How to Get Rid of Bats in Attic: A Comprehensive Guide

How do I find all the bat entry points in my attic?

Finding all bat entry points into your attic requires a thorough inspection both inside and outside your home, paying close attention to even the smallest cracks and crevices. Bats can squeeze through incredibly small openings, sometimes as small as 3/8 of an inch.

To effectively locate these entry points, start by examining the exterior of your home, particularly around the roofline, eaves, vents, chimneys, and any areas where different materials meet. Look for dark staining or greasy residue near potential openings, which is a sign of bat activity. These stains are caused by oils in the bat’s fur. Pay special attention to areas where siding or roofing is damaged or deteriorating. Conducting this exterior inspection at dusk or dawn when bats are most active can help you pinpoint their flight paths. Next, move inside the attic during the daytime. Look for light shining through cracks and holes. The presence of bat droppings (guano) can also lead you to entry points, as they tend to accumulate beneath roosting areas and near access points. Use a flashlight to inspect dark corners, gaps around pipes, and areas where the roof meets the walls. Remember to wear protective gear, including a respirator mask and gloves, when handling guano, as it can carry diseases. Carefully seal any cracks or holes you find with appropriate materials *after* you have ensured all bats have been excluded using a one-way exclusion device.

What’s the best time of year to exclude bats from my attic?

The absolute best time of year to exclude bats from your attic is during the late summer and early fall, specifically from mid-August to early October. This window avoids both the bat birthing season (when young bats are flightless and dependent on their mothers) and the winter hibernation period (when disturbing bats can be detrimental to their survival).

Excluding bats at the wrong time of year can have serious consequences. If you exclude bats during the maternity season (roughly May through August in most of the US and Canada), you risk trapping baby bats inside your attic. These young bats will be unable to escape and will eventually die, creating an unpleasant odor and potentially attracting other pests. Conversely, excluding bats during the winter months (typically November through March) can disrupt their hibernation, forcing them to expend valuable energy reserves in search of a new roost, significantly reducing their chances of survival. The late summer/early fall window offers the safest and most humane approach. The young bats have typically learned to fly and are independent, and the weather is still mild enough to allow them to find alternative roosting sites before winter sets in. This timeframe minimizes the risk of harming bats and ensures the exclusion process is as effective as possible. Always consult with a local wildlife professional for advice specific to your region and bat species. They can provide guidance on local regulations and best practices for safe and humane bat removal.

What are humane ways to remove bats without harming them?

The most humane way to remove bats from your attic is through a process called bat exclusion, which involves identifying their entry points and installing one-way exclusion devices that allow them to leave but prevent them from re-entering. This should ideally be done in late summer or early fall to avoid harming orphanned young bats who are still dependent on their mothers.

Bat exclusion relies on understanding bat behavior. Bats typically use the same entry and exit points to access your attic, making it possible to seal all secondary openings and focus on the primary access points. Once all other holes are sealed with caulk, mesh, or other appropriate materials, install one-way devices such as netting, tubes, or flaps over the main entry points. These devices allow bats to exit freely at night to feed, but they collapse or close, preventing them from returning to the roost. Timing is critical for humane bat removal. Avoid exclusion during the bat breeding season, typically from late spring to late summer (exact dates vary by location and bat species), as this could trap young bats inside, leading to their starvation and creating further problems with odor and insect infestations. Professional bat removal services are highly recommended, as they have the experience and equipment to perform the exclusion safely and effectively, adhering to local regulations and ensuring no bats are harmed in the process. It’s also wise to consult with your local wildlife agency for specific guidance on bat removal best practices in your area.

How much does it typically cost to get rid of bats in an attic?

The typical cost to get rid of bats in an attic ranges from $400 to $2,000, but this can vary significantly based on the size of the infestation, the size and accessibility of your attic, the extent of damage (like guano cleanup or structural repairs), and the region you live in. This price usually includes a professional inspection, bat exclusion (the one-way door method), and sealing entry points.

The primary driver of cost is the labor involved in sealing all potential entry points, other than the designated exit point where a one-way exclusion device is installed. A small colony in an easily accessible attic with few entry points will be on the lower end of the cost spectrum. Conversely, a large colony in a complex roof structure with multiple entry points will be significantly more expensive. Furthermore, if the bats have been roosting in the attic for a considerable amount of time, guano (bat droppings) will need to be removed. Guano removal is a specialized service because bat droppings can carry diseases like histoplasmosis, and proper protective equipment and disposal methods are essential. This adds considerably to the overall cost, potentially raising it by several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the amount of guano. It’s crucial to obtain multiple quotes from reputable wildlife removal companies. Ask for a detailed breakdown of the services included in their price, such as the type of exclusion device used, the warranty offered on their work, and whether guano removal is included or priced separately. Don’t base your decision solely on price; consider the company’s experience, licensing, insurance, and reviews to ensure they will handle the bat removal safely and effectively. Keep in mind that it’s illegal to kill or relocate bats in many areas, so be wary of any company that suggests these methods. The ethical and legal approach is always live bat exclusion.

What are the signs that all the bats are gone after exclusion?

The key signs that your bat exclusion efforts have been successful and all bats are gone from your attic include the absence of any bat sightings at dusk when they typically emerge, a lack of fresh droppings (guano) inside or outside the structure near entry points, and the absence of scratching or squeaking noises coming from the attic, particularly around dawn and dusk.

Confirming the absence of bats requires careful observation over several days, ideally a week or more. Bats are creatures of habit, so a consistent lack of activity during their normal emergence and return times is a strong indicator. Don’t rely on a single night’s observation. Remember to check the effectiveness of the exclusion devices you installed. Are they still securely in place, and are there any signs that bats have attempted to re-enter? Gaps or damage could compromise the exclusion.

Finally, consider the possibility of lingering odors. While the bats themselves may be gone, accumulated guano can still emit a strong, ammonia-like smell. Lingering odors don’t necessarily mean bats are present, but it emphasizes the need for professional guano removal and attic cleaning after the exclusion process is complete. This is vital to minimize health risks and prevent attracting other pests. Once you are sure no bats remain, seal any remaining entry points to prevent future infestation.