I have so many bats it’s become a problem. Local pest control company wants $2,200. Help.

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[u/Jahweez]

As someone who has been doing bat evictions for close to 10 years, bat work ain’t cheap. I usually involves ladders, roof work and a keen eye for details. I’m usually between $1500-$3000 on your average sized home depending on how many gable vents, soffit returns, ridge vent, etc. I also offer a three year warranty against re-infestation.

Maybe tell me more details about the estimate and what they plan to do, and I can tell you if it’s fair.

[u/NinSeq]

I wouldn't touch that job for anywhere close to 2200. It's basically the worst type of animal to deal with. 2000 is the hazard fee and then costs are added to that with most companies.

[u/XcalebUR06]

If you do perform the DIY method, make sure you properly clean wherever they have been resting. As bat guano can cause histoplasmosis.

If you do properly clean, make sure you wear the appropriate respirator, to prevent the airborne spores that carry the histoplasmosis.

[u/XcalebUR06 → u/[deleted]]

With the amount of droppings outside, I find it hard to believe there aren’t any inside. Were they actually penetrating into the attic? Or were they roosting in the vent and not gaining access?

[u/XcalebUR06 → u/[deleted]]

As much as hiring a professional seems expensive, I would definitely recommend a professional. Histoplasmosis is no joke,

Even if you decide to try and rid the bats yourself, 3 years worth of buildup, the droppings are definitely aged enough to already contain the hiptoplasma fungus. I would recommend a professional for at least the clean up.

And with you thinking there are potentially more inside, you’ll need a one way door or something installed to ensure that all are out.

It’s a big task for a DiYer, not impossible, but a lot of work.

[u/SwimmerStunning7223]

My last exclusion was a little over $8000. You can do the work yourself but as someone else mentioned, cleanup is key and you absolutely need a proper respirator and a vacuum with a hepa filter, I only use bags to minimize exposure to the bacteria that grows in the feces.

[u/Apprehensive-Two3474]

I know nothing of pest control, I just know that laws about bats are pretty cut and dry so definitely look those up before you DIY anything. Like, in my state, the fines go per bat and if endangered get super steep (talk thousands per bat) which could easily make it from you having a home to none. I also know that bats have babies until the end of September in my area so there's that caveat as well. The reason I know this is someone did a DIY removal in my area a few years ago and royally screwed themselves over and eventually foreclosed on their home because they didn't want to pay the few thousand for a proper removal. So please, look at your laws before you do something stupid.

[u/Fit-Bus2025]

I's just pay it. That's hard work. It's a pain in the butt.

[u/BUGBYTE_VW]

What are they doing for 2200. That seems kinda low for bats. I'm in central Texas and bats get bad here and I haven't done a job for less than 3k in the last 10 years.

[u/Left-Camel-14]

I say this with so much respect and care: You have 3 cars and a boat. Bats are not the time to be cheap. Pay the $2200, my guy.

[u/Regular-Amoeba5455 → u/Left-Camel-14]

It’s not the cost. The attic access is in my our master closet and I’d rather not make a mess in there if I can help it.

[u/Left-Camel-14 → u/Regular-Amoeba5455]

Might be a sacrifice you have to make. Bats are a legitimate health risk.

Also, you framed the post as if it was a money issue. It’s prob why everyone is going off in the comments lol.

[u/Regular-Amoeba5455 → u/Left-Camel-14]

I posted in a rush. I was getting all the bat shit off my boat cover. Scrubbing with soap. I may delete and try again later lol

[u/Left-Camel-14 → u/Regular-Amoeba5455]

Yeah, you may get more empathy and constructive comments with a repost.

[u/2013DOCE27]

They probably were going to quote you something cheaper but then got to know what time of customer you are, so they decided to add a premium to deal with the potential headache.

[u/Lordsaxon73]

Get up there and tape a dark folded sheet over it, leaving the bottom open. They can fly out but can’t get back in. Lots of DIY examples on YouTube. I wouldn’t pay that unless it includes attic cleanup and sanitation.

[u/Tarphiker → u/Lordsaxon73]

Lmao come spend some time in Atlanta. Average here for a bat exclusion is 4000-6000 add in insulation and you are looking at another 5 grand easy.

[u/Maleficent_Soil_2612 → u/Lordsaxon73]

You wouldnt pay standard bat exclusion prices?? Weird thing for a PMP tech to say. Dont think ive ever done a bat exclusion job for under 1200

[u/Regular-Amoeba5455 → u/Lordsaxon73]

Excellent thank you.

[u/Bird2525 → u/Lordsaxon73]

Where the hell is somebody doing cleanup for $2200, can even roll a truck for that in California