According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, bats are beneficial to both people and the environment. They are pollinators and consume insects, which can reduce the need for pesticides and increase crop yields.1 Therefore, it is unwise (and sometimes illegal) to kill or harm bats, even those that have infiltrated your attic or other building space.
That is not to say that a bat infestation should be ignored—quite the opposite. Bats can cause damage to property and threaten occupants with the transmission of diseases. For these reasons, it is imperative to find an experienced bat removal service, and not all pest control companies address bat issues.
This article explains the ins and outs of bat removal, including what the process entails and how much it costs. It also provides some tips on identifying quality bat removal in Greenville, SC. Keep reading to find out what you can expect and what to look for in a service.
Table of Contents
- Reasons To Consider Professional Bat Removal Services
- What Bat Removal Services Do Pest Control Companies Provide?
- What Is the Best Time of Year to Get Rid of Bats?
- How Much Do Bat Control Services Cost?
- What Is the Best Company to Get Rid of Bats?
- Find the Best Bat Exterminator Greenville Has to Offer
- References
Reasons To Consider Professional Bat Removal Services
While you can find DIY bat removal kits online and at some home improvement stores, there are some good reasons to think twice about this approach. One is legality: in many places, bats are considered a protected species, and it is illegal for humans to kill or harm them. Although none of the 14 bat species in South Carolina are considered “endangered,” one has been placed on the “threatened” list, according to the state Department of Natural Resources.2
There are also safety reasons for avoiding DIY bat removal. Bats can carry rabies, Ebola, SARS, and other viruses. They can transmit bacteria, including Salmonella, Leptospira, and Brucella.
Bats also may have parasites. Common ones include fleas, ticks, mites, and “bat bugs.” They can even transmit dangerous pathogens, allergens, and fungi through their dropping (which also should be handled by a professional).
A final reason to hire professionals to remove bats is effectiveness and efficiency. Technicians will possess training and expertise that can make the process go much smoother. It will give you the confidence that all remnants of the pests are completely eliminated.
What Bat Removal Services Do Pest Control Companies Provide?
Bat eradication services can vary by company. They typically include:
- Assessment
- Trapping
- Removal and relocation
- Exclusion
Trained wildlife removal experts will first assess the situation. They will likely want to identify the species of bat, which can influence the removal strategy.
Pest control companies will use different types of traps to capture the creatures. Examples include harp traps that rely on the bats’ flight characteristic of turning perpendicular to the ground to pass between objects, without harming them. Mist nets or tubes that capture bats at spots where they exit buildings are other options. Bat valves act as one-way doors where bats can enter but not escape.
Once captured, the pest control company will secure and transport the animals to wildlife authorities for relocation. It is vital to find a suitable habitat to ensure the bats can survive but not return to areas populated by humans.
Before departing, most good pest control companies will perform a final service: taking steps to keep bats from occupying a building in the first place. This depends on the unique structures, but, in most cases, technicians can seal entry points or use “exclusion devices,” which allow any remaining bats to leave but prevent them from returning.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Get Rid of Bats?
Bat removal in homes or other buildings can be conducted any time of year. However, certain seasons can afford unique benefits for eradicating bat infestations.
For instance, in late summer to early fall, young bats have matured to the point that they can leave on their own, making exclusion tactics a viable approach. Approaching bat control in late winter to early spring lets you address issues before bats become more active (spring and summer).
Conversely, May through July is bat maternity season in South Carolina. Since young bats cannot fly yet, there is the risk of sealing them inside, which can result in starvation and death, as well as unpleasant smells and potentially legal issues. (Note that South Carolina does not prevent exclusion techniques during bat maternity season by law, but does strongly advise against it.)
That does not mean you cannot do bat removal during these delicate times. A professional pest control service can recommend approaches that address the problem while operating in full compliance with the law.
How Much Do Bat Control Services Cost?
The cost of bat control services will vary depending on several different factors. These include:
- Location
- Accessibility of infestation
- Severity of infestation
- Cleanup and repairs
- Prevention services
Geographic location can influence the cost for pest control, including for bats, although most reputable companies will offer free estimates (which can make it easier to compare rates). How easy or difficult the bat habitat is to access can also impact the cost, as can the size of the infestation. If the company needs to perform cleanup (such as bat droppings), repair structures so that bats do not return, or put in place additional preventative measures, then the total price can be a bit higher.
What Is the Best Company to Get Rid of Bats?
Finding stand-alone bat control services is unusual. That is because the demand is not high enough in most areas to justify the specialization.
Will an exterminator get rid of bats? That depends. One challenge for customers is that, often, companies that do pest control in Greenville SC will offer bat removal services but actually have very little experience or lack the tools or training to do it effectively.
For this reason, one of the main things to look for is evidence that the technician is trained and licensed to do humane bat removal. Investigate whether they offer cleanup, decontamination, and prevention services. Also, discuss how often pest control for bats is needed and if they offer any complimentary follow-up services to ensure that proper removal was achieved.
Read independent online reviews to get a sense of other customers’ experiences with the company. You might also ask for references from the business, which would allow you to speak with someone who has dealt with a similar issue to yours.
Find the Best Bat Exterminator Greenville Has to Offer
Now that you understand the basics of bat control, including elimination and prevention methods, you are ready to move forward. An experienced pest control technician can advise you on the best approaches based on your unique circumstances.
Precision Pest and Wildlife Removal provides commercial and residential pest control services, including bat removal and prevention, in Greenville, SC, and the surrounding areas. We are veteran- and family-owned and operated, and our team has decades of cumulative experience. Reach out to us today to schedule bat removal or other pest control services.
References
- “2023 State of the Bats Report,” U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, April 2023, from: https://www.fws.gov/story/2023-04/state-bats.
- “SC Bat Conservation Plan,” South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, from: https://www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/bats/SCBatConservationPlanChapter1.pdf.
- Zegang Liu, Qinlu Liu, Huifang Wang, and Xinsheng Yao, “Severe Zoonotic Viruses Carried by Different Species of Bats and Their Regional Distribution,” Journal of Clinical and Microbiology and Infection, Vol. 30, Issue 2, p.151-264, July 2023, from: https://www.clinicalmicrobiologyandinfection.com/article/S1198-743X(23)00491-3/fulltext.
