How to Get Bats Out of Your House: A Complete Guide

Ever heard a rustling sound in your attic at night and wondered what it was? You’re not alone. Bats, while beneficial to our ecosystem by controlling insect populations, can sometimes find their way into our homes, creating a nuisance and raising concerns about potential health risks. A single bat in your living space can be frightening, but a colony roosting in your attic can cause significant damage from guano accumulation, not to mention the potential for transmitting diseases like rabies.

Removing bats from your house humanely and effectively is crucial for both your well-being and the preservation of these fascinating creatures. Understanding the proper techniques, including when and how to exclude them without causing harm, is essential. Improper handling can lead to bat deaths, which can negatively impact local ecosystems and is often illegal. It’s important to address a bat infestation swiftly and responsibly to protect your family and property.

What are the best and safest ways to get bats out of my house?

What are the signs of a bat infestation in my attic?

The most common signs of a bat infestation in your attic include seeing bats flying around your house, especially at dusk or dawn, noticing piles of bat droppings (guano), hearing scratching or squeaking noises coming from the attic or walls, and smelling a strong ammonia-like odor.

Bats are nocturnal creatures, so you’re most likely to notice their presence around twilight as they emerge from their roost to feed. Keep an eye out for bats flying near your roofline, chimneys, or other potential entry points. Guano, or bat droppings, is a key indicator. It resembles rodent droppings but crumbles easily and often glistens. The ammonia-like smell, resulting from the accumulation of guano, becomes increasingly noticeable as the infestation grows. Listen carefully for unusual sounds emanating from your attic, especially at night. Bats often make scratching, fluttering, or squeaking noises as they move around the roost. A musty or ammonia-like odor, even without seeing droppings, can also be an indicator, especially in warm weather. If you suspect a bat infestation, it’s important to confirm it and then contact a qualified wildlife removal specialist. Bats are protected in many areas, and improper removal attempts can be harmful to both the bats and yourself. Professionals have the knowledge and tools to safely and humanely remove the bats and prevent them from returning.

When is the best time of year to exclude bats from my house?

The best time of year to exclude bats from your house is generally during the late summer or early spring, specifically from mid-August to early October or from late March to mid-May. This avoids the critical periods when bats are either hibernating (winter) or raising their young (spring and early summer).

Excluding bats at the wrong time of year can have dire consequences. During the winter months, bats hibernate and are less active. Disturbing them during hibernation can deplete their limited energy reserves, potentially leading to death. Similarly, from roughly May through August, bats form maternity colonies where they give birth and raise their pups. If you seal off the entrance during this period, adult bats will be trapped outside, unable to reach their young. The pups, unable to fly or fend for themselves, will starve to death inside your walls, creating a much larger problem with odor and potential insect infestations. Choosing the exclusion window in late summer/early fall after the pups have fledged ensures that all bats, including young ones, can leave the roost before the entry points are sealed. Similarly, the late March to mid-May window gives bats a chance to leave their winter roosts before maternity colonies form. It’s crucial to consult with your local wildlife authorities or a professional bat exclusion specialist to determine the exact timing that is safest and most effective for your region, as bat breeding seasons can vary slightly depending on geographic location and bat species. They can also help identify the species of bats roosting in your home and advise on the best exclusion methods to use.

How do I seal entry points to prevent bats from returning?

After successfully evicting bats from your home, thoroughly sealing all potential entry points is crucial to prevent future infestations. This involves a detailed inspection of your home’s exterior, identifying any cracks, crevices, or openings bats could use to re-enter, and then using appropriate materials and techniques to permanently block them.

Effective bat-proofing requires a comprehensive approach. Start by walking around the entire perimeter of your house, paying close attention to areas where different building materials meet, such as where siding meets the roof or where pipes enter the house. Common entry points include gaps around chimneys, vents, loose siding, damaged soffits, and unscreened openings. Small cracks, even as small as 3/8 inch, can be exploited by bats. Use caulk, expanding foam, steel wool, or metal flashing to seal these openings, ensuring a tight and durable barrier. For larger gaps, consider using hardware cloth or netting that is securely fastened. Before sealing any potential entry point, ensure all bats have been evicted. Sealing bats inside can be inhumane and may lead to them entering your living spaces in desperation. One-way exclusion devices are a helpful tool. These allow bats to exit but not re-enter. Once you are certain the bats are gone (typically after several nights of observation following exclusion device installation), you can proceed with the permanent sealing. Remember to regularly inspect and maintain your sealing efforts, as weather and time can degrade materials, creating new entry points. For larger or more complex infestations, consider consulting with a wildlife removal professional who has experience in bat exclusion and can guarantee their work.

What diseases can bats carry, and how can I protect myself?

Bats can carry several diseases, including rabies, histoplasmosis, and, rarely, Ebola and coronaviruses. To protect yourself, avoid direct contact with bats, ensure your home is properly sealed to prevent entry, and contact animal control or a wildlife professional for bat removal rather than attempting it yourself. If you are bitten or scratched by a bat, seek immediate medical attention.

While the risk of contracting a disease from a bat is relatively low, it’s crucial to take precautions. Rabies is perhaps the most serious concern, as it is almost always fatal if left untreated. Histoplasmosis is a respiratory infection caused by a fungus that grows in bat droppings, particularly in enclosed spaces like attics or caves. Exposure to the fungus can cause flu-like symptoms and, in severe cases, can lead to chronic lung disease. Although rare, other viruses like Ebola and different types of coronaviruses have been found in bats, highlighting the importance of minimizing bat contact and maintaining a safe distance. Protecting yourself and your family involves preventing bats from entering your living spaces. Seal any cracks or openings in your home’s foundation, walls, and roof. Ensure that screens on windows and doors are in good repair. If you find a bat inside your home, do not attempt to catch or handle it. Isolate the bat in a room, if possible, and contact your local animal control or a qualified wildlife removal service. Professionals have the training and equipment necessary to safely remove bats without harming them or putting themselves at risk. Remember, if you are bitten or scratched by a bat, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek immediate medical attention from a doctor who can assess your risk for rabies and determine if preventative treatment is necessary.

Well, that’s about it! Getting rid of bats can be a bit tricky, but with a little patience and these tips, you should be well on your way to a bat-free home. Thanks for reading, and we hope you found this helpful. Come back and visit us again soon for more tips and tricks around the house!