Hugo D. Do you suspect that you have a problem with bats in your home? Dealing with a bat problem can be a hassle due to regulations about dealing with an infestation in many areas. Of course, you can’t let them live with you, so you’ll need to know what to do.
We gathered all of the best expert tips to combat bat problems below. You can use them alongside working with professionals. Let’s begin!
1. Identify the Bats
First, knowing what kind of bats you’re dealing with is a good idea. Various bat species can have different habits. Plus, they can have additional regulations on how you’re allowed to remove them from your home.
Bat species will have varying features. For example, body size, coloration, and tail length can differ. You may want to talk with a professional wildlife expert to learn more about the species that’s invaded your home.
While about 50 bat species exist in America, you’re most likely to have one of three living in your home. These include pallid, little brown, and big brown bats.
No matter the type of bats you’re dealing with, you need to be safe. These creatures can carry many diseases that are very harmful to humans. Make sure to wear protective gear and stay away from them whenever possible.
You can always contact our bat removal service in Ohio to keep yourself safe. Our pros know what to do and have access to more bat removal tools than you likely do.
Note the Bats’ Habits
Once you know what species you’re dealing with, it becomes easier to research their unique habits. You’ll want to know when they leave to hunt for food.
You also want to know when they have babies so you don’t accidentally trap them inside during the next step. You mustn’t separate the mother from her young.
Most bats have maternity seasons between May 1 and August 31, so don’t close off entrances during that time. Many experts recommend waiting until the fall to exclude bats from your home. Still, it’s best to have the pros do this for you.
2. Repair Bat Entry Points
Now, you’ll want to check your home for entry points. Bats can enter through tiny gaps, so you must inspect carefully.
Once you’ve found the entry points, you’ll want to seal them while the bats aren’t there. You mustn’t trap the bats inside your home. They’ll move somewhere else when they can’t get back inside quickly.
To close the gaps, you can use foam, caulk, and other materials. Check your repair work occasionally to see if it still holds up.
3. Don’t Wait To Reach Out
The sooner that you contact a professional Bat Removal service, the better. A bat’s guano, its waste, is toxic to humans. The experts can help you get rid of the bats so it doesn’t keep appearing in your home.
The more times you’re exposed to guano, the more likely you are to accidentally make contact with it or breathe it in. Make sure to wear a mask and gloves when cleaning it up!
The professionals will be much more experienced in managing bat removals and have equipment you don’t. They’ll also be familiar with the regulations unique to where you live and will have the proper permits to do what they need to.
Lastly, bat removal experts can remove bats humanely. That way, they can return to the ecosystem where they provide benefits.
4. Try Natural Repellents
You have many options for removing bats on your own humanely with natural repellents. Since bats have a strong sense of smell and sensitive eyes, you can use essential oils and lights to deter them.
Peppermint, cinnamon, and eucalyptus are some of the best options for driving out bats. You can also use them in places where you had bats before to prevent them from returning.
Start by combining the essential oil with two cups of warm water and a half cup of sugar in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture generously over surfaces where the bats nest. Make sure you do this while the bats aren’t there! You don’t want to agitate them.
Next, you can install bright lights in the area. Motion-activated lights help a lot. Finally, you can hang up wind-chimes there. Bats also hate loud sounds, so you can use it to deter them.
These methods won’t work well on established bat colonies with many members. However, they can effectively deter new groups of bats from entering a space.
5. Clean the Nesting Area
You’ll want to clean the nesting area well. Not only is the mess the bats leave behind very unhygienic, but the bats use the scent to find their way back. Removing the guano can make it harder for them to locate your home.
They’re less likely to return if you scrub the area well. However, you’ll need to be careful not to use anything that can kill the bats.
Wear protective gear, including a mask and gloves, when cleaning. If you see a bat while cleaning, it’s best to leave it alone and finish cleaning later.
6. Set Up and Maintain Bat Houses
Next, you can put up bat houses outside. These houses are great at naturally deterring bats from nesting in your home. They’ll usually choose the bat houses if they’re installed well.
This option is great because it won’t harm the bats. However, suppose the bats are already in your home. In that case, you’ll need a professional to remove them before they take up the bat houses. That said, they’re excellent for preventing infestations and keeping the bats in your local area where they can benefit the environment.
Get Professional Help For Bat Removal ASAP
No matter what, you’ll likely need to have an expert assist you to ensure that bats are removed without harm. You must follow guidelines to avoid getting hit with expensive fines or worse.
The sooner that you get an expert bat remover, the better. In the meantime, use these tips to deter the bats.
