The Safest Way to Remove Bats from Your Home 

You have seen (or heard) a bat flying around in your home. Now what?  

USX Pest Control has vast experience and expertise in dealing with pests of all types, including bats. Understanding these often misunderstood creatures is the first step in preparing to deal with them if you end up with bats in your home.  

On that note, let’s explore how to get rid of bats (including some DIY options) and the critical role of professional bat removal in handling the problem safely.  

Introduction to Bat Removal 

Bats are active at night, so you might not see them in action. Other signs of bat activity in your home could be the only early warning signs you get. This includes high-pitched squeaking or scratching noises in walls and attics and noticing strange odors, including an ammonia-like smell. Additionally, the finding of droppings in the attic space, the eaves, or even on the exterior such as near the chimney or droppings on the deck. 

For many homeowners, discovering bats are in the house can be a bit of a scary situation. The first order of business is to remain calm. Bats typically aren’t aggressive, but they can pose a risk to the health and safety of the people and pets in your home.  

Why Bats End Up in Homes 

Bats are curious by nature and capable of slipping through openings as narrow as 3/8 inch. Understanding why a bat entered your home can be helpful in preventing a repeat performance. They often choose to roost in attics, garages, and sheds for shelter and protection from temperature fluctuations and predators. Bats may also simply fly in through an open door or window if lights were on inside attracting insects. In turn, that insect activity could attract bats on the hunt. 

Risks of DIY Bat Removal 

If you don’t know how to safely handle these critters, you could end up with some serious health problems. Bats don’t typically create structural damage, but they will exploit any gaps, cracks, and openings they can find. Once inside, they do pose a health risk. Their droppings can contain spores of the fungus responsible for histoplasmosis, a serious respiratory illness. They can also introduce other pests into the home, including ticks, mites, and bat bugs, which are close relatives of bed bugs. Perhaps the biggest concern, however, is that bats can transmit rabies via scratches or bites. 

Trying to remove bats yourself can also put you in danger. Bats usually get into hard to reach areas, which can be dangerous to get to without the proper fall protection training and equipment. 

Legal Protections for Bats 

More than half of North America’s bat species are facing the potential for “severe population decline” by 2038. The North American Bat Conservation Alliance’s 2023 North American State of the Bats Report also suggests that up to 82% of North America’s 154 known bat species will face consequences from climate change during that same 15-year period. 

Understanding Wildlife Laws 

Bats play a critical role in the ecosystem, doing everything from pollinating plants to saving billions in pest control costs. These natural predators of insects like mosquitoes are crucial for sustaining agriculture and even human life.  

Since 2006, white-nose syndrome has killed more than five million bats worldwide. This fungal disease continues spreading across the continent and has fueled conservation efforts that have sparked federal laws protecting bats. Additionally, most states across the U.S. have laws that restrict harming or even moving bats at certain times. 

Consequences of Illegal Bat Removal 

Improperly dealing with bats can cost you big time. Not only does it put your health and safety at risk, but it could lead to hefty state and federal penalties. In addition to significant fines, you could also face jail time.  

Steps in Professional Bat Removal Services 

Calling for professional assistance is the best way to get rid of bats from your home. Professionals are well-versed in all applicable laws and regulations. They also have the education and equipment needed to ensure that bats are removed safely and humanely. Professional bat control can restore your peace of mind and get your home back to a healthy, happy state.  

Initial Inspection and Assessment 

A thorough inspection is critical. This allows technicians to evaluate where and why bats are getting inside the dwelling. It also provides important information about the species of bat, the number of bats roosting in your home, and the extent of the infestation.  

Exclusion Techniques to Safely Evict Bats 

USX Pest has two primary options for bat exclusion, but it’s important to keep in mind that the timing will dictate what professionals can and cannot do. From mid-April through late May and from August through October, our technicians install one-way excluders. These devices are like a funnel-shaped door that allows bats to fly out, but they can’t fly back inside. However, during June and July, when female bats are giving birth and raising their dependent pups, we cannot perform any exclusion services.  

Sealing Entry Points to Prevent Re-entry 

After all bats have been removed, closing off gaps, cracks, and openings is vital. Otherwise, there is nothing stopping the bats from returning. Additionally, USX Pest recommends a Rodent and Wildlife Exclusion System. These permanent, chemical-free, humane barriers provide targeted protection to prevent bats from flying into your home. 

Cleaning and Sanitization After Removal 

Bat droppings, also commonly known as guano, can be a real mess. Worse, it can eat through structural elements and harbor dangerous pathogens. After bats have been removed, thorough cleaning and disinfection of all affected areas is essential to restore your home. 

Choosing a Reputable Wildlife Control Company 

Not every wildlife control company has your best interests at heart. It’s important to know who you are partnering with and to make sure they are up to date on all state and federal protections surrounding bats.  

What to Look for in a Service Provider 

First and foremost, look for a provider that is licensed and insured. Look for a company with a reputation for putting customers first and providing comprehensive services for a complete solution.  

Asking questions is a vital part of the process before hiring anyone. You want to trust the people you bring into your home, and getting to know how they operate can help set your mind at ease. A few sample questions to ask include the following: 

• Are they licensed and insured? 
• Do they use humane bat control methods? 
• Do they have experience removing bats from properties like yours? 
• What services are included?  
• Do they provide a service guarantee? 
• What additional services do they offer for long-term prevention? 
• Do they begin with an inspection and assessment? 
• Do they offer flexible scheduling? 
• What should you do if you have more questions? 

Importance of Certifications and Reviews 

Checking out what others have to say can tell you a lot about the company you are considering. Explore reviews on reputable third-party websites like the Better Business Bureau and Google Reviews.  

Additionally, certifications provide definitive proof of their training and skills. You want to go with a highly trained team that prioritizes communication, health, safety, and meeting expectations and needs. That’s why USX Pest assigns every customer a dedicated customer service representative and provides online account access and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.  

USX Pest is up to date on all bat-related laws and regulations and will work hard to safely and humanely remove these critters as promptly as possible. Contact us today for more details or to schedule an inspection to kickstart the bat removal process.