How Much Does Professional Bat Exclusion Cost for Your Home?
Imagine you're sitting in your living room, enjoying the peace and quiet, when suddenly you hear strange noises from above. You investigate, only to discover that bats are flying around in your attic or nesting in your walls. The panic sets in, and you begin to wonder, “How much is this going to cost to fix?” The idea of dealing with bats can be overwhelming, and the fear of expensive repairs or potential health risks can add to the stress. But don’t worry—we understand your concerns, and we’re here to break down the cost of professional bat exclusion services so you can make an informed decision.
In this article, we’ll explain what factors influence the cost of bat exclusion, the average price range you can expect, and how to ensure the job is done right the first time. You’ll walk away knowing exactly what to expect and how to avoid unnecessary expenses in the long run.
What is Bat Exclusion?
Bat exclusion is the humane and effective process of removing bats from your home and sealing the entry points they used to get in. Unlike killing the bats, exclusion involves making sure they leave safely and can't return. This is crucial because bats can carry diseases like rabies, and their droppings (guano) can be harmful to both your health and your home.
It’s important to understand that simply removing a few bats isn’t enough. You need to ensure that all entry points are sealed to prevent future infestations. Doing this job correctly the first time is key—otherwise, bats will likely return each year to try to re-enter.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Bat Exclusion
Size of the Infestation: The larger the bat infestation, the more time and effort it will take to safely remove the bats. A small colony of bats can be removed more quickly and at a lower cost, but if you’re dealing with a large number of bats, the job will be more complex and costly.
Location of the Infestation: Bats can get into hard-to-reach places like high attics or within the walls of your home. If bats are roosting in these locations, the cost will be higher because it may require specialized equipment or more extensive work to access these areas safely.
Size, Condition, and Type of Home: Larger homes or homes with significant wear and tear may have more areas where bats can enter. Homes with poor insulation or multiple gaps and cracks will require more time to seal and protect from future intrusions. Log homes are among the most difficult homes to remove bats from. Slate Tile Roofs are also more difficult to remove bats from.
The Materials Needed: The materials used to seal the bats out will also influence the price. High-quality materials such as durable sealants, mesh, and other weatherproofing materials will typically cost more but provide long-lasting protection.
Additional Services: Additional services like guano cleanup or decontamination of your attic or walls can increase the overall cost. Bat droppings pose health risks and can lead to structural damage, so cleanup is often necessary when dealing with bat infestations.
Average Bat Exclusion Costs:
Bat exclusion can range significantly in price depending on the size of the infestation and your home. On average, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $20,000 for professional bat exclusion services. For a smaller, straightforward job (like sealing a few entry points), you might pay closer to the lower end. However, for larger homes or more complicated infestations, the cost can escalate due to the complexity and scale of the work involved.
While this might seem like a wide range, remember that proper exclusion is an investment in your home’s safety and your family’s health. Neglecting the problem or attempting a cheap solution could lead to even higher costs in the future.
Why Cheap Solutions Don’t Work:
You may be tempted to go for a cheap DIY solution or a low-cost bat exclusion service. However, it’s important to understand that bats have an instinctual nature that drives them to return to the same roosting site year after year. If the exclusion job is not done properly the first time—whether it’s by sealing the wrong entry points or not addressing the entire home—the bats will almost certainly come back.
For example, if only a limited scope of work is done, such as sealing a few holes in one area of your home, you might miss hidden entry points or fail to properly seal all potential gaps. This can lead to a recurrence of the infestation in the following months or years. A thorough, whole-home exclusion ensures that all points of entry are sealed, so you won’t have to worry about bats coming back.
How to Get the Best Price for Bat Exclusion:
Get Multiple Quotes: Always contact several bat removal specific companies to compare pricing and services. Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the company, but ensure they are experienced in bat exclusion and not just general pest control. Make sure to ask about any warranties they offer and if they plan to address the whole structure or one area.
Check for Warranties: Some companies offer warranties that guarantee the exclusion work for a set period—usually around one year. This warranty gives you peace of mind that if bats return during that period, they will return to fix the issue at no additional cost.
Consider the Scope of Work: Be cautious of companies offering low prices for limited exclusion work. A cheap quote may only cover part of the problem, which could mean more expenses down the road. Comprehensive exclusion, including attic inspection, entry point sealing, and guano cleanup, will offer better long-term protection.
Be Careful With DIY Solutions: While DIY bat exclusion kits may be tempting due to their lower upfront cost, they often fail to provide the same level of effectiveness. Without the right expertise, it’s easy to overlook crucial entry points, and you may be wasting your money if bats return after your efforts.
Conclusion:
Dealing with bats in your home is not just an inconvenience—it’s a serious issue that requires careful attention. The cost of professional bat exclusion can range from $1,500 to $20,000, depending on the complexity of the job. While you might be tempted to take the cheapest route, remember that a cheap solution could cost you more in the long run if bats return year after year.
At Durand’s Bat Removal, we specialize in complete, professional bat exclusion services for homes in Colorado. We make sure the job is done right the first time, so you don’t have to worry about bats coming back. Contact us today for an inspection and estimate, and let us help you make your home safe and bat-free.