. But first, you might be asking yourself how bats got into your house in the first place? Continue reading to learn the possible entry points of your home that bats could have used to gain access to your attic, and what you need to do to get the process of bat removal started as soon as possible.

Bats in the Attic? Call 804-729-9097 Now!
Bats in the Attic? Call 804-729-9097 Now!

Bats are Very Small

The species of bats native to Virginia are very small. In fact, they are so small, they can fit through an opening as tiny as 3/8ths of an inch! That is basically the thickness of a nickel. Their small stature aids them in finding access to our homes. Anything from missing roof shingles to crumbling mortar can give bats a perfectly good entrance into the interior spaces of your house.

Common Bat Entry Points:

✦ Crumbling Mortar or Wall Plaster
✦ Missing or Loose Roof Shingles
✦ Torn Window Screens
✦ Cracks or Holes in Siding
✦ Rotted Window Seals
✦ Broken Door Frames
✦ Missing or Cracked Soffits
✦ Chimneys
✦ Attic and Roof Vents
✦ Broken Gutters or Downspouts

If your home has any vulnerable spots such as the ones listed above, it could be the entrance bats used to get inside your attic. Fortunately, all of these vulnerabilities can be resolved with proper bat exclusion services. A bat removal and control company will implement technological methods and strategies to seal up all openings and defects of your home’s exterior to prevent further animal intrusion. They can also use various other strategies, such as environmental modifications and biological applications, to add to your home’s security against nuisance wildlife.

Attic Damages Caused by Bats

Bats leave behind a large mess of bat droppings, urine saturation, property damages, and even bat bugs. There are many common damages bats are known to cause; and the larger the colony, the more mess you will be faced with following extraction. Not only are damages something to worry about, bats and bat droppings can present several serious health risks to both humans and pets. This makes cleanup and repair just as vital as the process of bat removal. A licensed and insured Indianapolis bat control company can provide the proper decontamination, sterilization, deodorization, and restoration your attic needs to recover from a bat infestation.

Safe and Humane Bat Removal in Virginia

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane bat removal and control assistance in Old Dominion. We serve all of Virginia and its surrounding areas. We offer 24 hour bat removal, as well as, numerous residential and commercial bat exclusion services, such as bat cleanup and restorations for bat damages. We even provide insurance work! Contact us today for a free estimate.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control

FAQS About Endangered Bats

Bats are incredible mammals. Not only are they the only mammalian species capable of true, authentic flight, they play a vital role in our surrounding Eco-systems. And although bats have a stigma to them, and a poor reputation for being a nuisance to home and building owners, they are protected under state and federal law. This is especially true for endangered bat species. Sadly, species all across the globe are still becoming endangered and close to extinction. We have to work harder as a society to support animal protection and initiatives in order to keep our beloved animal kingdom sustainable and strong.

Continue reading to review some common questions about endangered bats, including which species are endangered, why some bats are becoming extinct, and much more.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control
The Lesser Short-Nosed Fruit Bat is a species of Megabat that lives in Southeast Asia and Indonesia.

How Many Bats are Endangered?

Endangered bats are also referred to as “threatened” species. There are multiple levels of endangerment. Bat species may fall under “Critically-Endangered” or “Endangered” depending on the severity of threat.  According to the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species, there are 26 critically endangered species, 51 endangered species, and 954 additional species that are considered vulnerable to endangerment. However, these numbers are always changing and difficult to keep up with.

Is There a Difference Between Endangered and Extinct?

Extinct species have all died out and are no longer in existence anywhere on the planet. The term extinct is though to come from the Latin term, extinctus, which translates to the modern, extinguish. Endangered species face an imminent risk of extinction. Some examples of extinct animals include the Dodo, Great Auk, Steller’s Sea Cow, and the Tasmanian Tiger.

Why Do Bats Become Extinct?

There are several reasons that have contributed to the demise of certain bat species. Such factors include land over-development, diseases like White Nose Syndrome, and habitat destruction. In fact, the biggest contributing factors are loss of habitat, like caves, forests, and nesting areas. When bats lose their homes, they search for new homes, like our attics and crawl spaces! It is not their fault, which is why bats should never be regarded as a bad animal. They are innocent creatures that have suffered substantial habitat loss.

Which Bats are Endangered in the United States?

