How to Get Rid of Bats

While bats play an essential role in our ecosystem, they often become a dangerous nuisance when they invade your home. A bat infestation in your home poses a significant risk to you and your family due to their potential to transmit diseases such as rabies, histoplasmosis, and other pathogens through their saliva, urine, and droppings. Additionally, bat guano (droppings) can accumulate in roosting areas, releasing spores that, when inhaled, may cause respiratory issues. It’s crucial to handle bat infestations quickly and seek professional help from a bat exclusion company to keep these unwanted guests away from your home.

Signs of a Bat Infestation

Bats can cause significant damage to your home and pose multiple health risks, making recognizing the signs of bat activity crucial. Bats often enter a home through uncovered vents and chimneys, damaged roofing, and gaps in the facia or siding of your home. Some common signs of a bat infestation include:

• Strange Noises: If bats have set up residence in your home, you may hear scratching, rustling, and screeching noises emanating from your attic or walls.
• Frequent Bat Sightings: Bats can often be seen leaving or entering your home between dusk and dawn when they are most active.
• Bat Droppings: Bat droppings, called guano, look similar to mouse droppings with a crumbly texture. They can often be found in areas of high bat activity.
• Odor: A strong, ammonia-like smell around your home, caused by bat droppings and urine, is often a clear sign of a bat infestation.

How to Prevent Bats From Entering Your Home 

The two most common types of bats in Iowa are the little brown bat and the big brown bat. Once these bats have established themselves in your home, they can be difficult to remove. Using poisons on bats in the United States is illegal, making bat prevention and exclusion extremely important.  By following these simple steps, you can make sure your home stays bat-free:

• Repair any damage to your soffits, siding, and roof.
• Cover vents, chimneys, and exposed pipes with a mesh cover.
• Install motion sensor lights to deter bats from flying around your home.
• Partner with a trusted bat exclusion company.

Hiring a professional pest control company is strongly advised, particularly during bats’ breeding and nesting season. Knowing the appropriate timing for these exclusions is vital to prevent inadvertently trapping the bats inside your home.

Keeping Bats Out of Your Home

Dealing with bats on your own is not only stressful but also dangerous. They are vectors for multiple diseases, such as rabies and histoplasmosis. For peace of mind and a bat-free home, rely on the expertise of Spencer Professional Home Services. Our pest control technicians have the knowledge and experience to safely and efficiently rid your home of bats while ensuring it remains secure against future intrusions. Contact the bat exclusion experts at Springer Professional Home Services today to keep these nocturnal nuisances out of your home!