How Much Do Bat Control Cost and Important Factors？
Bat infestations are more common than most people realize and while bats are an important part of pest control against insects, their presence can be extremely harmful. The negative effects of a bat infestation can range from bad odor to structural damage, and can even cause health concerns.
One of the first questions any homeowner dealing with a bat infestation is going to ask is, “how much do bat control cost?” Although this is a common and important question, the answer is not as straightforward. The cost of the bat control treatment can depend on a lot of factors that significantly affect the price. For example, the size of the infestation, the removal method, and the region you live in are all important factors for the cost.
In this guide you will learn about the various elements that contribute to the cost of bat control, the different removal methods, and tips about how to prevent recurring infestations. Keep reading to find out more about bat infestations.
Why Bat Control is Essential
Before delving into how much do bat control costs, understanding why bat control is so important is essential. Having a clear understanding of its dangers will put its cost into perspective.
Health risks are the most important potential hazard when it comes to bat control. Bat droppings can contain harmful bacteria and can cause lung infestation. The potential risk can be higher for people with weakened immune systems.
Moreover, as they usually like to nest in dark spaces such as attics, basements or inside the walls, they can corrode the foundational building materials over time. This can cause a lot of damage and require costly repairs.
Bats can cause a bad odor, making the space hard to reside in if they are left unchecked. More importantly, the smell can aggravate allergies or cause respiratory conditions that can be especially hard for children.
Key Factors Affecting Bat Control Cost
Size and Location of the Infestation
The cost of the control services will be significantly affected by the number of bats that need controlling. A few bats will be less costly than a large colony that has spread all over the home.
In addition to the number of bats, the location of the colony is also very influential. Where the bats are nesting will determine how easy it is to reach them and, thus, how easy it is to remove them. For example, removing bats from a nest in an easily accessible attic area will cost less than hard-to-reach spots like the inside of a chimney as the latter situation will call for special equipment, raising the expense overall.
Method of Removal
There are a few methods for bat removal, depending on the type of method you wish to employ, the price will differ.
The most common, and most humane, bat control method is installing a one-way exit device in one entry point, then sealing all of the other entry points. This will ensure that once the bat leaves the nest for any reason, it won’t be able to reenter. This is also a very cost effective method.
If the bat has flown directly into living spaces, a more hands-on approach is necessary. In these cases, professionals will need to use traps or nets to remove the bat from the home quickly. This is a method used in emergencies and it is more costly.
Sometimes a combination of the methods might be necessary. In severe cases where there are bats in nests and living areas, the ones in the living areas might need to be removed immediately, while the nests can be dealt with through an exit device.
Extent of Repairs and Cleanup
Bats can leave a lot of damage behind after their removal. The cost of the additional cleanup and repairs should also be budgeted for. As bat droppings are a biohazard, they need to be professionally removed to ensure a safe environment.
Moreover, bats often cause damage to the insulation and electrical systems. If the damage to the electrical systems is left unchecked, it can lead to fires. Insulation problems can remove their effectiveness, causing higher heating bills.
To ensure the bats don’t come back as soon as they are removed, you should take some precautions. Sealing the usual entry points is an effective and commonly used method. Each of these additional steps should be added to the final cost when evaluating the price of bat control.
Regional Pricing
The cost of the removal process can also differ based on the location of your property. Areas with higher labor and living costs will have a higher price for bat control services. Moreover, regions with strict environmental regulations will also result in higher costs for removal services.
One of the most influential factors is whether wildlife handling certifications are required in your region. If that is the case, the handlers will need to have special permits and certificates to work in your area, making their services more expensive.
DIY Bat Removal vs Professional Bat Removal
Due to the cost of professional bat removal services, some homeowners might consider a DIY approach. However, there are a few reasons why DIY bat control isn’t recommended.
The first reason is that in many areas, bats are considered to be a protected species. In other words, handling them without the necessary permits might lead to legal trouble.
More importantly, bats can carry a lot of diseases, and handling them improperly might infect you. Additionally, removing the bath in unprofessional ways can lead to scattering their pathogens around the house.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that DIY methods simply aren’t as effective as professional methods. Even if you manage to remove the current infestation, professional pest control services will take preventative measures, which will prevent them from entering your home again.
Preventing Future Infestations
Once the infestation is dealt with and all of the bats are evacuated from your residence, taking a few extra steps is essential to prevent the infestation from becoming a recurring problem.
The first and foremost thing to do is to seal all entry points. This step might seem easy, however, it takes a lot of careful consideration and attention to detail as even the smallest gaps can allow bats to enter. All cracks and gaps around windows should be sealed.
Bats are naturally drawn to dark and quiet areas. Placing outdoor lighting around your home can discourage them from settling near or around your home. The lights will be a big deterrent, especially at night.
Regularly inspecting your home is essential for catching early signs of an infestation and preventing it from becoming a harder to solve issue down the line. Regularly inspect dark areas and maintain the outside of your home so that you can notice and swiftly fix any new cracks.
Additional Considerations
If you are interested in bat control services, there are a few additional points you should consider. The time of the year can influence how hard it is to remove the bats, therefore it can drive up the cost. Bats are naturally more active during certain seasons. If you can, scheduling the removal services during the off-season might help bring the cost down.
Bat control should always be done responsibly and humanely. Professional services follow guidelines about the most humane ways to remove the bats, ensuring that they are not harmed unnecessarily. Moreover, the bats are relocated safely so that the local ecosystems aren’t thrown off balance.
In conclusion, dealing with a bat infestation can be incredibly daunting for homeowners. Understanding how much do bat control costs can alleviate some of the worries that might come with a bat infestation. While this important question does not have a one size fits all answer, knowing more about the factors that affect the price will enable you to make the best decision for your home.
