How Much Does Bat Removal Cost?

Last Updated on May 16, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Discovering bats have invaded your home can be an unsettling and worrisome situation for homeowners. However, timely intervention by professional wildlife control services ensures safe, effective, and humane bat removal.

While costs may initially cause hesitation, it is imperative to understand the many factors that influence pricing for bat exclusion projects. With diligent planning and research, you can find an affordable solution that resolves your bat issue completely and prevents recurrent invasions.

How Much Does Bat Removal Cost?

For professional pest control companies, the average cost to remove a small bat colony is $600 – $1,500, while larger infestations of over 1,000 bats may cost $3,000 – $6,000 or more. The final price depends on the size of the bat colony, how difficult it is to access their roosting areas, and the methods used for humane removal and exclusion.

Initial Site Inspection Fees

Inspections help identify extent of infestation, roosting sites, entry points, and service needs. The initial inspection costs $75 to $150 on average. Some companies include it in their quote. Inspection rates may rise for homes over two stories requiring ladder work.

Bat Removal and Exclusion Labor

Professional bat removal specialists may charge $40 to $100 per hour for exclusion project labor. Larger homes and infestations require more personnel and hours, increasing labor fees. Difficulty of access to roosts further boosts labor costs.

Materials and Equipment Costs

The exclusion devices, sealants, protective gloves/suits, ladders, and other gear necessary for proper removal adds costs, from $25 to $200 or more depending on the scope. Materials for sealing 20+ entry points add up.

Bat Removal From Walls/Rooms

Removing bats trapped inside finished rooms or walls can cost $200 to $500 depending on demolition/repairs needed for access and complexity. This addresses stray bats outside primary roost areas.

Major Roost Removal Service

The total fees predominantly hinge on the main bat colony removal from attics, chimneys, eaves, and other infested areas. For small colonies under 200 bats, this may cost $600 to $1,500. Larger infestations over 1,000 bats often cost $3,000 to $6,000 or more.

Guano Cleanup and Decontamination

Specialized guano cleanup and decontamination by hazmat professionals normally ranges from $500 to $1,000 but can exceed $5,000 for large accumulations requiring extensive sanitizing. This remediates health dangers.

Carcass Removal

If any deceased bats are found, additional fees of $100 to $200 apply for proper carcass collection and disposal protocols required. This prevents contagion spread from dead animals.

Follow-Up Inspections

Most companies include one to two weeks of follow-up visits in initial quotes to ensure bats have not re-entered. But extra inspections due to failed exclusions may cost $75 to $150 hourly.

Additional Labor or Material Fees

If the exclusion process requires more time, equipment, or materials than initially estimated, companies may charge markups beyond the original quote, which is more common with difficult infestations.

Waste Disposal Costs

Proper disposal of contaminated waste, guano, dead bats, and damaged insulation averages $150 to $300. Some companies include this standard disposal in quotes. Fees rise if extra waste is generated.

HomeAdvisor typically ranges from $227 to $722 for bat removal services. Their flat rate for most homes falls between $500 and $1,500, usually not exceeding $4,000. Inspection with HomeAdvisor typically costs $200 to $400.

For single bats or small colonies (up to 50 bats), the cost is between $400 and $1,500. Medium colonies (up to 200 bats) can range from $1,500 to $5,000, while large colonies (over 200 bats) start at $5,000. Guano cleanup with HomeAdvisor varies from $500 to $8,000, with an extremely high-end option priced at $25,000, including cleanup.

According to HomeGuide, the average cost for bat removal ranges from $250 to $600 for up to 5 bats, and $600 to $1,500 for up to 50 bats. Bat guano cleanup with HomeGuide ranges from $500 to $5,000 for a full cleanup and disinfection of an attic up to 1,000 sq ft.

Severe cleanups are priced between $7,000 and $9,000 for large infestations in multiple-story homes. Bat exclusion costs $100 to $400 per entry point, and inspection ranges from $100 to $325.

Bob Vila notes a typical cost range of $227 to $690 for bat removal services, with a national average cost of $452. This typically includes inspection and exclusion to rid the home of bats.

Architectural Digest suggests typical costs ranging from $200 to $8,000. Inspection with them ranges from $75 to $250. Bat exclusion is priced between $400 to $8,500. Guano removal varies from $500 to $8,400.

The Basics of Bat Removal

Bat removal refers to the process of evacuating all bats from a home or building and sealing potential points of entry to prevent recolonization. Trained specialists use exclusion methods that allow bats to leave the roost but then block re-entry.

Removal may involve one-way exclusion devices, deterrents, sealants, nets, or other humane techniques to safely extract all bats and properly seal the structure. Thorough removal eliminates health risks from large guano accumulations and protects against continued property damage.

