You’re minding your business watching TV late one night. You hear scratching and squeaking coming from an area of your home. As you begin to investigate, a bat swoops by and causes chaos in every room of the house. You grab your phone and quickly Google how to get rid of bats in the house. DIY bat removal isn’t always easy, but the pros at World Class Wildlife Removal can help.
It is important to remove bats safely and humanely because they are an essential part of many ecosystems and play a crucial role in pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control. Bats also help to keep our environment healthy by consuming large quantities of insects, including mosquitoes and moths.
Bats have their place in the world among us. But how do you get rid of bats in the house?
How to Get Rid of Bats in the House: Do You Have a Big Fat Bat Problem?
When bats roost in a house, they can cause a variety of problems. Bats can create unpleasant odors from their urine and droppings, which can lead to respiratory issues in humans. They can also cause damage to the structure of the house by chewing on wires, insulation, and wood.
Bats can also transmit diseases such as rabies, histoplasmosis, and bat bugs to humans. This can be dangerous. Lastly, the mere presence of bats in a house can be stressful and unsettling for some people.
What are the Signs of a Bat Infestation in Your House?
It’s important to know the signs of bats in the house because they can cause health hazards and property damage. By identifying these signs early, you can take action to safely remove the bats and prevent further issues.
Here are some signs of bat infestations that you should look out for:
- Presence of bat droppings: Bat droppings, or guano, are one of the most common signs of a bat infestation. They can be found in areas where bats roost, such as attics, walls, and ceilings. Bat droppings have a distinctive odor and can pose a health hazard.
- Stains on walls and ceilings: Bats often leave stains on walls and ceilings due to the oils and dirt on their bodies. These stains can be brown, black, or gray in color.
- Strange noises: Bats are noisy creatures. You may hear scratching, rustling, or squeaking sounds coming from your walls or attic. These noises are often heard at night when bats are most active.
- Sightings of bats: If you see bats flying around your property or entering and leaving your home, it’s a clear sign that you have a bat infestation. Bats are most active at dusk and dawn, so this is when you’re most likely to spot them.
- Strange odors: Bats often leave a musty odor in areas where they roost. If you notice a strange, musty smell in your home, it could be a sign of a bat infestation.
- Structural damage: Bats can cause damage to your home’s structure by chewing through wires, insulation, and wood. If you notice any signs of structural damage, it’s important to have it inspected by a professional to determine if bats are the cause.
The Importance of Hiring a Professional for Bat Removal
If you have bats in your home, refrain from grabbing a net and attempting to trap a bat. Removing bats by yourself can be risky and dangerous. Here are some reasons why:
- Bats are protected: In many areas, bats are protected by law, and it’s illegal to kill or harm them. Attempting to remove bats by yourself may result in legal consequences.
- Health hazards: Bats can carry diseases like rabies and histoplasmosis. This can be transmitted to humans through contact with bat droppings or saliva. Attempting to remove bats by yourself could put you at risk of exposure to these diseases.
- Bat behavior: Bats are unpredictable and can be aggressive when threatened. Attempting to remove bats by yourself could result in bites or scratches, which can also transmit diseases. It’s best to hire a professional who has experience dealing with bats and can safely remove them from your property.
Smart Steps to Remove Bats (Don’t Try This Without a Pro)
If you want to get bats out of the house, there are several steps to take first. The following are the steps involved in removing bats from a house, all with the help of a bat removal company.
- Inspection: A professional bat removal company will inspect your property to identify the entry points and determine the extent of the infestation.
- Exclusion: The next step is to seal all entry points, except for the primary exit point. This allows the bats to leave the house but prevents them from re-entering.
- Eviction: Once the entry points are sealed, the bats will be encouraged to leave the house through the primary exit point. This is usually done by creating a one-way exit that allows the bats to leave but not re-enter.
- Clean-up: After the bats have been evicted, the next step is to clean up any bat droppings or other materials left behind. This is important to prevent the spread of diseases and to eliminate any odors or stains associated with the infestation.
It’s important to note that the process of removing bats from a house can be complex. This is why you need to enlist the help of a professional bat removal company. Attempting to remove bats by yourself can be dangerous!
Cleaning up After a Bat Infestation
Cleaning up after a bat infestation is important for several reasons. First, bat guano can pose serious health risks. Second, bat droppings can cause structural damage to buildings and homes if left unattended for too long. When the bats are gone, this is what the cleanup proess looks like:
- Safety gear: Before beginning the cleanup process, it’s important to wear appropriate safety gear. This is including gloves, a mask, and protective clothing. These products will protect you from any diseases that may be present in the bat droppings.
- Removal of droppings: The first step in the cleanup process is to remove any bat droppings and other materials left behind. This can be done using a vacuum or by hand, depending on the extent of the infestation.
- Disinfection: Once the droppings have been removed, the next step is to disinfect the area. A professional disinfectant should be used to kill any remaining bacteria or viruses.
- Deodorization: Bat droppings can leave behind a strong odor, even after they’ve gone. To eliminate any lingering odors, a deodorizer should be used.
- Repair and restoration: Finally, any damage caused by the bat infestation should be repaired and restored. This may include replacing insulation, repairing drywall, and sealing any entry points to prevent future infestations.
It’s important to note that the cleanup process should only be done by a professional who has experience handling bat droppings and other materials. Attempting to clean up after bats by yourself can be dangerous and may result in the spread of diseases.
Preventing Future Bat Infestations
When you want to get bats out of the house, prevention is the best course of action. The good news is that it is easy to be proactive and prevent future bat infestations. If you aren’t sure how to do this, World Class Wildlife Removal can help!
To get you on the right path, these are some ways to prevent bat infestations in the future:
- Seal all entry points: Bats can enter your home through small gaps and cracks in your walls, roof, and foundation. Seal all entry points with caulk, wire mesh, or foam insulation.
- Install bat houses: Bat houses provide an alternative roosting spot for bats and can help keep them away from your home. Make sure to install them in a sunny location away from trees and other obstructions.
- Remove potential food sources: Bats are attracted to insects, so removing potential food sources such as standing water, rotting wood, and piles of leaves can help deter them from your property.
- Trim trees and vegetation: Bats can use overhanging tree branches and vegetation to gain access to your roof. Trim back any trees or vegetation that are close to your home.
- Use deterrents: Some homeowners have had success using deterrents such as bright lights and loud noises.
If you want to know how to get rid of bats in the house, it’s important to note that prevention measures can help immensely. If you suspect that you already have a bat infestation, it’s important to contact a professional bat removal company to safely and humanely remove the bats from your home.
How to Get Rid of Bats in the House: Contact World Class Wildlife Removal for Bat Removal
If you have a big fat bat problem, there’s no need to panic. Give us a call here at World Class Wildlife Removal for the safe and effective removal of bats. Our team is skilled in removing bats of various species. Contact us today to learn more.