As of February, Central Plains Bat Removal will be rebranding its name to CP Bat Mitigation.

“Rebranding our company is something we’re very excited about, and with the success we have had over the years, the demand for our services continues to expand,” said co-owner, Jill Kolb.

“We want our company name to be more applicable to serving our customers in the Midwest but also in the South, East Coast, and West.”

CP Bat Mitigation is a family-owned and operated business whose mission is to safely remove bats from homes, businesses, schools, and churches.

While employed in the roofing industry, owner John Kolb developed an interest in bat removal. His concern about the process grew after he realized bats could enter homes directly through roof crevices.

“I knew there was an issue but didn’t know the extent of bat removal issues,” said John.

The Sioux Falls-based company opened its doors in 2017, and since then has provided bat mitigation services throughout South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, western Minnesota, and eastern Wyoming in commercial and residential entities.

As bats are able to fit through holes only a quarter inch wide, they’re able to sneak into homes and businesses in stealthy ways.

Jill says bats commonly enter homes through small holes in attics, cracks in bricks, and chimneys, or simply by leaving a garage or back door open overnight.

Jill explains that their bat removal experts have built a removal process that provides a smooth experience for customers.


Fun Fact

The Little Brown Bat is the most common bat species in South Dakota.

“It’s a two-step process,” said Jill. “We go out and check customers’ properties and identify where the bats are coming from.”

During an initial consultation, the team will take the time to explain exactly how the bats enter and exit the property.

Jill says that their team will offer a complimentary quote based on the property’s structure, and customers can set an installation date to begin the removal process.

A senior installer comes to the property and identifies the most frequented entries and exits, also known as the “honey holes.” When the holes are discovered, a bat cone is placed at the point of entry, acting as a slide, preventing the bats from returning. Jill explains that this is an important step due to bats being creatures of habit.


Bat Removal VS Animal Control

Location, location, location! The best way to remove bats from your attic or walls is by hiring a bat removal company.

In the event that bats are flying around your home/business or roosting outdoors, it’s best to contact Animal Control.

“They will recognize your home as their home,” said Jill. “However when the bats leave to feed, they’ll figure out they can’t come back in.” 

After ensuring all the bats are gone, the senior installer will come back to the home or business and apply a sealant permanently cover the previous entryway.


Small But Mighty

Wingspan = 8.5″ – 11″
Length = 2.5″ – 4″
Weight = .18oz to .5oz
Speed = 12 MPH to 20 MPH

Jill adds that their team will return to the property at a later date to evaluate if the mitigation process was a success. If on a rare occasion bats return, CP Bat Mitigation will resume their services until all the bats are removed.

“We’re always going to come back and take care of our customers till the very end,” said Jill.

While bats can become the upfront problem, it is important to understand the damage they can cause, too.

Bat feces (also known as guano) and urine can lead to structural damage. The high levels of uric acid in bat guano is able to erode metal, clay, and wood structures with time. Jill states that it’s more common to see the damages when a large colony of bats inhabits an attic.


5 Signs You Need Commercial Services:

+ Bat droppings in or around your property.
+ Bats swarm outside your building at dusk.
+ Strong ammonia odor.
+ Unexplained stains on walls or ceiling.
+ Unusual sounds in the walls.

“If that’s the case, our team will come in and do an attic restoration,” said Jill.

Aside from structural damages, the guano and urine can also cause health issues to the building’s inhabitants.


Did You Know?

Little brown bats only have a few natural predators, like owls or raccoons. Unfortunately, most of their mortality is caused by parasites or white-nose syndrome.

White-nose syndrome is the result of a fungus that invades and ingests hibernating bats’ wings and muzzles. This causes the bats to wake up more frequently during the winter, which rapidly uses up their limited fat reserves.

“Anytime you disturb guano, you’re allowing those spores to open up, and that’s when it becomes a health hazard,” said Jill.

Inhaling the spores will cause an infection called Histoplasmosis. This infection can go unnoticed by many, but identifying factors include fever, chills, headache, and chest pain.


Fun Fact:

A bat’s lifespan ranges from 25 to 40 years. The little brown bat only ranges from 6 to 10 years.

Jill adds that if someone is willing to take a quick look into their attic, it’s important for them to wear the proper respirator.

In case a bat or bat guano is found anywhere in one’s home or business, she advises against attempting to remove it by yourself out of concern for exposure to illness or disease.


Benefits of Bats:

+ Nature’s insect control
+ Natural-born fertilizers
+ Flower pollination
+ Seed distribution

“We have the proper removal process, and the experts who know what to do,” said Jill. “Don’t take the chance of putting yourself at risk.”

Bats don’t always cause harm, and Kolb expresses that due to cartoons and Halloween, people typically have a misconception about them.

“Bats will not suck your blood or dive down at you,” said Jill. “They’re not intentionally trying to come after you. They’re more scared of you than you are scared of them.”

Bats play an essential role in the environment but have been at risk of extinction and must remain protected.

If a bat has made your home or business their home, Jill says to not be afraid to call. As a safe mitigation company, they are there to protect bats and your home.

When asked about what the future holds for CP Bat Mitigation, Jill responded, “We’re growing to a corporate level, and we want to be able to bring more awareness to other cities.”

For more information, visit CPBATMITIGATION.COM.

 

Facebook Comments