Question 1

There is a bat flying in my house right now — what do I do?

Accepted Answer

Close interior doors to confine it to one room. Open a window or exterior door in that room, turn off the lights, and step out. Nine times out of ten the bat leaves within twenty minutes. Do not attempt to catch it barehanded. If anyone in the home may have been in contact with it while sleeping, capture it in a covered container and call your local health department for rabies testing.

Question 2

Is a bat in my attic actually a problem?

Accepted Answer

It can be. A single bat is often just a stray, but a maternity colony can produce years of guano accumulation, insulation damage, and — most importantly — a small but real disease risk. It's worth an inspection.

Question 3

How do I know for certain I have bats?

Accepted Answer

Look for guano beneath eaves and gable vents, listen for chirping at dusk, and watch the roofline at sunset. Chapter I of the Guide walks through the five signs in detail.

Question 4

Do you kill the bats?

Accepted Answer

Never. In nineteen years I have not killed one bat, and I will not. Every animal I have ever excluded has flown out on its own, alive.

Question 5

How does humane exclusion actually work?

Accepted Answer

In short: we seal every possible entry point except the main one, and on the main one we install a one-way door. The bats leave to feed at dusk and simply cannot get back in. When the colony has fully departed we remove the door and seal that opening too.

Question 6

Why can't you do the work in June or July?

Accepted Answer

Michigan law — and basic decency — prohibits exclusion during the maternity season (roughly May 15 to August 15), because flightless pups would starve inside the attic while their mothers were locked out. We inspect year-round, but exclusion work is done in spring or fall.

Question 7

How much does this cost?

Accepted Answer

A proper Michigan exclusion typically runs between $1,800 and $5,500 depending on the house. Estimates are always in writing, always free, and never pressured.

Question 8

How long does the whole process take?

Accepted Answer

The exclusion itself is usually completed in one or two visits. The one-way door remains in place for seven to fourteen days. Full sealing and cleanup follow after the colony has fully departed.

Question 9

Do you offer a warranty?

Accepted Answer

Yes — a lifetime, transferable warranty against bat re-entry through any sealed point.

Question 10

Do you still personally inspect homes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every property, before any quote is issued. It's the reason the company has stayed small.

Question 11

Can I hire Sam for a consultation only?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Sam is available for paid consultations by phone, video, or in person — often used by other contractors, homeowners with second opinions, and legal cases.

Question 12

Where can I read more?

Accepted Answer

Start with the Guide, then browse the Resources library. If you'd like to correspond directly, the Contact page is the place.

FAQ.

First things first

About the work

Money & timeline

About Sam