Bat Eviction & Exclusion Gone Wrong
Sloppy pest control can lead to serious consequences
A condo owner in Ann Arbor recently called us with a big problem: numerous bats were raising hell in her attic – and now she’d just seen one invade her actual living space.
Worse yet, one of the bats captured in the attic by a previous pest control company tested positive for rabies (confirmed by the Washtenaw County Health Department).
Above: A bat we captured from the condo
Since rabies is 100% fatal if untreated, the condo owner had to get the rabies vaccine series as a precaution. Even though she had no recollection of a close encounter, she theoretically could have been bitten in her sleep.
The owner called us for a second opinion once it was clear the problem was not resolved by the first pest control company.
Above: Bats exiting an attic through our eviction tubes
While the previous company she hired probably had good intentions, their exclusion work missed the mark and revealed obvious signs of hastiness or an inexperienced technician.
Messy sealing left gaps where bats could re-enter the home, and the improper exclusion methods may have even been responsible for forcing the bats into her living space from the attic!
We immediately saw the consequences of these mistakes during our inspection. Here’s one example, where sagging caulk, rub marks from bat body oils, and droppings on the siding are clear evidence of an ineffective bat exclusion job:
Above: Sagging caulk is clear evidence of shoddy workmanship in bat and other pest exclusion
This incident underscores why bats require careful and expert handling. Bats are an important part of the ecosystem – one bat can consume 1,000 mosquito-sized insects per hour, for example. However, they’re also the most common carriers of rabies in the state, responsible for the VAST majority of confirmed cases year after year in Michigan.
Considering these stakes, it’s important to treat bat infestations thoughtfully and thoroughly.
Derek, our technician, stepped in to resolve the problem. Our exclusion plan included properly sealing the soffit returns and installing bat eviction tubes in the appropriate locations.
During the inspection, Derek also discovered another live bat in the basement, which was removed safely.
Michigan is home to nine bat species – the little brown bat and big brown bat being the most common. You can see a few of the recent bats we’ve captured in Washtenaw County above.
This encounter is a reminder that there is no substitute for diligence and expertise in pest control. At Community, we take pride in getting it right the first time – your safety and comfort are the priority.
If you’re dealing with a bat issue, reach out to us. We’ll put your problem to rest and your mind at ease.
