How To Get A Bat Out Of Your House

Featured Image: [Image of a bat perched on a wall]

Bats can be a frightening sight to encounter in your home, but it’s important to remain calm and take the necessary steps to remove them safely. While bats are often associated with negative connotations, they play a crucial role in the ecosystem as pollinators and insect controllers. However, their presence in your house poses potential health and safety risks, making it essential to address the situation promptly and effectively. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various humane and effective methods to remove bats from your living space, ensuring both your safety and the well-being of these nocturnal creatures.

Before embarking on the removal process, it’s imperative to assess the extent of the infestation and identify the entry points bats may be using. Thoroughly inspect your home’s exterior for any cracks or holes around chimneys, vents, or eaves. Seal these openings with caulk, expandable foam, or wire mesh to prevent future entries. Additionally, trim tree branches that may provide access to your roof or attic. Remember, excluding bats is crucial to resolving the issue long-term, as simply removing them without addressing entry points will likely lead to their return.

Once entry points are sealed, you can proceed with removing the bats. One effective method is to use a one-way exclusion device. These devices allow bats to leave the house but prevent them from re-entering. Place the exclusion devices over the main entry points and monitor them for several nights. As bats emerge at dusk to feed, they will be unable to return, gradually reducing the population within your home. Alternatively, you can opt for live trapping, which involves setting up traps baited with fruit or insects near bat roosts. Once trapped, bats can be released far from your property, typically at least a few miles away. However, live trapping requires experience and should be carried out by a trained professional to ensure the safety of both the bats and yourself.

Identifying Bat Entry Points

Identifying potential bat entry points is crucial to effectively seal off your home and prevent bats from reentering. Inspect the exterior of your house thoroughly, paying particular attention to areas where bats could access sheltered spaces.

Common Entry Points:

Focus on these key areas where bats are most likely to find entry points:

Location	Typical Entry Points
Siding	Cracks, gaps, or loose siding
Attic	Holes around pipes, vents, or soffits
Roof	Damaged shingles, flashing, or roof vents
Chimney	Loose or damaged chimney caps
Walls	Cracks or holes near windows, doors, or utilities

Inspecting for Entry Points:

Use a flashlight and carefully examine both the exterior and interior of your home. Look for any cracks, holes, gaps, or damage that could provide bats with access. Pay attention to areas where gaps in sealing or insulation are present.

Excluding Bats Safely

Excluding bats safely from your home requires patience and attention to detail. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

1. Identify and Seal Entry Points

Thoroughly inspect your home for any cracks, holes, or gaps where bats may be entering. Common entry points include the attic, soffits, fascia, and chimneys. Seal these openings with expanding foam, caulk, or weatherstripping.

2. Install Bat Houses

Provide bats with alternative roosting sites by installing bat houses in your yard or nearby. Choose a location that receives ample sunlight during the day and is protected from wind and predators. Monitor the bat houses regularly for activity and clean them as needed.

Here are some key considerations for installing bat houses:

Characteristic	Recommendation
Dimensions	32″ x 14″ x 3″
Material	Wood, plastic, or recycled materials
Color	Black or dark grey
Mounting Height	10-20 feet above the ground

3. Use Ultrasonic Devices or Chemical Repellents

Ultrasonic devices or chemical repellents can be used as a temporary measure to deter bats. However, these methods may not be effective in all cases and should be used with caution. If necessary, seek professional assistance from a licensed pest control operator.

Professional Bat Removal Services

Professional bat removal services are highly recommended if you have a bat infestation in your home. These companies have trained technicians who have the experience and equipment to safely and effectively remove bats from your property. In addition, they can also prevent bats from returning in the future.

How to Choose a Professional Bat Removal Company

When choosing a bat removal company, it is important to do your research and select a company that is reputable and experienced. You should also get several estimates before making a decision. Here are some key factors to consider:

Company reputation and experience
Services offered
Cost
Customer reviews

What to Expect from a Professional Bat Removal Service

A professional bat removal service will typically follow a several-step process:

Inspection. The technician will inspect your home to identify the location of the bats and the extent of the infestation.
Removal. The technician will remove the bats from your home using a variety of methods, such as trapping, exclusion, and eviction.
Exclusion. The technician will seal up any holes or cracks that the bats could use to re-enter your home.
Cleanup. The technician will clean up any bat guano or other debris that may have been left behind.
Prevention. The technician will provide you with advice on how to prevent bats from returning in the future.

Service	Cost
Inspection	$100-$200
Removal	$200-$500 per bat
Exclusion	$100-$200 per hole or crack
Cleanup	$50-$100
Prevention	$50-$100

The total cost of bat removal services will vary depending on the size of the infestation and the complexity of the removal process. However, it is important to remember that bats can pose a health risk, so it is important to deal with an infestation as soon as possible.

Preventing Future Bat Invasions

Once you’ve successfully removed bats from your home, it’s important to take steps to prevent them from returning. Here’s how:

1. Seal Entry Points

Inspect your home thoroughly for any holes, cracks, or gaps that bats could use to enter. Seal these openings with caulk, expanding foam, or weatherstripping. Pay special attention to areas around chimneys, pipes, soffits, and rooflines.

