Category Archives: Bat Removal and Control

Will Bats Attack My Dog?

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If you are aware of a local bat colony in your area, you might have several concerns in terms of safety, especially if you have an outdoor pet. Fortunately, even when bats are nearby, there are several ways to protect yourself, your pets, and your property from any kind of harm. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about nuisance bats and pet safety, including common transmissible bat diseases, pet vaccines, bat control, and more.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

The Nature of Bats

When you think about bats, you might picture those scary movies you’ve seen showing bats swooping into women’s hair and chasing people down the street. But the truth is, bats are more scared of us, and our pets, than we are of them. For this reason, a bat’s instinctual nature is to avoid interactions of any kind with humans and animals that are deemed predators, like your dog. So what does this mean for your outdoor pet? Well, it means that it is very unlikely that a bat attacks your dog. However, there are circumstances in which there could be a threat of harm. This is where pet vaccinations come into play.

Pet Vaccines

Bats are known carriers of several infectious, transmissible diseases, such as Rabies. What’s even scarier is that, once contracted, there is no cure for Rabies. When a bat is sick or injured, it is more vulnerable to its predators. And with curious dogs sniffing around outside, it is possible for them to come across a wounded or ill bat, and attempt to get a closer look. These are the most common cases of bats attacking or biting dogs; when they are scared and acting out of self-defense. For this reason, it is vital to have your pets vaccinated routinely to protect them from such transmissible diseases.

Bat Control

To truly relieve your anxiety about the dangers of bats, you need to resolve your nuisance bat problem at its root. By abating bat activity on and around your property, you can further protect your outdoor pets from bat confrontations. Certain environmental changes coupled with professional bat exclusion services are the best strategies for abating bat activity. Contact a licensed bat removal and control company in your town for non-lethal bat exclusion advice and assistance.

Who to Call for Virginia Bat Control

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane bat removal and control assistance in Old Dominion. We serve all of Virginia and its surrounding areas. We offer 24 hour bat removal, as well as, numerous residential and commercial bat exclusion services, such as bat cleanup and restorations for bat damages. We even provide insurance work! Contact us today for a free estimate.

What are Flying Foxes?

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If you are having trouble with nuisance bats in your area, you may have done some research to learn your options for abatement. In fact, that is probably why you have found yourself on this very blog page! On your journey to learning more about nuisance bat control, you may have come across a species of bat known as Flying Foxes. You may even have come across some pictures of them, leaving you in quite the fright. They are big, and scary-looking, after all. But not to worry; you will not come across a Flying Fox in Virginia. This suborder of bats are not native to our region, but rather, in tropical and subtropical locations.

Continue reading to learn more about flying foxes, as well as, how to safely manage your nuisance bat issues.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Classification of Bats

Bats are part of the Animal Kingdom, and further broken down into narrower classifications, including the Chordata Phylum, Mammalia Class, and of course, the Chiroptera Order. Within the Chiroptera Order, bats are categorized into one of two suborders: Microchiroptera and Megachiroptera. Also referred to as microbats and megabats, these suborders are quite different in size, diet, habitat, and more.

So where do Flying Foxes fit in? They are part of the Megachiroptera suborder, while bats found here in Virginia belong to the Microchiroptera suborder. Megachiroptera bats only includes one family, Pteropodidae, but can be further narrowed into 7 Subfamilies, including Nyctimeninae, Cynopterinae, Harpiyonycterinae, Macroglossinae, Pteropodinae, Rousettinae, and Epomophorinae, and 166 different species.

Megabats

Flying Foxes are indeed, megabats. They are the largest bats on the planet, ranging in size depending on the particular species. The Large Flying Fox (Pteropus vampyrus), also known as the Greater Flying Fox, Malayan Flying Fox, Malaysian Flying Fox, Large Fruit Bat, Kalang or Kalong, is the largest of them all, achieving wingspans and forearm lengths up to 5 feet.