Bats pose serious health hazards, including histoplasmosis infection from inhaling fungal spores in heavy guano deposits. Direct contact can lead to bat bites or scratches capable of transmitting rabies if bats are rabid.

Prolonged infestations also cause costly structural problems, such as foul odors, stained walls, eroded insulation, and ceilings or walls crumbling from guano concentrations. Timely professional removal prevents large colonies from forming and avoids expensive restorations later. Only wildlife experts practicing humane bat exclusion follow regulations and ensure permanent eviction.

What Are Different Bat Removal Methods?

Common bat removal techniques include:

• One-Way Exclusion Devices – Devices like holed netting, plastic flaps, or mesh cones allow bats to fly out but not back in once in place across entry points. Most effective long-term.
• Deterrents – Light, fans, ultrasonic repellents may be used sparingly to encourage bats to vacate quickly but not for permanent control.
• Sealants – polyurethane foam, copper mesh, caulk, insulation can help seal openings after bats vacate to prevent re-entry.
• Removal by Hand – Directly catching roosting bats by gloved hand or net when easily reachable for removal if permitted in the region.

Although do-it-yourself bat removal may seem like an affordable alternative, the dangers posed by direct contact with bats, health hazards from guano dust, and risk of improper exclusion that can fail to evict bats make professional services well worth the investment for successful elimination.

Factors That Impact the Cost of Bat Removal

Type of Bat Removal Service Required

The specific methods and level of effort needed to remove a bat infestation influences costs. Installing one-way exclusion devices across all entry points takes more time and equipment than applying deterrents alone. Safely extracting bats roosting deep inside walls or ceilings is more complex and labor-intensive than removing those in easier to access attic spaces, increasing costs.

Extent and Severity of the Infestation

The larger the bat colony, the more time and work involved in its humane removal and permanent exclusion, elevating costs. Bats nesting in challenging to reach spots like narrow roof eaves, walls, chimneys, or soffits also drive-up costs compared to attic roosting only. Professionals may charge additional fees for difficult removals requiring lifting insulation or cutting holes to extract deeply embedded bats.

Location Within the Structure

Bats invading finished, interior spaces of a home lead to higher damage repair needs and removal challenges compared to unfinished attics, raising costs. The specific roost locations dictate how simple or difficult removal efforts will be. Infestations nestled behind walls or ceilings are more problematic to address.

Degree of Guano Accumulation

Large mounds of guano that have built up over prolonged infestations necessitate costly remediation to render interiors safely habitable again. The quantity of accumulated droppings left behind influences the level of deep cleaning and decontamination required after bats vacate, impacting costs.

Availability of Bat Removal Providers

In areas with limited wildlife control companies specializing in bat exclusion, reduced competition leads to higher average fees for services. Regions with several established bat removal firms tend to have more competitive pricing. Travel fees in rural areas also apply.

State and Local Regulations

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Some states prohibit excluding bats during summer maternity roosting periods or mandate winter exclusion methods, which can prolong projects and increase rates. Permit requirements for bat exclusion or exclusions from specific roost sites also vary based on locality.

Seasonal Timing

Warmer months see an uptick in bat control requests as colonies become more active. Scheduling services during peak seasons may involve higher demand fees from companies. Optimal times for one-way exclusions are late fall/early winter when pups are grown or late spring once colonies depart.

Annual Pest Control Contracts

Some companies offer discounted annual bat removal coverage or maintenance plans, lowering per-service costs for enrolled customers through scheduled inspections and preventative sealing. This can provide savings over multiple years.

DIY Vs Professional Bat Removal

DIY Bat Removal Homeowners may attempt DIY bat removal using methods like light/noise repellents, amateur exclusion efforts, fumigation, or trapping. However, this risks failed removal, bat casualties, infestation recurrence, rabies exposure from direct contact, and health dangers of guano dust or dead carcasses hidden in walls. Total costs can reach $200 to $500.

Professional Bat Removal Hiring a licensed wildlife control professional for bat removal averages $1,000 to $3,000 but provides full elimination and prevention. Companies have specialized training, equipment like one-way exclusion devices, and access to necessary rabies vaccines and personal protective equipment for safety. Total costs depend on the roost size and location.

Why Professionals Are More Economical Long-Term

Professional bat removal requires a larger upfront investment and may cost $1,000 to $2,000 more initially. However, it prevents recurring colonies and offers long-term solutions. DIY methods risk having bats easily re-enter and cause persistent infestations. One-time professional removal saves money over years of damage.

Financial Assistance and Legal Considerations

Insurance Coverage for Bat Removal

Typical homeowner’s insurance excludes bat removal coverage since bats are considered wildlife. However, insurance may partially cover property repairs stemming from bat damage, minus deductibles. Liability insurance helps protect homeowners if someone is injured on their property by bats.