2. Trim Trees and Remove Debris

Bats often roost in trees near homes. Trim back any branches that touch your house or overhang the roof. Remove piles of leaves, wood, and other debris that provide hiding places for bats.

3. Use Bat Deterrents

There are various bat deterrents available, including ultrasonic devices, chemical repellents, and physical barriers. Ultrasonic devices emit high-pitched sounds that are unpleasant to bats. Chemical repellents contain scents that bats find irritating. Physical barriers, such as netting or spike strips, can prevent bats from landing or roosting on your property.

4. Prevent Bat Access to Attics and Other Enclosed Spaces

Bats commonly roost in attics, garages, and other enclosed spaces. To prevent access, install one-way exclusion devices at all possible entry points. These devices allow bats to exit the space but prevent them from re-entering.

Table: One-Way Bat Exclusion Device Installation

Step	Instructions
1	Identify potential entry points for bats, such as gaps around pipes or vents.
2	Purchase a one-way exclusion device specifically designed for bats.
3	Install the device over the entry point with the funnel-shaped end pointing outwards.
4	Secure the device with screws or caulk to prevent bats from removing it.
5	Leave the device in place for several weeks to allow bats to exit.
6	Once all bats have left, permanently seal the entry point.

5. Contact a Wildlife Removal Professional

If you are unable to remove bats on your own or have a large bat infestation, contact a professional wildlife removal service. They have the experience and equipment to safely and effectively remove bats from your home and take steps to prevent future invasions.

Understanding Bat Behavior

Bats are nocturnal creatures that typically enter our houses looking for food or shelter.

They are highly territorial, and every colony usually has its own roost. Bats are social animals that form colonies of varying sizes. They will fiercely defend their roosts from other bats or perceived threats.

Bats are excellent climbers but poor fliers in confined spaces. Thus, they can maneuver deftly in cracks, crevices, attics, or other confined spaces.

Bat Entry Points

Bats can gain entry into your home through even tiny openings. Common entry points include:

Cracks or holes in the roof or walls
Gaps around windows or doors
Attic vents or chimneys
Openings in soffits or fascia boards

Bat Behavior Inside the House

Once inside a house, bats will typically roost in attics, eaves, basements, or other dark, secluded areas. They are known to leave droppings, which can be a nuisance and health hazard. Bats are not inherently aggressive towards humans, but they may bite if threatened.

Bat Droppings and Health Risks

Bat droppings, commonly known as guano, can pose health risks. Their excrement contains a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum, which causes histoplasmosis, a respiratory illness. Additionally, bats can carry rabies, a fatal disease if left untreated.

Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection that can cause flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, muscle aches, and headaches. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia or other organ damage.

Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease transmitted through animal bites. It affects the central nervous system, causing severe symptoms and potentially death.

Dealing with Bat Guano

Once you have removed the bats from your home, you will need to clean up the guano they left behind. Bat guano is a health hazard and can contain histoplasmosis, a fungal disease that can cause serious respiratory problems. It is important to take precautions when cleaning up bat guano to avoid inhaling the spores.

To clean up bat guano, you will need the following supplies:

Respirator
Gloves
Eye protection
Bucket
Water
Bleach
Scrub brush

To remove bat guano from your home, follow these steps:

Put on your respirator, gloves, and eye protection.
Remove all visible bat guano from the area. You can do this with a vacuum cleaner or a broom and dustpan.
Mix a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water in a bucket.
Apply the bleach solution to the area where the bat guano was located.
Let the bleach solution sit for 10 minutes.
Scrub the area with a scrub brush.
Rinse the area with clean water.
Dry the area thoroughly.

Tips for Cleaning Up Bat Guano

If the bat guano is wet, do not vacuum it up. This will create a mist of spores that can be harmful to your health.

If you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system, do not clean up bat guano yourself. Hire a professional to do it for you.

Dispose of bat guano in a sealed plastic bag. Do not compost it.

Health Risks Associated with Bats

Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Bats are known to carry several zoonotic diseases, including rabies, histoplasmosis, and bat-borne filoviruses. Here are some of the health risks associated with bats:

1. Rabies

Rabies is a fatal neurological disease caused by the rabies virus. Bats are the primary carriers of rabies in the United States. The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal.

2. Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is a respiratory disease caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Bats are the primary source of Histoplasma in the United States. The fungus is found in bat droppings and can be inhaled by people who come into contact with it.

3. Bat-borne Filoviruses

Bat-borne filoviruses are a group of viruses that can cause severe disease in humans. These viruses include Marburg virus and Ebola virus. Bats are the natural reservoir for these viruses.

