Consult a pest removal specialist or wildlife expert to determine what type of bats are commonly found in your area.
While bat urine isn’t typically visible, it may leave behind small stains and a sharp odor. Bat guano sometimes contains fungal mold spores that may be hazardous to breathe. In some cases, prolonged exposure to guano can lead to serious health concerns, including hemorrhagic fever and respiratory infections like histoplasmosis.
Bats live in a wide range of highly specialized conditions. In most cases it’s possible to narrow down the species by the region it occupies. This will give you an advantage when coming up with a strategy for safely managing the isolation and removal of your unwanted guests. [6] X Research source See if you can get a good enough look at a bat that’s entered your home to be able to reference what species it is.
Bats are capable of squeezing into spaces as narrow as ⅜ths of an inch, so don’t discount small or inconspicuous openings. [9] X Research source Watch bats as they come and go at night to see what entrances they’re using. [10] X Research source
It’s against the law to exterminate bats in places where they’re considered a protected species, which means you’ll have to find a non-lethal way to get rid of them. [11] X Research source Hanging strips of aluminum foil from the ceiling can create a series of obstacles that will disorient and repel bats. [12] X Research source
You can construct your own bat box from scratch or ask your local pest control or wildlife removal service how to obtain one. [13] X Research source Set up your bat box near the treeline of your property or alongside your home in a place with ample shade.
Denying bats reentry is preferable to trapping them, which is often difficult and dangerous. Exclusion devices can be found at most pet stores and home improvement centers and are relatively simple to install. [16] X Research source
This will be the safest and most convenient option if you can afford to have it done. In places where environmental conservation is a high priority, you may be able to find a team of wildlife experts to remove bats from your home at no cost.
Have a contractor go over the exterior of your home with you to look for places that might admit bats. It’s important that you address each and every possible entry point. If the bats can’t get in through one, they’ll try to find another.
Be sure to take the proper safety precautions when cleaning bat guano—wear thick rubber gloves, eye protection and a facemask or respirator to filter the surrounding air. [22] X Research source It’s highly recommended that you leave the cleanup duties to a professional pest removal service.
Unexplainable drafts or debris can offer a clue that bats have gnawed their way in. Though they usually wind up in attics and chimneys, bats have also been known to roost beneath decks, inside screened-in porches and under roofing tiles.