Subsidies and Grants

Some county vector control agencies may offer code enforcement subsidies up to $500 for bat exclusion costs stemming from bat colonies declared a public health hazard, but programs vary locally. Government agencies rarely cover full professional bat removal fees.

Seeking Out Grants or Non-Profit Funds

Conservation groups like Bat Conservation International sometimes sponsor limited local grants toward humane bat evictions to protect populations. Audubon chapters or nature conservancies are potential sources to assist with a portion of costs.

Utilizing Payment Plans

Many professional bat removal companies offer interest-free installment payment plans to spread out costs over 3, 6, or 12 months, making projects more affordable for homeowners on a budget. Just be sure payment terms are formalized in writing.

Securing a Bank Loan

Home improvement loans or HELOCs allow homeowners to finance bat removal at competitive rates through a lender, which may be preferable to paying thousands upfront. This can help manage the costs via periodic payments.

Choosing a Bat Removal Service

Verify Proper Wildlife Licensing

Always confirm a bat removal company possesses proper licenses and permits mandated in your state and locality. Unlicensed companies should not handle bats due to risks of improper exclusion and potential rabies transmission.

Ensure They Follow Ethical, Humane Practices

Choose a company that practices ethical exclusion without harming bats, avoids dangerous deterrents, seals exits once vacant, and does not illegally kill them. Humane removal minimizes risks and prevents colonies from spreading.

Look for Significant Bat Removal Experience

Opt for an experienced company with a long history addressing sizable infestations similar to yours over newer firms lacking proof of expertise. Check reference projects and reviews focusing on large or difficult bat cases.

Request Examples of Their Work

Ask to see photographic or video examples of previous professional bat removal projects completed by the company to gauge their quality of work and results. This provides visual evidence of their capabilities.

Inquire About Prevention Guarantees

Many companies provide 1-year up to lifetime guarantees against bats re-entering when one-way exclusions are installed correctly. Choose a provider who stands behind their exclusion effectiveness long-term.

Find Out If They Are Bonded and Insured

Contractors with bonding and robust insurance have greater financial accountability. These protections benefit homeowners if the firm fails to perform or causes any damage on your property during bat removal.

Read Reviews on Relevant Sites

Search for in-depth bat removal company reviews on Angie’s List, BBB, Google, and independent consumer sites. Favorable feedback for bat control specifically is ideal. Avoid companies with concerning complaints.

Request and Verify References

Always ask for and contact 2 to 3 past customer references to confirm quality of work and adherence to bat removal contracts. Speaking with references offers direct accounts of the company’s service and results.

Compare Multiple Written Quotes

Solicit written estimates from at least 3 licensed bat removal professionals so costs can be compared. Beware unusually lowball quotes that may indicate inexperience. Get all details, timelines, and exclusions in writing.

Prevention: Avoiding Future Infestations

Preventive Measures

Homeowners can take proactive measures to deter bats by sealing exterior gaps wider than 1/4 inch, installing chimney caps, regularly checking attics, and keeping yard areas clear of clutter that attracts insects. Night inspections help identify potential entry points.

Costs of Prevention

Typical costs for DIY prevention like small steel mesh panels, basic caulk and foam sealants, chimney caps, and vent covers range from $200-$800. In contrast, professional removal of an established infestation generally costs $1,000 to $6,000. Investing modestly in proactive deterrents makes financial sense.

Conclusion

When bats invade a home, professional bat control services are the safest and most effective solution. While bat removal costs can seem high, they ensure the permanent eviction of bats and prevention of future hazards and damage.

The small investment in thorough removal by qualified experts provides long-term benefits that far outweigh any temporary DIY fixes. By understanding the pricing factors and available financial assistance, homeowners can find a professional bat removal option that fits within their budget and resolves their wildlife issue for the long haul.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most effective way to get rid of bats?

The most effective way to get rid of bats is by hiring a professional wildlife control company to conduct a one-way exclusion. This involves finding all entry points, installing exclusion devices that let bats exit but not re-enter, and sealing openings permanently once the bats have been safely removed.

Attempting to trap, poison, or directly evict bats usually fails and causes bats to die in inaccessible areas. One-way exclusion carried out properly by professionals prevents bats from accessing their roosts, so they leave and cannot return.

What to do after removing a bat?

After removing bats, it is important to completely clean and sanitize the infested areas to prevent health hazards. Guano and urine should be removed with proper protective gear to avoid fungal spore inhalation.

Surfaces should be sterilized and deodorized using disinfectants, enzymatic cleaners, air scrubbers, and dehumidifiers as needed. Contaminated insulation or materials may need replacement. Check for structural damage and seal up all possible entry points. Monitor areas for several weeks to ensure all bats have vacated and exclusion efforts were successful before resuming full use of the space. Notify professionals immediately if any bats are spotted again.