According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, there are 13 endangered bat species in the United States. Under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, there are 5 species and sub-species that are identified as Endangered. They are as follows:

Bonneted BatEumops floridanus
Gray Bat Myotis grisescens
Hoary Bat Lasiurus cinereus semotus
Indiana BatMyotis sodalis
Lesser Long-Nosed Bat – Leptonycteris curasoae yerbabuenae
Little Mariana Fruit BatPteropus tokudae
Mariana Flying FoxPteropus mariannus mariannus
Mexican Long-Nosed BatLeptonycteris nivalis
Northern Long-Eared BatMyotis septentrionalis
Ozark Big-Eared BatCorynorhinus townsendii ingens
Pacific Sheath-Tailed BatEmballonura semicaudata rotensis
Samoan Pacific Sheath-Tailed BatEmballonura semicaudata semicaudata

And Sadly………
The Virginia Big-Eared Bat
(Corynorhinus Townsendii Virginianus)

Got Nuisance Bat Problems in Virginia?

Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane bat removal and control at a fair price. Regardless of the size or scope of your bat abatement and cleanup needs, we have the experience and resources necessary to remedy your bat problem in no time at all. Our professionals are focused on safe and effective results, but more importantly, our client’s complete satisfaction. Contact us anytime for free estimates, advice, and assistance.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control

Why Choose Us for Bat Removal and Control in Virginia

Virginia Bat Pros is a Bat Standards Compliant and Certified Company. But that is not the only reason why you should choose our professionals for safe and affordable bat abatement service in Old Dominion!

Virginia Bat Removal and Control

? All-Inclusive Services You Can Trust

Our company, Virginia Bat Pros, is a licensed, bonded, and insured bat removal and control business with more than 27 years of experience in the wildlife rescue and control industry. We offer a wide range of services for both residential and commercial clients, including bat extraction, exclusion, prevention, cleanup and sanitation, damage repairs and restoration, emergency 24 hour service, estimates, inspections, and free advice. Some homeowners’ insurance policies are compatible with restoration and repair work for bat infestations, and we can work with them to get the job done right, at an affordable price.

? We Truly Love Bats!

As supporters of local bat populations, we never use inhumane or lethal methods to remove bats, and instead, implement scientifically-proven strategies that will get rid of bats without harming them or your home. Once extracted, bats are relocated to a faraway, safe habitat where they can live out the rest of their lives in peace.

? Top Resources and Credentials

Our certified teams at Virginia Bat Pros retain the latest technologies and state of the art equipment to solve bat problems safely, effectively, and efficiently, doing everything in their power to ensure your property is protected against nuisance bats. For instance, we use the highest quality materials and resources to mend openings, such as heavy gauge galvanized steel mesh screening, industrial caulking, high-density polyurethane foam, and more. Also, as members of the National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA), you can trust that we take their job very seriously.

? Free Quotes and Same-Day Service

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane bat removal and control assistance in Old Dominion. We serve all of Virginia, including Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and all of their surrounding areas, with 24 hour bat removal, as well as, numerous residential and commercial bat exclusion services, such as bat cleanup and restorations for bat damages. We even provide insurance work! Contact us at 804-729-9097 to request a free estimate, anytime.

Did You Find a Dead Bat on Your Property?

If you recently came across a dead bat in or around your house, there are some facts you need to know right away. Continue reading to learn what you should do, and how you should follow up after the bat has been removed.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Bat Diseases and Health Hazards

The first rule to finding a dead animal is to never touch it, not even with protective gloves. When it comes to bats, the same rule of thumb applies. Bats are known carriers of several infectious diseases, including Rabies, distemper, and roundworm. They are also common carriers of harmful parasites, such as mites, lice, fleas, and ticks. All of these diseases and pests can be transmitted to both people and pets, making dead bats a serious hazard in any non-professional situation.

So What Should You Do?

As soon as you find the dead bat, cut off access to it by isolating pets and kids in another area. If the bat is outside, be sure everyone, including cats and dogs, are inside the house. If the bat is in a certain room of the house, shut the door or put up gates to prevent kids and pets from getting close. Do not attempt to touch or recover the bat under any circumstances. As mentioned, you might expose yourself to a transmissible disease or health hazard.

Once you have mitigated possible exposure to people and pets, your next move is to contact a local bat abatement company for emergency bat removal services. They have the tools, training, and state licenses to legally remove and relocate bats, whether dead or alive. Keep in mind that it is illegal to tamper or harm a bat in Virginia. See our blog, “State Laws Surrounding Wild Bats” to learn the laws that govern wildlife practices in our state.

How to Follow Up

Once you have had the bat removed, it is important that you follow up by having your home inspected for bats. If you have one bat in or around the house, you likely have more. This is especially true when bats are found inside a home or building. The same company that removed the dead bat can also provide comprehensive bat inspections.

If a bat infestation is located, they can also provide bat extraction and cleanup services. To protect your home from future bat infestations, the company can also provide certain bat-proofing and abatement strategies that will do the job. See our blog, “Frequently Asked Questions About Bat Removal and Control” to learn more about bat prevention.

