How to Get Rid of Bats—and Keep Them Away for Good
Bats can be fascinating creatures, but when they invade your home, they can pose health risks and create a mess. While they don’t usually cause immediate structural damage, ignoring them can lead to significant issues over time. Knowing the signs of a bat infestation and how to address it effectively is key to keeping your home bat-free.
Signs You Might Have a Bat Infestation
If you notice any of the following, it’s time to take action:
A strong odor from guano (bat droppings).
An unusual number of dead insects around your property.
Pets behaving oddly, especially near walls or attics.
High-pitched squeaking sounds coming from walls or ceilings.
Guano in your garage, attic, or chimney.
If these signs are present, it’s best to contact a professional bat removal service promptly.
Steps to Get Rid of Bats
While it’s important to act quickly, bat removal should always be done humanely and legally. Follow these steps to ensure effective and responsible bat exclusion:
Step 1: Identify the Type of Bat
The first step is to determine which species of bat you’re dealing with. Different bat species have unique behaviors and habits, which may influence the approach to their removal.
Step 2: Locate Entry Points
Bats often enter through chimneys, attic vents, windows, or small cracks. Identifying these access points is crucial for effective removal. If unsure what to look for, consult a wildlife professional to pinpoint the colony’s entrance.
Step 3: Use a One-Way Exit Device
If bats are already inside, avoid sealing their entry points immediately as this could trap them. Instead, use a one-way exit device, which allows bats to leave but prevents their return. After the bats have left, seal all openings thoroughly using caulk, mesh, or specialized covers for vents and chimneys.
Step 4: Clean the Area
Bat guano can carry harmful pathogens, so it’s essential to clean affected areas properly:
Spray the area with a disinfectant solution (e.g., 10 parts water to 1 part bleach).
Remove guano using gloves, masks, and disposable cleaning materials.
Wash the area with soapy water and ammonia to ensure thorough sanitation.
For large infestations, consider hiring a professional cleaning service to ensure the job is done safely and effectively.
Special Considerations for Attics
In colder regions, bats often roost in attics during fall and winter. After they migrate out, seal any cracks or gaps and install bat exclusion devices to prevent re-entry. In warmer climates, pay special attention to vents, crawlspaces, and attic openings to keep bats out year-round.
Why Are Bats Attracted to Homes?
Bats are drawn to homes for two main reasons:
Food: They are insectivores and gravitate toward areas with abundant insects.
Shelter: Bats seek out dark, tight spaces like attics, chimneys, and wall cavities for safety and nesting.
Leave Bat Removal to the Professionals
DIY methods like mothballs, decoys, noisemakers, or essential oils are ineffective for bat removal. Handling bats improperly can also be dangerous due to the risk of disease, such as rabies.
At Allstate Trapping & Wildlife Exclusion, we use humane and effective exclusion programs to ensure bats leave your home and can’t return. Our approach is safe, environmentally responsible, and designed to protect both your home and the bats.
If you’ve noticed signs of a bat infestation, don’t wait. Contact Allstate Trapping & Wildlife Exclusion today for professional assistance and a bat-free home.