They go by many colloquial names, including Old World Fruit Bats, or simply, Fruit bats. They do not eat insects, small birds, small amphibians, nor animal blood. Instead, as their name so obviously implies, Flying Foxes consume fruit; either the nectar, the flesh, or both. Furthermore, they do not use echolocation like microbats. Instead, they have great eyesight and a large visual cortex, which they use conjointly to navigate around.

Where to Get Nuisance Bat Control in Virginia

Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane bat removal and control at a fair price. Regardless of the size or scope of your bat abatement and cleanup needs, we have the experience and resources necessary to remedy your bat problem in no time at all. Our professionals are focused on safe and effective results, but more importantly, our client’s complete satisfaction. Contact us anytime for free estimates, advice, and assistance.

A Bat Might Be the Smaller Extant Mammal on Earth!

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Arguably the smallest mammal known to man is the Kitti’s Hog-Nosed bat! This is an exciting suggestion considering just how much we love bats and support their contributions to our surrounding economies and Eco-systems! Continue reading to learn some interesting facts about the Kitti’s Hog-Nosed bat, as well as, how you can do your part to support the local bat populations in Virginia with safe and humane bat control service.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Kitti’s Hog-Nosed Bat (Craseonycteris thonglongyai)

You may know the Kitti’s Hog-Nosed bat better by its colloquial name, the Bumblebee bat. From this simple moniker, you can immediately get an idea of just how small these fascinating mammals truly are! The average size of a full grown, adult Bumblebee bat is 1.1 to 1.3 inches in length, which can be compared to the size of a nickel! As for weight, at full maturity they tend to be less than 2 grams, or 0.071 ounces!

When it comes to the rest of their appearance, their formal name describes it well. They have a pig-like snout, hence the “hog-nosed” portion of their name. They also have large ears, reddish-brown or grey fur, and darker colored wings. There is no tail on the Kitti’s Hog-Nosed bat, but they do have a large web of skin between the hind legs called the uropatagium, which may help them with flying.

A Tropical Microbat

The Kitti’s Hog-Nosed bat is native to Thailand and Myanmar, generally taking up roosts in limestone caves and along riverbeds. They are part of the Microchiroptera order, now called Yangochiroptera, and happen to be the only existing bat in the Craseonycteridae family. See their scientific classification data below for a better understanding:

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Chiroptera
Family: Craseonycteridae
Genus: Craseonycteris
Species: C. thonglongyai

✨ Learn how to do your part to help preserve this special species by reading our blog, “How to Safely Support Local Bat Colonies.”

Humane Bat Control in Virginia

Sometimes bats can be a nuisance, even though they don’t mean to be. When this happens, trust a licensed and insured Virginia bat removal company for safe and humane bat abatement service at an affordable price. Contact Virginia Bat Pros today at 804-729-9097 to request a free estimate or information about our services, prices, and more. We look forward to delivering affordable and long-lasting solutions for your bat problems!

The Two Main Types of Bats in Nature

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Bats are incredible mammals. That’s right; bats are not rodents like many incorrectly assume. Bats are a mammalian species that provide several ecological and economical contributions that we as a society rely on for many things. As such an incredible species, it is good to learn more about bats so that you can spread the word on their importance. Furthermore, you can learn how to support local bat colonies in your area without jeopardizing the safety and structural integrity of your property. However, the best place to start when you want to enhance your knowledge and understanding of bats is with the basics.

Continue reading to learn about the two main types of bats in the world, and which one is the type that lives in your neck of the woods.

Virginia Bat Removal Control Service
Flying Fox – Fruit Bat (Pteropus vampyrus)

Chiroptera Order

Bats are flying mammals that belong to the order Chiroptera, which comes from the Greek words cheir for “hand”, and pteron for “wing.” This names was inspired by bat’s hand-like wings that are shaped from four elongated “fingers” covered by skin (cutaneous) membrane. Bats are actually the second largest order of mammals in the world, as they make up nearly 20% of all classified mammal species, and contain over 1,200 species. This mammalian order is further broken down into two sub-orders, Megachiroptera and Microchiroptera.