Where to Get Emergency Bat Removal in Virginia

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane bat removal and control assistance in Old Dominion. We serve all of Virginia with 24 hour bat removal, as well as, numerous residential and commercial bat exclusion services, such as bat cleanup and restorations for bat damages. We even provide insurance work! Contact us at 804-729-9097 to request a free estimate, anytime.

The Most Common Signs of Bats in the Attic

Here in Virginia, there are several species of bat native to our state; as much as 15, in fact. Of these various species, some are known to live in closer range to urban and metropolitan areas, such as the big brown bat and the little brown bat. As a result, these bat species are often found roosting in residential attics, and therefore, categorized as nuisance pests. Although our local bat populations serve a vital ecological purpose that provides our societies with both environmental and economic benefits, it is not a good situation to have them living inside or around your home.

If you suspect that you might have a bat infestation, continue reading to learn which signs to look for that might prove your suspicions to be true, as well as, how to get rid of bats in the attic.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Bats in the Attic

By understanding which signs point to bat activity, you can better stay on top of home protection and maintenance. As soon as you see any signs that suggest you have bats around the house, or worse, inside, it is important to act fast and resolve the problem before it can turn into a large, costly nightmare.

You see, bats create big messes with their droppings and urine, destroying attic insulation and floorboards, which can lead to ceiling stains and indoor odors. Furthermore, rotted bat droppings (guano) can develop harmful fungal spores that can travel through air ducts and impact the health of both people and pets inside a home.

Here are the most common signs that you have bats in the attic:

☑ Ceiling and Wall Stains
☑ Lingering Odors in Certain Rooms
☑ Strange Noises or Fluttering Sounds in Walls
☑ Dark Greasy Stains Around Attic Windows and Vents
☑ Bat Droppings on Roof or Window Ledges
☑ Seeing Bats Fly Around at Dusk and Dawn Near Your House

Special Note: If you see a bat or two hanging from the eaves of your roof or porch, you might not have to worry; this is common bat behavior at dusk. They are simply resting in between hunting sessions. However, if you see any of the signs listed above, there could be reason for concern. Contact a local and licensed bat removal and control company for humane bat extraction and exclusion services.

Safe and Humane Bat Control Service in Virginia

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 when you need prompt and professional Virginia bat removal and control you can afford. We use safe and humane methods to deliver effective 24 hour bat control for residential and commercial properties throughout Virginia. We serve all of Virginia, including Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and all of their surrounding areas.

Interesting Facts About the State Bat of Virginia

Here in Virginia, we are proud to be represented by a wonderful and vital bat species known as the Virginia Big-Eared Bat. Continue reading to learn some interesting and inspirational facts about our official state bat, including what you can do to support the local bat colonies in Old Dominion without putting your property at risk.

Bat Control Company Virginia
The Virginia Big-Eared Bat

The Virginia Big-Eared Bat

The Virginia Big-Eared Bat is scientifically referred to as Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus, as it is part of the Vespertilionidae family of the animal kingdom. They are a cave-dwelling bat, but will also choose abandoned mines, hollow trees, and deep rock crevices along river banks as their roost.  Although found in found in some other states, such as North Carolina, Kentucky, and even West Virginia, the Virginia Big-Eared Bat is Virginia’s official state bat. Their populations are most dense in the Western parts of the state.

Our state is one of the only ones to have designated a state bat. Two other states also have official state bats. Oklahoma and Texas also have a state bat, which happens to be the same species, the Mexican Free-Tailed bat! Proposed by Virginia Delegate, Jackie Stump, and later added as a law, the Virginia Big-Eared Bat became the official state bat of Virginia as recently as 2005! It is unfortunately on the Endangered Species list

Since the Virginia Big-Eared Bat is an endangered species, there are laws legislated by the Endangered Species Act that protect Virginia Big-Eared Bats against wrongful acts of harm or tampering. Violating such laws is a crime under Virginia state law. In fact, they are classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor, which can render jail time up to a year and a fine of $2,500.

Federal violations of the Endangered Species Act are even more severe. Those charged will face with the $50,000 fine and up to a year of imprisonment. Those who threaten the species are subject to a $25,000 fine and up to 6 months imprisonments. See our blog, “Federally Endangered Species of Bat in Virginia” to learn more about this topic, including how to protect yourself from unintentionally committing a crime against endangered bats.

If Bats Become a Nuisance on Your Property

All bats are vital parts of the surrounding ecosystem and highly beneficial to our local economies, but sometimes, they can be a nuisance. When this happens, trust a licensed and insured Virginia bat removal company for safe and humane bat abatement service at an affordable price. Wish to help the local bat populations, but don’t want to jeopardize your home or loved ones? See our blog, “How to Safely Support Local Bat Colonies” to learn how to achieve your goal.

