What to do about Bats
This page provides information about bats. It includes tips on how to identify, manage, and keep them away from your property. As with all nuisance wildlife - early removal can prevent costly repairs!
Need help with a bat problem? Contact us today so we can help you sort it out!
Signs and indicators that you have a bat problem
Wondering if you have a bat problem? You can start by looking for some straight forward indications that you’ve got an unwanted bat presence.
Squeaking Noises or Fluttering
Bats communicate through high-pitched squeaks and chirps, which may be faint but noticeable if they are roosting in your attic or walls. You might also hear the soft fluttering of their wings as they move in and out of small openings. Since bats are nocturnal, these sounds are most common at dusk when they leave to hunt for food and at dawn when they return to their roost. If you frequently hear these noises in a specific area of your home, it’s a strong indication that bats may be roosting nearby.
Bat Droppings
You might also notice guano (bat droppings) near entry points or around your home’s exterior. If you see small, dark stains on your walls or ceilings, that could be bat urine, which can damage surfaces over time.
Bats (like actual bats)
This one might be obvious but if you consistently see bats flying around your home at dusk or dawn coupled with some of the other indicators; you may have bats living in your home. Seeing bats flying around your home at dusk or dawn is a strong visual clue that they may be roosting nearby. While it's normal to spot bats hunting for insects in the evening, frequent activity near your roof, attic vents, or chimney suggests they’ve found a way inside. If this sighting is paired with other signs like droppings (guano) or strange noises, you likely have an infestation. Observing their flight patterns can also help you locate potential entry points where they are coming and going.
Visual Inspection and Odors
Examine the exterior of your home for small cracks, gaps, or holes around the roof, vents, or eaves. These are common entry points where bats can squeeze through. Bat urine can leave dark, streaky stains on walls or ceilings, particularly near where bats roost. These stains may have an unpleasant odor as well. A musty, pungent odor could also signal bat activity.
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Using our professional services vs DIY bat removal
A bat infestation can pose several risks and dangers to your home and health. Bats are known carriers of diseases like rabies, and their droppings, called guano, can spread harmful fungi that lead to respiratory issues like histoplasmosis. The build-up of guano can lead to unpleasant odors and attract other pests, further compounding the issue. If left untreated, a bat infestation can lead to serious health hazards and costly repairs, making early detection and removal crucial.
DIY Bat Removal
Natural Deterrents for Bats
There are unfortunately no proven natural deterrents for bats. Strong scents like peppermint oil, eucalyptus, or cinnamon are often recommended but have little effect. Bright lights or hanging reflective objects, like aluminum foil strips, may discourage bats from roosting but could also attract additional bugs and backfire.
Physical Barriers and Exclusion of Bats
Physical barriers and exclusion is the most reliable ways to keep bats out of your home. Start by inspecting your property for any gaps, cracks, or holes where bats could enter—especially around vents, chimneys, windows, and the roofline. Seal these openings using materials like steel mesh, caulking, or heavy-duty sealant. Install a bat-proof mesh over vents or chimneys to prevent them from gaining access.
Removal of Bats
Bats are federally protected and must be removed without harming them. The most effective method involves installing a one-way exclusion door that allows bats to leave but prevents them from getting back inside. Once the bats have exited, you can seal the entry points to ensure they don’t return. Bat’s can fit through a hole the size of a nickel so repair work has to be thorough. It’s best to contact a wildlife control professional who can safely and properly handle the situation, ensuring no harm comes to the bats.
Professional Bat Removal
Hiring a professional pest control service can save you time and provide peace of mind. Experts have the knowledge and experience to assess the situation accurately and implement effective removal strategies. They can also identify potential entry points and offer advice on how to prevent future infestations.
Moreover, professionals can ensure that the animals are treated ethically. They can also provide follow-up services to monitor the area and ensure that the problem is fully resolved.
Professional services are worth it if you have a tough problem or don’t what to do next.
Piedmont Wildlife Control’s Bat Removal
In the end, choosing between DIY bat removal and hiring a pro depends on how comfortable you feel with the process. It also depends on how serious the problem is and what your budget is and also what the local laws are. If you feel confident in your ability to handle the situation, DIY methods can be effective. If you want an easy and managed solution then getting help from professionals might be the best choice. If that’s the case give us a call and we will address the issue promptly to protect your home, garden, or property from further damage.
Wildlife Experts You Can Trust For Bat Removal
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"Excellent work! The owner was professional, reasonably priced and knows his stuff. Highly recommend."
Lisa, 2024
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"Thorough, knowledgeable and committed! My farm was overrun with a vole population and nothing I was trying was working. He developed a plan and adapted until finding a solution that worked. The population is obviously greatly reduced and steadily declining and they are not longer eating my plants out by the roots. So thankful!! I had lost hope that anything would help! Totally recommend Piedmont Wildlife Control!"
Katherine, 2024
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"Showed up on time and dispatched several animals on the property that were problems"
Steve, 2024
Convinced? Let’s get started then!
How to get rid of bats and discourage their return.
Inspect Your Property For Entry Points
Start by checking for any cracks, holes, or gaps around your roofline, vents, windows, and chimneys. Sealing these openings is the first step to preventing bats from getting inside.
Use Bat Exclusion Devices
Use one-way exclusion doors or netting to allow bats to exit your property but prevent them from returning. This method is safe and effective in encouraging bats to leave without harm.
Seal Up All Gaps After Bats Have Left
Once bats are out, seal all potential entry points with steel mesh, caulk, or heavy-duty sealants. Emphasis on the “once bats are out”; be sure to do this at night or early morning when bats are likely outside and not trapped inside.
Remove Attractants from Your Property
Bats are drawn to areas where they can find food and shelter. Keep your yard free of insects by reducing outdoor lighting, and regularly review the exterior of your home to make sure there are no openings that bats can get into.
Consult the Professionals at Piedmont
If the problem persists and you’re unsure how to proceed, it may be best to consult a wildlife control professional here at Piedmont Wildlife Control.
