1.Tell us a little bit about your company and its foundation.
Expest had its beginnings as Central Gwinnett Exterminators in the early 1970’s. With the growth of the Metro Atlanta area, our service area began to expand and grow. In 1987, with the acquisition of other pest control firms, Expest was established and incorporated and now serves all of the North Metro Atlanta and Athens areas.

Taking each customer individually and determining how to best serve their needs is our top priority. Our customers are our most important assets as they allow us to handle their pest control needs and trust our ability to professionally, thoroughly, and safely solve their pest problems.

Expest differentiates itself from other pest control companies by offering a wide range of pest services, an experienced, professional, and friendly staff, and a fair and competitive pricing schedule.

2.Please explain the issue of bat or other wildlife infestation in my home.
Squirrels, rats, mice, bats, raccoons, and opossums are animals that commonly nest in homes. These unwanted invaders will cause damage to structures, gnaw electrical wires and cables, create disturbing noises, leave excrement behind, and carry parasites and diseases. Nuisance wildlife tends to show up around the changing of the seasons. Squirrels and other rodents will look for the warmth of an attic space when the weather turns colder. Once they get inside, they can nest in insulation, chew electrical wires, and leave droppings behind. They pose a serious fire hazard from damaging wires, and can even cause health problems as their waste accumulates in the insulation.

Resident species of bats in the United States are capable of being infected with rabies, but the incidence of rabies is the same as in other mammals. Bat guano is extremely dangerous to your health and could be fatal if bats continue to live inside your home.

3.What are common ways bats get into houses?
Bats commonly roost in houses because houses provide a safe, warm place for bats to spend the day time hours sleeping. In nature, caves and large dead trees with slabs of loose bark and hollowed centers provided shelter for roosting. Bats are commonly found in the attics or exterior walls of houses. Bats only require a hole a 1/4 inch wide to access a wall void. Common entry points are gable vents; the louvers of gable vents are perfectly designed to allow bats to swoop into the attic and find immediate shelter and a place to rest. If bats become a nuisance by roosting in a building where they are not wanted, the best method for resolving the problem is to install an excluder. An excluder is simply a one-way door that allows the bats to exit but not re-enter. Once all the bats are out, the hole can be repaired

4.Is there anything attracting wildlife into my home that I may not be aware of?
Wildlife, as any other living animal, requires food, water, and shelter to survive. If these can be easily found in or around your home then chances are good that wildlife will be attracted to your house. Bird feeders, pet food outside, and exterior garbage bins not tightly sealed will usually be the first lure of wildlife to your home. Once the wildlife finds a regular source of food, they will usually attempt to find appropriate shelter near the food source. Inspection of the homes exterior for holes and gaps that an animal could use for access should be preformed and the areas sealed with a permanent, durable material so that the animals can not chew through.

5.What is the process of removing wildlife from my home?
Once an animal has established your home as their own, the challenges of removing the unwanted invaders can prove daunting to the non-professional. A Wildlife Specialist can determine what animal or animals have taken up residence, what the appropriate and lawful method of extraction should be, and what steps should be followed to prevent a re-infestation.

6.Once a bat or other dangerous animal is discovered, what is the first thing the homeowner should do?
The homeowner needs to realize that not only are wild animals potentially dangerous especially if they feel threatened, many diseases can be associated with various forms of wildlife. There are also many local, state, and federal laws that protect certain species. The Department of Natural Resources is a good source for information of the potential hazards of wildlife in your area. It is advisable that homeowners without proper training and licensing should not attempt to disturb any wildlife they find in or around their home; instead contact your local animal control or a nuisance wildlife control professional.

7.What is the best way to contact you and your company?
Please visit Expest Exterminating at www.expest.net or call us at 770-938-3400.