Contact Virginia Bat Pros today at 804-729-9097 to request a free estimate or information about safe and humane Virginia bat control solutions. We look forward to delivering affordable and long-lasting solutions for your bat problems!

Expected Bat Behaviors According to the Season

On the big screen, bats are often portrayed as aggressive animals that fly around erratically and target humans for attack. But the reality is that bats are mostly peaceful mammals, and are not likely to come near you, let alone attack you, under any circumstances. If you live in an area that is highly populated with bats, it will help relieve any concern you have about potential bat dangers by learning about their predictable behaviors year-round.

Continue reading to learn how bats behave from season to season, and what to do to better control nuisance bat activity around your house.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Spring

Bats in the spring are typically transitioning out of hibernacula (hibernation). During this time, bats are searching for a new roosting site that will be better suited for the warmer months ahead. These new sites will serve as maternity roosts for females and bachelor roosts for males. Interestingly, expecting mothers will often return to the very site they were born to have their bat pup! And you better hope it’s not your attic! Other common maternity sites for bats include hollowed trees, window shutters, roofs, siding panels, gutters, barns, and garages.

Summer

Once summer arrives, so have the baby bats, also referred to as pups. A mother bat gives birth to one single pup per year, usually around late May or early June. During this time, it is common for homeowners to see lone or dead young bats laying around. This is due to the fact that young bats learn to fly around 8 weeks, which usually occurs in July, and not all pups are good learners. If you see a live, lone bat on the ground in your yard, it is likely just taking a rest before it takes flight and tries again. If the bat is still there the next day, contact a Virginia bat removal company for safe assistance.

Fall and Winter

In the fall, bats are on the hunt for a new winter roosting site. Some bats migrate to southern points of the state, while others choose to search for roosts in the same community. Winter bat roosts often wind up being hollowed trees, abandoned mines, caves, and of course, our very own houses and buildings. Here, bats will enter into hibernacula, also known as hibernation or torpor. This hibernation period generally begins around mid-October, but can sometimes be delayed until the temperatures begin to remain under 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Once in hibernacula, bats remain in a torpor-like state until spring emerges with warmer weather.

Professional Bat Control in Virginia

Sometimes bats can be a nuisance, even though they don’t mean to be. When this happens, trust a licensed and insured Virginia bat removal company for safe and humane bat abatement service at an affordable price. Contact Virginia Bat Pros today at 804-729-9097 to request a free estimate or information about our services, prices, and more. We look forward to delivering affordable and long-lasting solutions for your bat problems!

How to Remove a Flying Bat in the House

Bats are quite sneaky and skilled when it comes to finding ways inside our homes. Most bats in the Virginia areas can squeeze through an opening as small as 3/8ths of an inch! Of course, sometimes they simply fly in through an open window or door. Regardless of how a bat got inside your house, you have one flying around now, which means that you must deal with the situation immediately.

Continue reading to learn a step by step guide on how to safely remove a fluttering, flying bat from inside your home.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Get Rid of a Bat in the House

The most important thing you need to know about removing a bat in the house is that, under no circumstances, should you ever attempt to touch, trap, harm, or kill a bat. Not only are bats protected under state and federal law, they are also common carriers of infectious diseases. Furthermore, bats are highly beneficial to our local ecosystems and economies, which means they should be protected and preserved at all costs.

So, in order to get rid of a bat flying around your home, use these steps:

The first step to removing a bat in the house is to protect your home’s occupants, including any exposed pets, such as dogs, cats, birds, and other pets that are not enclosed in cages. Do this by separating people and pets from the area where the bat is occupying.

Next, isolate the bat by closing all other windows and doors inside the home. Leave one window or door wide open in the vicinity of the bat. This will encourage the bat to fly out on its own. If the bat lands and refuses to move, or fails to fly out on its own, you can use the broom-stick strategy.

Grab a broom, or something else that is lightweight and long, and gently tap the wall or swoop the airspace next to the. Be very careful to not be too aggressive, or to touch the bat. Continue to gently tap or swish near the bat to encourage it to move toward the exit.

If the bat still refuses to move, or continues to fly around, your next step is to contact an emergency bat removal service. These certified professionals should respond within the hour and are fully equipped to safely extract the bat and relocate it to a safe and faraway habitat.

Need Emergency Bat Removal in Virginia?

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 when you need prompt and professional Virginia bat removal and control you can afford. We use safe and humane methods to deliver effective 24 hour bat control for residential and commercial properties throughout Virginia. We serve all of Virginia, including Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and all of their surrounding areas.