Performing a Bid – Bats

Remember: We are not salespersons; we are problem solvers.

1. Confirm the street address to make sure you are at the correct building(s).
2. Time into this account via mobile or on the paperwork. Review the Order Instructions and Location Instructions. Review your route log for hand-written notes.
3. Grab your flashlight, clipboard, and blank field sheet and head to the front door.
4. Ring the doorbell or knock; step back to give personal space. Greet the client, introduce yourself, and identify that you are with Good Earth Pest Company.
5. Ask about their problem. Be an active listener and hear their concerns. Pay attention to where the problem is observed and collect as much information as you can. If they want to show you something, then go look at it whether it helps or not it will validate their concern.
6. Inspect the attic and the entire exterior of the house, paying special attention to the eave and roof line. Be on the lookout for sebum, feces stuck to the side of the building, or feces piled up. You are looking for active areas and entry points. Look for any gaps ¼ inch or wider in the following areas:
   1. Eave line
   2. Roof junctions
   3. Ridge vents
   4. Eave vents
   5. Gaps at siding
   6. Gaps around chimneys
7. If you cannot find the entrance(s), than you can ask the client to perform a “night watch”. Basically, they can spend a couple evenings watching the outside of their home for the bats emerging. This activity will take place typically at dusk, and then they can report back to us afterwards.
8. The bats may not be actually entering the attic space, and are staying to the exterior of the building. In these cases, you can advise that exclusion may not be necessary depending on their preferences.
9. Create a map of the structure showing all areas that need sealing. Mark active areas that will need a bat cone installed.
10. Make note of any special materials needed (such as extra material, fall gear, or special sizing).
11. Use the Exclusion Pricing Sheet to establish a cost for exclusion. Sometimes bat bids are difficult and extra cost is necessary. If you have questions on pricing, consult your manager.
12. If a lift is needed to reach high areas, you will need to get a price before completing the bid. Talk to your manager regarding who we should rent the lift through.
13. Once finished, copy the map to the exclusion report page. Fill out the service agreement outlining needed repairs and associated costs.
14. Reconvene with the client and explain your findings. Review your map and the service agreement with them to make sure they understand your recommendations.

Set realistic expectations of scheduling and results. You must communicate with the client that bats are protected and that the only time frames in which we can perform bat exclusion are:

• April – June 1^st

• September 1^st – mid-November

14. If they decide to go forward and sign the agreement, give them the pink copy.
15. Return to your vehicle and clip all paperwork together. Secure all equipment and make sure your vehicle is safe to travel.
16. You are the first tech to be servicing this account, be sure that you update the location instructions with any pertinent information that other techs should know. Remember: Clients have access to your notes so they should always be professional and appropriate.
17. If it was a particularly pleasant interaction be sure to send a review invite via the Podium app (see PS.150 Sending a review invite using Podium Mobile).
18. Check off the account on your service route log.