Megabats

The term megabats is a colloquial moniker for Megachiroptera, which is one of the two sub-orders of bats. However, the term Megachiroptera is outdated as a result of recent scientific evidence. So now, this suborder of bats is referred to as Yinpterochiroptera.  

Megabats are large, but range in size depending on the family, genus, and species of bat. For instance, the largest family of bats are known as Flying Foxes, and can weigh as much as 4 pounds and have a wingspan up to 5 or 6 feet!

Other megabats are known as Old-World Fruit Bats, or just Fruit Bats. That is because megabats are frugivorous, so they consume the nectar and pollen from flowering fruits. They also live in tropical and subtropical regions, so you are not likely to see a megabat in the Old Dominion.

Microbats

The term microbats is a colloquial moniker for Microchiroptera, which is one of the two sub-orders of bats. However, the term Microchiroptera is outdated as a result of recent scientific evidence. So now, this suborder of bats is referred to as Yangochiroptera.  

Microbats are smaller than megabats, ranging in size depending on the same factors mentioned before. Some are so small, they can squeeze through an opening as tiny as 3/8th of an inch! For this reason, they are common nuisances for home and building owners in Virginia.

Microbats do not eat the same diet as megabats either. Instead, they are insectivorous, which means they consume insects like flies, gnats, moths, and mosquitoes. A single bat can consume more than 1,000 insects in a single night! They are excellent pest control.

Nuisance Bats in Virginia

Here in Virginia, we have microbats. In fact, read our blog, “Get to Know Our State Bat” for a better understanding of how bats native to our area can behave, as well as, affect our properties. If you suspect you have bats in the attic, or simply wish to control a nuisance bat problem, contact a Virginia Bat Control Company that can deliver safe, non-lethal assistance.

Safe and Affordable Bat Control in Virginia

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane bat removal and control assistance in Old Dominion. We serve all of Virginia with 24 hour bat removal, as well as, numerous residential and commercial bat exclusion services, such as bat cleanup and restorations for bat damages. We even provide insurance work! Contact us at 804-729-9097 to request a free estimate, anytime.

How to Properly Maintain Bat Houses

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In a previous blog, we discussed tips for adding bat houses to your property as an excellent way to safely support the local bat populations in your community. We talked about procurement and construction, installation and mounting, and much more. However, we have yet to provide tips on how to take good care of your bat houses! Fortunately, now is the perfect time to check on yours to ensure it is in good condition.

To get started, continue reading for some helpful tips on how to maintain a bat house.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

What You Will Need:

If you want to take good care of your bat house, you have to start with the right supplies. Be sure to have thick utility gloves, safety goggles, face mask, flashlight, and a pair of scissors. You may not require all of these supplies, but they are the top-recommended ones to have on hand for bat house maintenance.

What To Do:

Never inspect or tend to a bat house when it is occupied. For this reason, it is best to save your bat house inspections for times when bats are not around, like during dusk or at night when they are out hunting for insects.

To take care of a bat house, you want to inspect it on a routine basis. Once a month during active seasons (February through September) is a good schedule to adhere to in the beginning. When you have been caring for your bat house for a while, you’ll learn its needs more, and can change the frequency at which you tend to it each month. In the winter, you will want to check it only once to ensure there are no broken seams in the construction of the house.

Upon inspection, make sure there are no broken seams that can let sunlight in through the roof. If there are cracks or openings, they will need to be repaired. Sunlight can disturb sleeping bats, and cause them a lot of stress. Roofing paper and roof repair sealant are best for such repairs. Be sure the screens, baffles, and interior partitions are intact too.

Also be sure to check for and remove wasp nests at the top of the bat house. They will be gray, honeycomb structures. Although wasps are not a problem for bats, the nests can get too big and disturb their comfort and ability to use the house.