4. Other Zoonotic Diseases

Bats can also carry other zoonotic diseases, including:

Health Hazard	Symptoms	Prevention
Histoplasmosis	Fever, chills, cough, chest pain	Wear a respirator when cleaning up bat guano

Disease	Symptoms
Leptospirosis	Fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and jaundice
Lyme disease	Fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and a bullseye rash
Tularemia	Fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and swollen lymph nodes

5. Allergies

Some people may be allergic to bat saliva or droppings. Symptoms of a bat allergy can include:

Hives
Swelling
Itching
Difficulty breathing

6. Guano

Bat guano (droppings) can accumulate in attics and other areas where bats roost. Guano can contain harmful bacteria and fungi. Inhaling or coming into contact with guano can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.

7. Damage to Property

Bats can cause damage to property by chewing on electrical wires, insulation, and other materials. They can also leave droppings and urine, which can stain and damage surfaces. The cost of repairing bat damage can be significant.

Humane Bat Extermination

1. Identify Entry Points

Inspect your home for any potential entry points, especially around chimneys, pipes, and vents. Seal these openings with caulk or expanding foam.

2. Create a Bat Exit

If there are bats inside your house, create a one-way exit by opening a small window at the highest point of the room where they are roosting. Hang a mesh or plastic bag over the opening to guide them outside.

3. Wait for Dusk

Bats are most active at dusk. Wait until sunset to encourage them to leave through the exit.

4. Use a Soft Light

Keep the lights in the room where the bats are roosting dim. Bright lights can disorient them and make them more difficult to remove.

5. Keep Pets Away

Secure pets in a separate room to prevent them from startling the bats or being bitten.

6. Avoid Chemicals

Never use chemical sprays or pesticides to remove bats. These products are toxic and can harm both the bats and your family.

7. Consult a Professional

If you are unable to safely remove the bats yourself, contact a licensed wildlife removal company. They have the expertise and equipment to humanely capture and release the bats.

8. Find and Clean Bat Droppings (Guano)

Once the bats have left, locate and clean up any guano. Bat droppings can contain harmful bacteria and should be handled with gloves and a mask.

Guano Removal and Cleanup:

Materials	Instructions
guantes	Wear gloves and a mask.
Aspiradora	Vacuum up loose guano.
Agua y lejía	Mix a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water.
Trapos	Wipe down surfaces with the bleach solution.
Ventilar	Ventilate the area after cleaning.

Legal Protections for Bats

Bats are protected by numerous laws and regulations around the world, both at the national and international levels. These protections vary depending on the jurisdiction, but generally prohibit intentional harm, killing, or capture without a permit.

In the United States, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) protects several species of bats, including the Indiana bat, the gray bat, and the Ozark big-eared bat. The ESA prohibits killing, harassing, or taking these species without a permit.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) also protects bats in the United States. The MBTA prohibits the killing, capturing, or harassing of migratory birds, including bats. Most bat species in the United States are migratory, so the MBTA provides significant protection for them.

In addition to federal laws, many states also have laws that protect bats. For example, in California, it is illegal to kill or possess any species of bat without a permit. It is also illegal to disturb or harass bats in their roosts.

Country	Protection Level
United States	Protected under the Endangered Species Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
Canada	Protected under the Species at Risk Act
United Kingdom	Protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act
Australia	Protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act
New Zealand	Protected under the Wildlife Act

The legal protections for bats are essential for their conservation. These laws help to ensure that bats are not intentionally harmed or killed, and that their roosts are not disturbed. By protecting bats, we are also protecting the valuable ecological services they provide, such as insect control and pollination.

Maintaining a Bat-Free Home

To prevent bats from entering your home, it’s crucial to take preventive measures. Here are 10 effective steps to keep your home bat-free:

1. Seal Entry Points

Inspect your home thoroughly for any gaps or holes, particularly around chimneys, vents, pipes, eaves, and windows. Seal these openings with caulk, expanding foam, or mesh screening.

2. Cover Vents and Chimneys

Install screens or caps on vents and chimneys to prevent bats from entering through these openings.

3. Trim Trees and Bushes

Keep trees and bushes trimmed away from your home, as overhanging branches can provide access points for bats.

4. Remove Potential Roosting Sites

Eliminate potential roosting areas by removing bat houses, birdhouses, or other structures that could attract bats.

5. Close Attic Vents

Close any attic vents during the bat season, typically from April to October, to prevent bats from using them as entry points.

6. Use Motion-Activated Lights

Install motion-activated lights around your home to deter bats from approaching.

7. Avoid Leaving Food Sources

Keep pet food, bird feeders, and other food sources away from your home to minimize attractants for bats.

8. Inspect After Storms

After storms, inspect your home for any new damage or openings that could allow bats to enter.

9. Consult a Bat Removal Specialist

If you find bats in your home, contact a licensed bat removal specialist immediately for safe and effective removal.

10. Prevention Table

The following table outlines additional preventive measures to keep bats out of your home:

Prevention Method
Clean gutters regularly to prevent debris accumulation.
Install bird deterrent spikes on ledges or beams.
Apply bat repellent sprays or granules around the perimeter of your home.
Use ultrasonic bat repellents, but note their limited effectiveness.