How can I get rid of bats in my attic and stop them from returning?

How can I get rid of bats in my attic and stop them from returning?

Finding bats in your attic can undoubtedly be a problem. While it may be tempting to attempt DIY methods to remove the bats yourself, it isn’t recommended. Bats are protected by wildlife regulations, which means attempting inhumane removal methods may be illegal. Bats can also spread harmful diseases, so it’s best to let highly trained professionals handle any infestations for you.

Why is DIY bat removal a bad idea?

Much of the DIY advice online is misleading. In reality, most DIY methods fail to solve the problem and can actually make it worse. Here’s how:

• Timing restrictions: In many regions, bats cannot be removed during maternity season (spring through mid-summer) because young bats are unable to fly. DIY attempts during this period can trap pups inside.
   
• No approved products: There are no registered repellents or pesticides for bat control. Home remedies and sprays marketed online are not effective and may be unsafe.
   
• Ineffective deterrents: Bright lights, loud noises, or strong smells may only relocate bats to another part of the attic instead of completely removing them.
   
• Hidden entry points: Bats can fit through openings as small as ⅜ of an inch. Without a professional inspection, it’s easy to miss these gaps, allowing bats to return.
   
• Health risks: Cleaning droppings without the proper protection can expose you to fungal spores linked to respiratory illness, and bat guano may attract pests such as bat bugs.

The most effective way to remove bats from your home is to call in trained technicians who use state-approved bat exclusion methods that comply with local regulations.

How to prevent bats from getting in your house

The best way to deal with bats is to stop them from getting inside in the first place. Since they often enter through small gaps and roost in dark, quiet spaces, prevention starts with sealing access points and limiting shelter. You can:

• Seal cracks, gaps, and holes around the roofline, eaves, and siding
• Install screens on vents and chimneys
  Repair loose roof tiles or shingles
• Close attic windows securely
• Try to limit things which may be attracting insects (a major source of food for bats) close to your property e.g. trim back bushes and shrubbery, remove standing water, turn off outside lights.

Need professional bat removal services? 

If you think you have bats in your attic or walls, contact us for a free inspection today. We’ll identify how the pests are entering your home and create an effective plan to help protect it long-term.