If you see conical nests, these are likely hornets and yellow jackets. As aggressive insects, you will need to remove these nests and implement a preventive treatment to stop them from coming back. Do not use a chemical pesticide that can be poisonous to bats.

If you notice bats sticking out of the bottom of the house throughout the year, it could be due to overcrowding. In this case, you know it is time to add another bat house to your collection.

How to Deal With Nuisance Bat Problems

Sometimes bats can be a nuisance, even though they don’t mean to be. When this happens, trust a licensed and insured Virginia bat removal company for safe and humane bat abatement service at an affordable price. Contact Virginia Bat Pros today at 804-729-9097 to request a free estimate or information about our services, prices, and more. We look forward to delivering affordable and long-lasting solutions for your bat problems!

Virginia Bat Removal and Control

Why Choose Virginia Bat Pros

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Do you have a problem with nuisance bats? Do you have bats in the attic? Or have you noticed structural damages on the exterior of your property that point toward bat activity? Regardless of scope, there is an easy solution for nuisance bat abatement in Virginia. All you have to do is call Virginia Bat Pros for safe and humane bat removal and control you can trust!

Continue reading to learn why you should choose us for your bat abatement needs.

What We Do

Here at Virginia Bat Pros, our licensed and insured specialists provide safe and humane bat removal and control services in Central Virginia and its surrounding counties. We offer a long list of residential and commercial services, including bat removal, bat control, bat cleanup and restoration, inspections, estimates, and much more. We also provide emergency service and can even work with your homeowners’ insurance company to repair damages caused by bats.

How We Do It

We use a focused approach to locating the openings that bats use to enter your home, and then use the highest quality materials and resources to mend them, such as heavy gauge galvanized steel mesh screening, industrial caulking, high-density polyurethane foam, and more. When it comes to live bat extraction, we never harm, trap, or kill bats. Instead, we use a safe and humane method that works to move bats out and prevent their return.

Get In Touch Today!

With more than 10 years of hands-on experience and a long list of satisfied clients, you can trust that our bat removal and control services are safe, effective, and reasonably priced. We even work with a number of homeowners’ insurance companies to repair and restore properties damaged by bats. All of our work comes with a written guarantee, and we are happy to provide written quotes, anytime. Contact us by email, or call our main headquarters at 804-729-9097 to request written estimates and information from one of our friendly office managers.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control

The Journey of Lesser Long-Nosed Bats Conservation

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According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are currently 24 species of bat that listed as “Critically Endangered”, which means they are facing an exponential and impending risk of extinction. One interesting species that was once on this list is the Lesser Long-Nosed bat. Although previously listed as endangered, the Lesser Long-Nosed bat now faces more promising and brighter times.

Continue reading to learn more about the Lesser Long-Nosed bat, including its journey on the road to extinction and back.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 2
The Lesser Long-Nosed Bat (left)

The Lesser Long-Nosed Bat
(Leptonycteris yerbabuenae)

Also known as the Sanborn’s long-nosed bat or the Mexican long-nosed bat, the Lesser Long-Nosed bat is a species that is most interesting to learn about. They are native to Central and North America, as they typically prefer warmer, tropical and sub-tropical climates being that they are fruit bats, or megabats. See our blog, “The Differences Between Megabats and Microbats” to understand megabats more.

Their diet mostly consists of fruit nectar and pollen, hence the moniker, “fruit” bats. In terms of their scientific name, they perfectly fit the description having long, narrow snouts and a small triangular nose-leaf. More on their appearance, they are small in size, reaching an average size of 3 inches and 25 grams. Also, they have short, grey-like fur, and long wings.

Federal Endangerment and Conservation

At the start of 2017, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service suggested to remove the lesser long-nosed bat from the federal endangered species list. Back in 1988, the species was added to the list of federally-endangered species after noticeable declines in roosts became apparent in Arizona and Sonora. During the same time, it was guesstimated that there were only about 1,000 Lesser Long-Nosed bats alive, and fewer than 14 known roost sites.

