How To Get Rid of Bats From Your Home

Bats are fascinating critters that play an important part in the maintenance of our natural environment. But they are not always welcome when they come to our homes. If you have any reason to believe that bats are taking refuge in your home, it is imperative that you remove them in a humane manner so that you do not endanger these winged mammals. But where exactly do bats like to hang out in a house, and how exactly do you get rid of them without causing damage?

Where in a House Do Bats Like to Hide?

Because bats are nocturnal wildlife, the nighttime is when they spend the majority of their time active. They prefer to roost during the day in places that are dim, quiet, and secluded so that they won’t be disturbed while they sleep. The following are some common locations within a home where bats like to take refuge:

Attics: are a common hiding spot for bats because these areas provide ample space for the bats to roost and raise their young. They can get in through any number of holes, cracks, or crevices in the ceiling or walls.

Chimneys: Bats have been known to fly unintentionally into chimneys, where they become entombed. It’s also possible that they’ll nest on the walls of the chimney.

Basements: Bats may also take refuge in basements, particularly if there are narrow passageways, such as cracks or openings, through which they can gain access.

Walls: Bats are able to conceal themselves within walls, particularly if there are any openings, such as holes or gaps, that lead into the wall cavity.

How to Remove Bats Humanely

It is imperative that you remove any bats that may be hiding in your home in a humane manner so as to avoid causing any harm to the wildlife. Here are some tips on how to do it:

Identify the points of entry and exit: Before you can get rid of the bats, you need to locate the points of entry and exit they are using to get into and out of your home. This will help you to close off these points once the bats are removed.

Wait until dusk: Bats are nocturnal creatures, which means they leave their roosts at dusk to hunt for insects. Wait until this time to begin the removal process.

Seal off entry points: Once you are sure that all the bats have left, seal off the entry and exit points to prevent them from coming back.

Bat Droppings and Cleanup/Decontamination

Bat droppings, also known as guano, can pose health hazards to humans due to the potential presence of disease-causing organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. When cleaning up bat droppings, it’s important to wear personal protective equipment such as gloves, respirators, and goggles to prevent inhalation or contact with the droppings. The droppings should be moistened with a solution of water and disinfectant to prevent dust from becoming airborne, and then carefully removed using a scoop or shovel. 

Any contaminated materials, such as clothing or cleaning tools, should be disinfected or disposed of properly. It’s also recommended to seal any entry points where bats may have been entering and exiting the area to prevent future infestations. Proper cleanup and decontamination are essential for ensuring the safety of humans and minimizing the risk of exposure to harmful pathogens.

Risk of Rabies

The rabies virus can be carried by bats, but not all bats have it. Because of this, you should stay away from bats or call the professionals, especially if they are acting strangely or look sick. Also, it’s important to get medical help right away if a bat bites you or if you come into contact with bat saliva. Even though bats don’t carry the virus forever, if a bat gets rabies, it will die from the disease in the end. It’s important to remember that rabies can only be proven in a lab, so it’s best to be safe when it comes to bats and the possibility of getting rabies.

Getting Professional Help

Furthermore, when it comes to removing bats from your home, professional assistance is expected. Professionals not only have the necessary experience and knowledge to safely and effectively remove bats, but they also have the needed equipment and resources to ensure that the job is done correctly. They can also assist in identifying entry and exit points and sealing them off to prevent future infestations. Professional bat removal services are also trained in humane removal techniques, ensuring that no bats are harmed during the removal process. Overall, hiring a professional is the best way to ensure that bats are removed safely and humanely from your home.

In conclusion, bats are fascinating wildlife, but if they take up residence in your home, they can quickly turn into a nuisance. It is essential to remove them in a humane manner in order to avoid causing any harm to the critters. Be careful when dealing with bats, as they can carry rabies and other diseases. Bats can be removed from your home in a safe manner and prevented from returning if you follow the helpful tips outlined in this article.

Are you in need of rodent removal? Our friendly operators at Dallas Fort Worth Wildlife Control are available now at (817) 606-7607. Find out more about our bat removal in Arlington and Fort Worth, TX.