Noticed an odd smell in your attic or heard some mysterious squeaks? You might be dealing with bats. These creatures can find their way into your home and create quite a nuisance, but don’t worry. Let’s break down what you need to know about bat exclusions and why now might be the perfect time to address the issue.
Who’s Hanging Out in Your Attic?
In the U.S., there are about 45 species of bats, but only a few are likely to take up residence in your attic. In New England, the most common culprits are the little brown bat and the big brown bat. Bats can leave behind a lot of guano (bat droppings), which can produce a strong odor, corrode wood and drywall, and foster mold growth. Hearing rustling or squeaking noises, noticing musty smells, or seeing droppings are just a few of the signs that you may have bats.
Why Have Bats Moved In?
Bats need a safe place to hibernate and rear their young, and attics and barns make a perfect spot. They are quiet, sheltered, and free from predators. If you’ve got bats in your attic, it’s likely because of a maternity colony. These colonies are made up of female bats that use your attic as a safe space to give birth and raise their pups. Male bats roost outdoors, so the attic becomes a maternity haven. Each female bat typically has one pup per year, and the colony can include around 40 bats plus their pups. The pups can’t fly right away and rely on their mothers to bring them food, which can lead to issues if they’re not removed properly.
Should I Be Worried About A Bat In My House?
Bats are ecologically important and contrary to popular belief, they do not seek out humans to attack. That being said, they are common vectors for some serious diseases like rabies and histoplasmosis.
If you notice one bat, it does not necessarily mean that you have an infestation. Bats often enter homes when attempting to scope out a new nesting spot, or because they have simply gotten lost.
How to Remove A Bat From Your Home
One of the most important things to keep in mind when dealing with bats outside your home is that they are a wild animal and should be left alone. Do not handle a sick or injured bat and if you observe one acting erratically, leave the area and contact your local health authority. If a single bat flies into your house and you are sure it has not had any contact with people or animals in your home, confine the bat to a room with an open window and give it some time to find its way out on its own. Swatting or chasing the bat will only cause it to panic and could increase your risk of being bitten or scratched.
Certain situations always require preventative action. Even in the absence of a visible scratch or bite:
- If a bat is found in the same room as someone who has been sleeping
- If a bat is located near a child outside, or in a room with an unattended child
- If a bat is found in a room with someone who is intoxicated, under the influence of drugs, or someone who has a mental impairment
If any of these scenarios take place or if you think that you may have been bitten or scratched by a bat …
Follow these 3 Cs:
- Capture the bat without risking further exposure, if possible. Always wear gloves and protective clothing and be very gentle as they are fragile animals.
- Clean any area that came in contact with the bat thoroughly with soap and water.
- Contact your doctor and local health department to determine if treatment is necessary and to have the bat tested for the virus
What Is a Bat Exclusion?
A bat exclusion is a humane process to remove bats from your home while preventing them from returning. Here’s how Modern Pest handles it:
- Inspection: We start with a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior to find entry points. Bats only need a gap as small as 3/8 inch to get in.
- One-Way Doors: If bats are found, we’ll install one-way doors that allow them to leave but not re-enter.
- Sealing Entry Points: After ensuring all bats have exited, we’ll seal up the entry points with materials like mesh wire to prevent future access.
When Is the Best Time for Bat Exclusion?
Timing is crucial for bat exclusion. Bat exclusion is best performed during a specific window to avoid issues with flightless baby bats. Exclusions should ideally be done between late August and early October, once the pups are able to fly and the maternity colony is beginning to break apart. Here’s a rough bat calendar to help you understand their activity:
- January-February: Bats hibernate.
- March: Bats wake if it’s warm enough and insects are available.
- April-May: Bats emerge from hibernation and form colonies.
- June-August: Maternity colonies are active with pups.
- September-October: Bats prepare for hibernation; it’s a good time for exclusion.
- November-December: Bats hibernate again.
How Long Does Bat Exclusion Take?
A typical bat exclusion process can take a few days. The installation and removal of one-way doors are quick, but it’s essential to wait until all bats have left the roost to ensure a successful exclusion.
Where Do Bats Go After Exclusion?
Once excluded, bats may linger around your home for a short while but will eventually find a new place to roost.
Ready to Take Action?
If you suspect you have a bat problem, now is the time to act! Modern Pest offers expert bat exclusion services to ensure your home is bat-free and protected. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and get a free quote. Don’t wait—let us help you keep your home safe and comfortable. Call Modern Pest at 1-800-323-7378 or click here to get started.