The Great News

Today, there are more than 200,000 Lesser Long-Nosed bats living among 75 roost sites! How did this become possible? In addition to the fervent and rigorous monitoring, studying, researching, and intervention endeavors, the successful recovery of the Lesser Long-Nosed bat species has been largely due to the efforts made by several important interest groups and organizations, including scientists, biologists, non-governmental organizations, federal and state agencies, and believe it or not, even tequila producers in Mexico!

Their Importance and Their Decline

The top causes for the decline in Lesser Long-Nosed bat populations are largely due to over-developing land around their natural habitats, invasive grass species obstructing their source of food, and early harvesting of wild agave before it bloomed. Now you can see how all of the above-mentioned sources of conservation efforts contributed to their successful recovery.

Bats have a vital ecological importance, and subsequently, and economical importance, to our local communities. For this reason, it is strongly encouraged to be kind to bats, and appreciate all that they do for us. See our blog, “How to Safely Support Local Bat Colonies” to learn how to do your part. Although sometimes bats can become a nuisance to property owners, it is important to remember that it is not their fault. Instead, contact a local and trusted bat removal company for safe and humane assistance.

If Bats Become a Problem For Your Property

Sometimes bats can be a nuisance, even though they don’t mean to be. When this happens, trust a licensed and insured Virginia bat removal company for safe and humane bat abatement service at an affordable price. Contact Virginia Bat Pros today at 804-729-9097 to request a free estimate or information about our services, prices, and more. We look forward to delivering affordable and long-lasting solutions for your bat problems!

Virginia Bat Removal and Control

When Should a Bat Be Captured and Tested for Rabies?

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Bats are known carriers of several infectious diseases. One of the most dangerous diseases that can be transmitted by bats is the Rabies virus. Upon contracting the disease, victims are left with no recourse, as there is no cure for rabies. For this reason, anyone or any pet suspected of being bitten by a bat should seek immediate medical attention.

Continue reading to learn what you should know about bats and rabies, including when bats should be captured and tested for this fatal virus.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

The Virginia Department of Health

The Virginia Department of Health recommends to capture a bat and have it tested for the Rabies virus if one is ever found indoors where people and pets reside. Keep in mind that less than .5% of the entire bat population is actually infected with Rabies, however, it is still a risk to be cautious about. Treat all bats as if they have Rabies, and avoid them at all costs. At the same time, it is vital that you never attempt to harm, kill, or trap a bat under any circumstances. Some species are federally-endangered, and therefore, protected under law. See our blog, “Federally Endangered Species of Bat in Virginia” to learn which ones.

Recognizing Bats in the House

One of the most common signs of bat presence in a house, and often the initial once notice, is hearing strange noises in the walls or ceilings, such as squeaking, chirping, and chattering. You may also hear fluttering noises from their wings as they shuffle around their roosting area. Also, visually spotting bat guano (dropping) or actual bats, is another tell-tale sign that bats are inside. Additional signs include oil stains around entry points, foul odors lingering indoors, and yellow and brown-like stains on ceilings and walls. Read our blog, “The Top Three Signs that You Have Bats in the House” for help.

How to Capture a Bat

If you find a bat in the house, first get all people and pets to a guarded room. Your next step is to contact a local and licensed Virginia bat removal and control company for emergency bat extraction service. It might help to read our blog, “State Laws Surrounding Wild Bats” to understand why you should never attempt to tamper or interfere with bats under any circumstances.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane bat removal and control assistance in Old Dominion. We serve all of Virginia and its surrounding areas. We offer 24 hour bat removal, as well as, numerous residential and commercial bat exclusion services, such as bat cleanup and restorations for bat damages. We even provide insurance work! Contact us today for a free estimate.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control

Where to Get 24 Hour Bat Removal in Salem County

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Here at Virginia Bat Pros, our licensed and insured specialists provide safe and humane bat removal and control services in Salem, Virginia and its surrounding counties. We use a concentrated approach involving environmentally effective and humane methods to eliminate bats and prevent their return. This means you can feel good about protecting bats, and still protect your home and budget too.

