An interview with Franchise Owner Curt Baker about Bat Removal in Central Michigan
Midlander Curt Baker has been operating Critter Control for over two decades. He has provided raccoon, squirrel, and bat removal throughout Greater Midland and Saginaw Valley. Bats are a common problem for homeowners in Mid-Michigan during the summer because female bats are looking for safe places to give birth and raise their young. The presence of juveniles requires bat removal to be done safely and humanely. We asked Curt a few questions about bats in Michigan and the bat removal process.
What is the Activity of Bats in Michigan?
Bats in Michigan (generally) do not enter a house below six feet above the ground. There is no need to trap or poison the bats; they only eat insects and present very little threat to people. We must encourage the bats to leave the house and prevent their re-entry with a one-way door.
How Can Bats Get into Your House?
A bat can get through a gap that is just 3/8 of an inch wide which is about the size of a nickel. It is based on the size of their skull.
How is Your Bat Inspection Different?
You cannot find all bat entry points by standing on the ground. You need to get close to make sure its an actual hole and not a dead end. A proper inspection includes looking through the attic for bat droppings and other signs of problems like mold and leaks. Next, the entire outside of the house is closely inspected for holes. I provide an itemized list after my inspection detailing everything I found.
How Do You Get Rid of Bats?
It is unnecessary to trap or catch a bat. A one-way door allows the bats to leave the house but prevents their return. It is only a temporary fix! Once all the bats are gone, I remove it and repair the hole.
What is Permanent Bat Control?
The majority of the bat control costs are in the repairs and exclusions. I identify and seal all bat entry points. Repairs should not be done in foam alone. Foam might stop bats, but other animals like mice and squirrels can gnaw through foam. I use metal too to protect your home for other nuisance wildlife.
How Should Someone Pick a Bat Removal Expert?
I always provide itemized lists and photos. I provide itemized lists of the damages and entry holes and then an itemized list of the repairs provided. That way, the homeowners know exactly what they are paying for. Because bat entry holes and damages are in hard-to-reach areas, I make sure to provide before and after photos.
If you don’t seal all the entry holes, it leaves your house vulnerable to future pest infestations. I provide a two-year guarantee on bat removal services. If bats return, I come back to redo the work.