bat removal cost

How much does Bat removal cost?

Bats are nocturnal mammals. Some species of bats pollinate plants, disperse seeds, and feed on insects that destroy crops. On the other hand, bat infestation in residential and commercial properties, especially in the attic, can be a nuisance and a health hazard. They’re associated with various health issues, including undesirable allergies, rabies, and histoplasmosis. Rabies can result from holding a bat, bites, and scratches, and histoplasmosis is a rare lung infection caused by inhaling a particular fungus found in guano (bat droppings). In addition, bats can cause unpleasant odors and compromise the integrity of your home’s structure. To lower the risk of these health problems, property owners should consider hiring a nearby bat removal services professional. The cost of bat removal depends on various aspects, including the size of the colony, other present pests, cleanup services, damage repair, etc.

Signs of Bat Infestation?

1. Bat droppings

Bat droppings, or guano, as it’s scientifically referred to, is a crucial sign that your home might have a bat infestation. You can find guano on porches, decks, attics, and windowsills. Bat droppings have a strong odor that’s similar to ammonia. In some places, guano is used as a fertilizer. Its high phosphate, potassium, and nitrogen concentration makes it ideal for fertilizing crops.

2. Scratches on the Wall

A bat infestation can result in scratches, especially in the attic and on walls. In addition, bats have pretty wicked claws and nails that can damage your attic in the long run. If you hear scratching or scurrying around the attic, this may indicate a bat infestation. They can cause significant damage to your attic in the long run if left untreated. An exterminator will thoroughly inspect the main cause of scratches on your wall and attic.

3. Chirping Sounds

The main aim of echolocation is to find food and navigate the world. Bats use echolocation and sonar to identify a target. In addition, they chirp to communicate with each other. So, hearing chirping sounds before dawn, at night, or at dusk could indicate a bat infestation.

4. Stains at their Entry and Exit Points

Bats excrete grease and oil on their skin. When they’re scurrying into their habitat inside your property, they’ll leave stains. In most cases, you can find these greasy and oily stains on walls and roofs. Cover holes and vents with suitable screens to prevent bats from entering your residential or commercial property.

5. Odor

As previously mentioned, bat droppings have a strong, toxic smell. These droppings are high in ammonia. This smell can help you locate their habitat inside your home. It’s hard to identify bats in the chimney or attic; therefore, following the scent can help simplify the task. Breathing in the spores is linked to various respiratory health issues and allergies.

6. Dead Bat Sightings

At some point, you may find your pet dragging a dead bat. Some bats can die as a result of health problems, including rabies. Therefore, you should dispose of the dead bat and find the infested section of your home. Avoid the DIY approach of bat removal, especially if you identify a dead bat. Consider a bat exterminator with adequate experience.

Methods of Bat Removal

There are three broad types of bat removal methods: exclusion, lethal, and non-lethal. The exclusion method plays a significant role in keeping the bats out. The lethal bat removal approach is illegal, while the non-lethal is legal. Below is comprehensive information about these bat removal methods:

a. Bat Exclusion

Most bat exterminators opt for the bat exclusion method because it’s the most effective and humane approach. It involves sealing all entrances in your property that the bats use to gain entry, using netting and tubes. Bat exclusion cost ranges from $300 to $1500, depending on the location as well as the size of the colony. A bat removal company will typically charge more for everything from replacing rotten wood on windowsills to installing bat gates and caulking cracks underneath doors to prevent bats’ re-entry.

b. Lethal Removal

It’s prohibited to kill bats, especially at the federal level. Therefore, lethal removal is the most ineffective and inhumane approach to removing bats in your home. Bat extermination comes with various problems, including dealing with the bat carcasses and an increased risk of health issues, especially if the bat carries a disease. Lethal traps are used to execute bats. You can either use super glue or steel bat traps. Once the bat is captured, it succumbs to death due to exhaustion and hunger. The cost of lethal trapping is between $150 and $200.

c. Non-Lethal Control

The main reason why non-lethal bat removal methods are popular is due to their effectiveness. This approach tends to be more humane because it doesn’t harm the bats. Some people may opt for repellents, such as ammonia and mothballs. These methods aren’t recommended because they can increase your risk of respiratory problems. Below are the ideal non-lethal ways to eliminate bats:

Install a Bat House

Installing a bat house in or near your property is one way to relocate bats from your home. It should be at least 100 feet away from your property and 12 feet above the ground. The cost of installing bat houses may differ from one exterminator to another, but on average, you should expect to pay between $200 and $500.

