Bats and Squirrels Causing Problems

[Mary K.]

Have a SFH in Ohio (live in FL). Renter texted that he heard scratching noises, thought that squirrels had started getting in last Spring (don't know why he didn't tell me before). A pest management company inspected today, gave me a bid for almost $5K, to install bat guards on roof vent and remove a small area of soffit that squirrels had infiltrated, pull it out and replace installation (squirrels ate it), patch the opening they are getting in at, and reinstall the same soffit since it's in fine shape. About a day of work or so. Anyone have tips for handling this without paying so much? Is this an urgent thing to take care of (as in within the next few days)? Or would it be OK if I take a few weeks until I can get up to Ohio myself and hire someone who won't charge so much and oversee it myself? Anyone have problems with bats or squirrels in a property before?