
Now, you just need to figure out what to do next.
When do I contact a bat control professional?
You should contact a bat control expert at the first sign of infestation (more than one bat encountered inside more than once a year, or physical signs of bat guano). This way, you’ll be sure to have the problem under control before the bats can cause any more damage to your property or health.
What should I look for when hiring a bat control professional?
- There are several steps you can take to make sure you are hiring a company or individual who will get the job done and in the least intrusive, least expensive, and quickest manner possible.
- First, make a list of the local companies that advertise bat control.
- Check out their credentials with the local Better Business Bureau.
- Ask them about their experience and their specialization in bat control. While the local exterminator may be good at getting rid of carpenter ants, and the local “critter getter” may be good at getting raccoons out of chimneys, neither one may know the safe, effective methods of removing bats from buildings—and keeping them away.
- Investigate the methods they use. Are they effective (as in exclusion methods with no-re-entry “doors”), or are they fads such as high-pitched whistles or bat-repellent odors? The Internet is a good source of material on which methods actually work.
- Ask for references. Find out what successes others have had working with these companies.
- Ask about their warranty. Professional bat control experts should be willing to give you a warranty of their work. Some even provide an extendable warranty, based on a re-inspection just prior to the warranty’s expiration.
Things to avoid when hiring a bat control professional
- Watch out for the jack-of-all-trades, master of none. This guy will claim he can get rid of anything. Again, ask how he’ll do it, and for referrals.
- The fly-by-night, so-called experts are out there, even in bat control. These companies do not have a track record for effective control, but may try to lure you into doing business with a lower cost. Make sure the company you are dealing with will be there if the bats make a return visit.
- Some providers refuse to give warranties, saying that true bat exclusion is near impossible. That is rubbish! A reputable expert should be able to warranty no re-infestation for a period of time; with your right to call him back, at no cost to you, should the bats return.
What should I expect from the professional I hire?
Inspection Fee. Most bat control professionals will charge an inspection fee, based on the size of your building and the difficulty involved in inspection (lots of hard-to-reach areas, etc.). This inspection fee should be applied to the service fee if you hire the company.
Not a one-shot deal. Bat exclusion is a complicated process involving several steps. First will be the inspection. Then, the provider will carefully install special exclusion traps that allow the bats to exit the building, but not re-enter. After a few days or weeks, the expert will then make sure all the bats are outside the building, and carefully remove the “traps” and seal the holes. The clean up can follow, and may involve several days or weeks, depending on the amount of material left by the bats. Of course, bat mite control may be a part of the process, as well as repair of any damaged structures.
What will it cost?
There is no doubt about it; bat exclusion is expensive. Be sure to ask what is included in your estimate to make sure you are not left with any “hidden” costs after the bats are excluded. But even considering the expense of bat exclusion, it is still cheaper than the health risks, liability for possible exposure to others, and the property damage should you decide not to take action on your bat infestation. Think of it this way. If your roof were to leak because squirrels chewed holes and made nests in your attic, you’d pay whatever it took to get rid of the squirrels and repair your attic, wouldn’t you? This is the same, except the bats didn’t “chew” their way in!
What now?
If you suspect you have bats, call a bat control professional. Ask all the questions and make sure your concerns are addressed. When your choice is made and the process is underway, sit back and let the expert do his work. And look forward to bat-free days ahead.
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We have the utmost respect for all wildlife. However, we understand that bats and humans shouldn’t live together – so we simply remove the bats from the premises and insure that they do not re-infest your property.
All of our employees receive training, rabies shots, and hands on experience with patented devices used to remove bats from infested structures.
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Comments 7
joan junod
September 21, 2020 |
I have bats in my soffit over the front door
Tori Bruce
September 21, 2020 |
Hi, bats love spaces like that. Hopefully the guano/urine situation isn't becoming a big headache for you!
Caden Dahl
October 11, 2018 |
I've never had a bat come into my home or try to, but you never know when that could change. As you said, it would be best to call a professional since they would know best as for how to remove the bat safely without hurting it or possibly doing damage to your home. I would for sure ask lots of questions and make sure that all of my issues are solved.
Theresa
April 24, 2017 |
I am renting a house and last fall noticed we have bats getting in to the eaves of the house and when I talked to the land lord about it I offered to look around for quotes and when I told him the approximate prices he said he would address the problem when they actually get into the living area of the house. Is there anything I can do to make him realize the seriousness of this issue and for him to take care of it and not evict us? I am to the point where I am willing to pay for the inspection just to know how bad the situation is, but feel he should be responsible and take care of it. Now that they started coming out again even my dog doesn't want to go out side to go potty because when they come out they fly down past the door.
GetBatsOut
April 26, 2017 |
Landlord issues can be tricky. I recommend you read this article first: https://www.getbatsout.com/what-if-your-landlord-will-not-fix-a-bat-problem/ Risk of rabies infection is not the only health hazard that bats pose. Their guano also contains a fungus that causes histoplasmosis in humans. Refusing to address a bat problem until someone gets exposed is a poor business decision on your landlords part and opens them up to a tremendous amount of liability. They are responsible for paying for your rabies shots (currently running about $8,000 per person, per series), and also for any other health complications you have from the guano. The number one offense you have right now is knowledge. Educate your landlord to the seriousness of the situation and the fact that they are liable for some costly things by letting the problem fester. (And them knowing that you are AWARE of this is a big ace in the hole for you.) Make sure you do this in writing. Put together a well thought out email backed up with facts (not emotional issues like your dog being upset) and supply them with links and attachments of information you've found. After you do your due diligence with educating the landlord, your next step is to contact your local department of health. If there is no resolution there, call the local media. Keep in mind both of these latter steps will anger your landlord and may result in eviction. While we are happy to come do an inspection for you, we legally can't be on the property without the landlords permission.
William (Bill) Songer
August 22, 2016 |
Sent email after I read your information and contacted my insurance agent
GetBatsOut
August 22, 2016 |
That's great Bill! Let us know if you need any help.