Install a Bat Net

Installing the right bat net will prevent bats from reentering your property. It’s a safe and secure way to prevent bats from reentering your property. The cost of netting depends on two factors: the type and the size of the bat net. The bat net covers the big entry points, whereas the bat cones cover the small entry points to your attic or other places where bats live within your home. A 10 * 10 net cost is about $100, and the installation would be part of the bat exclusion cost that an exterminator will charge you, typically between $300 – $1500.

– Install Bright Light

Bats are nocturnal mammals meaning that they’re active during the night. Installing bright outdoor lights on their nests will help control bat infestation. Installing outdoor lighting costs approximately $2000 to $4000, depending on the type and places you want to install the lights.

Factors that Influence Bat Removal Costs

I. Inspection

Inspection is an essential factor that will affect the cost of bat removal. Even after identifying the breeding ground of the bats, professional bat exterminators will inspect your premises to determine the location and size of the colony. In addition, these experts will determine the entry and exit points of the bats. A thorough bat inspection process can cost up to $300. Note that some companies will include the cost in the final bill. Bat inspection is a tedious and daunting process; therefore, avoid the do-it-yourself route. A reliable bat removal company will use the best approach to remove the bats from your property safely.

II. Size of the Colony

This aspect deals with the number of bats on your premises. It’s the most significant factor in bat exclusion costs. If a single bat gets inside your house by accident, an exterminator will charge on average between $150-. On the other hand, dealing with the entire colony can cost up to $8000. In addition, these professionals will recommend sealing the bat’s entry and exit points to your home. Sealing these entry points could cost between $150 and $1500, depending on their size.

III. Other Present Pests

At some point, you may find that your property is infested with various pests, including fleas, and termites, in addition to bats. An exterminator might recommend performing additional pest control services, which will impact the final cost depending on what other types of pests there are. For instance, flea removal services will cost $75 to $500, while termite extermination will cost $200 to $3000, depending on the level of infestation.

IV. Accessibility and Location of Bat Infestation

The basement, attic, chimney, and walls are common hideouts for bats. If you haven’t been using your property for some time, the bat infestation might be in multiple locations. Bat removal companies will charge less if the affected area can be easily accessible. On the other hand, it will cost you more to control bats in areas that are difficult to access.

V. Guano Removal/Cleanup

Cleaning the infested sections of your property should be done after the bats have left. Cleaning bat droppings requires professionalism and certain skills. Guano can cause histoplasmosis, when you inhale fungus spores. Therefore, due to the health risk, you should consider leaving the cleanup to a company. Using a personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent inhaling fungus is crucial. There are various aspects that determine the cost of cleaning guano, including the duration of the infestation, the location of the colony, and the size of the house. The overall cleaning cost can vary between $650 and $8500.

VI. Damage Repair

Bat infestation can compromise the integrity of your property, especially when you have bats in your attic. The bat exterminator will charge extra for any repairs needed. The overall cost of attic restoration is between $2500 to $6000, which again depends on the extend of the damage that the bats cause.

VII. Preventive Measures

An exterminator will recommend various preventive measures after the bat removal process. These measures are cost-effective in the long run. For instance, a bat removal company can recommend a bat house. As previously stated, these recommendation will add to the cost if implemented

VIII. Homeowner Insurance

Some insurance policies will cover bat removal. The insurance company will require a comprehensive report on the bat infestation. This is a great way to save on the overall cost of removing bats from your property and perform any additional repairs as a result of the bats infestation.

IX. Method Used

There are three key methods of getting rid of bats: bat exclusion, lethal removal, and non-lethal removal method. Most bat removal companies will opt for bat exclusion and non-lethal removal techniques because they’re humane and effective. The costs of bat abatement will depend on the method and the type of specialized equipment used.

Why Hire Professional Bat Removal Services

* Effectiveness

A bat removal company will use the right techniques and equipment to safely get rid of the infestation and prevent a recurrence, which will save you time as well as money in the long run.

* Humane Methods

In some states, federal law prohibits harming bats. A good bat removal company will be aware of these laws, and will not use means that will kill or harm the bats

* Safety

Bats can infect you with various health issues like rabies and histoplasmosis, especially if you don’t have sufficient knowledge of the removal process. Professional bat exterminators with a great reputation and adequate experience in this industry will use the appropriate removal process. .

* Cost-Friendly

Most people might think that the do-it-yourself route is affordable, but that isn’t the case. Hiring a competent bat removal company is cost-effective in the long run. For both health reasons, laws, and preventing recurrence.

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