Continue reading to learn what our bat control professionals can do for you, regardless of day or night!

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Salem Bat Removal and Control Services

We offer numerous bat removal and control services, including extraction, exclusion, proofing, cleanup and restoration, inspections, estimates, guidance, and even 24 hour emergency service! With more than 10 years of hands-on experience and a long list of satisfied clients, you can trust that our work is safe, effective, and reasonably priced. We even work with a number of homeowners’ insurance companies to repair and restore properties damaged by bats.

As a licensed and insured company who provides a written guarantee with all our work, you will feel confident knowing your valuable asset is in the hands of trained professionals. All of our work comes with a written guarantee, and we are happy to provide on-site quotes, anytime. So when it comes to protecting your asset from nuisance bat infestations, we are the professionals to trust for environmentally effective solutions you can afford.

Get a Free Quote Today!

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

In addition to Salem, we also serve all of Virginia, including Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and all of their surrounding areas. When you hear noises in the attic, or spot some suspicious animal droppings around your window seals, it is time to give our licensed and insured specialists a call for safe and professional Salem bat removal and control solutions you can trust.

Call 804-729-9097 to speak with one of our licensed bat control specialist about your bat problems, today. We serve all of Salem County, including all districts near the

What To Do If You Find a Bat

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Finding a bat can be alarming. Not only can they carry several types of infectious diseases and transmissible parasites, they are also capable of causing serious structural damage to a property. At the same time, bats are ecologically important and often protected under state and federal law. For these reasons and more, be sure you take the proper steps in order to protect yourself, your home, and the bat if you ever come across one on your premises.

Continue reading to learn what to do if you find a bat in different areas of your property.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

On the Ground

If you find a bat on the ground, it could be for a number of suspicious reasons. The bat could be injured, sick, dying, or dead. It could also be abandoned by its mother. Regardless of why there is a bat in your yard, it is important to take certain precautions to be safe. If you do not have pets or children, and you usually do not occupy that area of your yard for recreational purposes, it is suggested to simply let the bat be. Allow nature to take its course.

However, it is more likely that the bat is in the way and will need to be relocated. In this case, use a shoe box or tissue box to scoop the bat up and transfer it to a wooded area. Be sure to wear gloves and do not tamper with the bat. Relocating the bat will protect pets and children from contagious diseases, and save you the hassle of dealing with a dead animal on your premises.

In the House

Sometimes, when a window or screen door is left open at night, a bat can wander inside the home and rest on a wall or ledge. If you happen to discover a bat in your house this way, whether in the garage or in the kitchen, it is important to not panic and alarm the bat. Instead, get all of the children and pets out of the room where the bat is located.

Then open all of the doors and windows near the bat. Next, use a broom or something soft to gently tap the wall next to the bat to encourage it to fly away, and hopefully out of a window or door. If you cannot get the bat out of the house, contact a local bat removal and control company for emergency extraction assistance.

In the Attic

If you find a bat colony living in your attic, a licensed Virginia bat removal and control company needs to be contacted immediately. The longer you wait to have a bat infestation remedied, the more damage will occur, which in turn increases time and money spent fixing the problem. Furthermore, getting rid of bats in the attic is only the first step. After bats are excluded, the mess they left behind must be cleaned, disinfected, and repaired.

Contact Virginia Bat Pros Today!

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane bat removal and control at a fair price. Regardless of the size or scope of your bat abatement and cleanup needs, we have the experience and resources necessary to remedy your bat problem in no time at all. Our professionals are focused on safe and effective results, but more importantly, our client’s complete satisfaction. Contact us anytime for free estimates, advice, and assistance.