How To Get Rid of Bats Fast and Permanently

Bats can fit through openings as small as three-eighths of an inch, making it challenging to figure out how to get rid of bats once they’ve entered your home. Bat control is crucial—not only because bats play an important role in the ecosystem but also because they can pose health risks and cause damage to your property.

Handling a bat infestation needs a careful plan. This guide will cover how to spot bat signs, remove them, and prevent future problems. We’ll look at how to remove bats safely, the types of bats in homes, and ways to keep them out.

It’s important to know the laws and ethics of removing bats. Many bats are protected, so we must remove them safely. We’ll talk about how to exclude bats, use natural repellents, and when to call professionals for help.

Key Takeaways

• Bats can enter homes through tiny openings, making thorough inspection crucial
• Humane exclusion methods are the most effective for permanent bat removal
• Timing is important – bat removal should be done between September and April
• Health risks associated with bats include rabies and histoplasmosis
• Prevention strategies involve sealing entry points and using deterrents
• Professional services may be necessary for complex bat infestations
  
  

Understanding Bat Infestations

Bat infestations can be a big worry for homeowners. These creatures may seem harmless, but they can cause problems. Let’s look at the signs of a bat problem, common bat species in homes, and the health risks they bring.

Signs of a Bat Problem

It’s key to spot a bat infestation early. Watch for these signs:

• Bat droppings (guano) around your property
• Strange noises in your walls or attic at dawn and dusk
• Oily stains near possible entry points
• Sightings of bats flying around your home
  
  

Common Bat Species in Homes

Knowing which bats are in your home helps with removal. Here are some common bats in U.S. homes:

Health Risks Associated with Bats

Bats are important to our ecosystem but can be risky for humans. Rabies and histoplasmosis are two big concerns. Bats cause about 70% of rabies cases in the U.S. Histoplasmosis, a lung infection, comes from breathing in fungal spores in bat droppings. It’s important to deal with bat infestations quickly to avoid these risks.

Getting rid of bats costs between $250 to $700 on average. Some cases might go up to $4,000 or more. This might seem expensive, but it’s worth it for your family’s safety and peace of mind.

Identifying Bat Entry Points

Bats can sneak into your home through tiny openings as small as 3/8 of an inch. It’s important to inspect your home carefully to find these small spots. Look at your roof gaps where different materials meet. Also, check chimney openings, as bats often use these to get inside.

When inspecting, keep an eye out for these common spots where bats might enter:

• Damaged or warped roof shingles
• Gaps around vents and pipes
• Loose siding or fascia boards
• Cracks in brick or stonework
• Unsealed gaps around windows and doors
  
  

The best times to see bats entering or leaving are at dusk or dawn. Watch for their dark shapes against the sky and listen for their sounds. You might also notice a strong smell near these spots from their droppings and urine.

Bats are drawn to homes for warmth, safety, and food like insects. Most North American bats eat up to 600 mosquitoes per hour. While they help control pests, having them in your home can be a health risk.

“Bats are highly unlikely to leave a house on their own, especially in the case of bigger colonies.”

After finding where bats enter, you need a safe and kind way to get them out. Don’t use harmful chemicals like mothballs, as they can kill bats. Instead, think about getting professional help to move the bats safely without hurting them.

How To Get Rid of Bats Fast and Permanently

Dealing with bats at home needs a blend of exclusion, natural repellents, and expert help. Let’s look at ways to safely and permanently remove bats.

Exclusion Techniques

Bat exclusion is a kind way to remove them. Use one-way doors that let bats leave but not come back. Keep these doors on for 3 days to make sure all bats are gone. But, remember, you can’t exclude bats during their baby season (May 1 to August 31) because it’s illegal and can harm baby bats.

Natural Repellents

Bats don’t like some smells and lights. Here are some natural ways to keep them away:

• Bright lights in attics or where they enter
• Ultrasonic devices that make high-frequency sounds
• Strong smells like peppermint, eucalyptus, or cinnamon
  
  

Professional Removal Services

If the bats won’t leave, think about getting professional help. Experts do detailed checks, safe removal, and clean up. They know how to deal with the health risks of bat poop, which can spread diseases.

Killing bats is illegal and doesn’t work well. Focus on keeping them out and preventing them from coming back. If you’re unsure, always talk to a wildlife expert for safe and legal ways to remove bats.

Preventing Future Bat Infestations

Keeping bats out of your home is key to avoiding infestations. This means sealing up cracks, using deterrents, and keeping your property in good shape. Let’s look at how to stop bats from coming in.

Sealing Entry Points

Checking and sealing any possible entry spots is crucial. Use caulk, foam, or metal to fill gaps. Cover chimneys and vents to stop bats from getting in. Adding window screens helps, too.

Installing Deterrents

Ultrasonic devices can keep bats away. They make sounds that bats don’t like. Bright lights near where bats might want to roost can also keep them away.

Maintaining Your Property

Keeping your property in good shape helps prevent bats. Trim trees close to your house to block easy paths. Make sure your yard is well-lit and tidy. Consider putting up a bat house far from your home as an alternative place for them.

Using these methods can greatly lower the chance of bats coming back. If you’re dealing with a big problem, consider getting help from pest control experts. They can give you specific advice for a bat-free home for a long time.

Nextgen’s Wildlife Control in Florida and Georgia

Nextgen Pest Solutions is a leading provider of bat control and wildlife removal in Florida and Georgia. They focus within the greater Atlanta area, serving places like Roswell, Alpharetta, and Sandy Springs. They handle many pests in Georgia’s mild climate, including bed bugs and termites.

Homeowners and businesses can subscribe to monthly pest control from Nextgen Pest Solutions. They use heat and Cryonite for tough infestations. They also remove wildlife like squirrels and raccoons in Georgia safely.

They answer service calls quickly, usually within 10 minutes. Nextgen Pest Solutions helps Atlanta businesses, like restaurants and hotels, with pest control. They support the community by hiring veterans, giving them job opportunities.