Bats are essential members of the ecosystem. They do an excellent job of controlling night-flying insect populations in Pennsylvania, but that doesn’t mean you want them living in your home.
Bats are nocturnal animals that seek dark places to hide during the day. Your attic, chimney, and walls are places they may try to seek shelter, which can spell big trouble.
In addition to the damage bats can cause to insulation and wood, their droppings (guano) can carry dangerous diseases.
However, removing bats isn’t as simple as you may think. Bats are protected wildlife in Pennsylvania. In Allentown, proper bat exclusion means working in accordance with laws and regulations and taking the right steps to safeguard your home.
Why Bat Problems Are Common in Allentown
Bat infestations are common in Allentown, Pennsylvania, for a few reasons. First and foremost is the natural environment.
The blend of forests and farmland and the insect population attracts them. The concentration of barns and older buildings in the area makes great dwelling locations for them as well.
It’s almost inevitable that bats will make their way into homes and other occupied buildings from time to time. Dark environments and steady food supply make residential areas prime real estate for these animals.
Species like the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) and the big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) are known to roost in homes. While generally harmless in the wild, you do need to take care to properly remove them from your home and prevent them from coming back.
Dangers of Bats in the Home
Bats are rarely aggressive towards humans–the risk of attack is fairly low. However, they can carry rabies, which is something that needs to be taken seriously. While rare, a rabies infection can be deadly.
The bigger risk, however, comes from the accumulation of guano and urine in the spaces they live in. This will accelerate the degradation of insulation and create wood rot.
The environment created by the build-up of bat droppings can harbor Histoplasma spores, which can pose serious health risks for residents.
There’s also the matter of bats being protected wildlife in Pennsylvania. Mishandling them can lead to legal trouble.
While that’s not necessarily the fault of the animals themselves, it is another reason to keep them out of your living space and work with a professional who can perform proper bat exclusion to remove them from your property.
What Is Bat Exclusion?
Bat exclusion is simply the process of removing bats humanely. Because bats are protected under Pennsylvania State Law, removing them from your home requires doing so without harming them.
It also typically involves additional steps taken to prevent them from coming back.
In Allentown, bat exclusion methods typically rely on one-way devices that allow bats to enter, but not exit, placed at the bats’ entry points around a property. It can take up to seven days to capture the entire colony.
Proper steps must then be taken to sanitize and seal the dwelling areas to ensure no future problems arise. It’s always best to work with a licensed professional if you’re not sure what equipment to use or what steps to take.
Bat Exclusion Steps:
- Bats are captured and released using one-way devices in accordance with the Pennsylvania Game Code
- One-way devices are placed around entry/exit points in your home, waiting up to seven days to capture the whole colony
- The home is sealed to prevent reentry of future bat colonies
- Proper steps are taken to clean and sanitize the dwelling area
Signs You May Have Bats in Your Attic or Walls
Determining if you have bats living in your home or property isn’t always easy. They’re hidden from plain sight; you can miss them if you don’t know what to look for. Thankfully, there are some telltale signs that indicate you may be dealing with a bat infestation.
Sounds of squeaking and scratching in the attic or walls around dusk or dawn, build-up of oily residue on walls or ceilings, and strong ammonia odors are all signs of a bat infestation. You may also see bats flying to and from your home, or find the occasional bat indoors.
If you do see these signs and suspect you have bats living in your home, it’s important to immediately take the appropriate steps to remove them.
Here are just a few of the common signs of bats in your attic or home:
- High-pitched squeaking or scratching at dusk/dawn
- Dark stains or oily streaks on soffits or eaves.
- Accumulation of guano pellets beneath roof seams or attic vents.
- A strong ammonia odor from droppings and urine.
- Bats flying out at night around lights
- Occasionally spotting live bats indoors
Legal Guidelines for Bat Removal in Pennsylvania
It’s important to know the law before addressing a bat problem in Pennsylvania. State law protects all species of bats, and you must take the proper steps to remove them in order to avoid legal trouble.
It is illegal to trap or kill them. It’s also important to perform bat exclusion outside of maternity periods. Performing bat exclusion during that window can lead to legal issues, as you are likely to disturb the bats and potentially harm pups.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Perform Bat Exclusion in Allentown?
Bat exclusion can be performed in set windows throughout the year. You should avoid exclusion from May through July, as this is when mothers are raising their pups.
It’s recommended that you only work in the periods of January through April and August through mid-October. Avoiding winter exclusions is also recommended as you’re likely to kill bats during their hibernation period.
If you’re unsure of how or when to deal with a bat infestation, it’s best to call a licensed professional for assistance.
- January through April, before maternity activity begins.
- August through mid‑October, once pups are capable of flight.
How to Prevent Future Bat Infestations
After proper bat exclusion has been performed, you need to take the appropriate steps to avoid future bat infestations.
Installing chimney caps and vent screens with 3/8-inch mesh will keep bats out, as will sealing any gaps or openings in the roof or walls with caulk, foam backer, or steel mesh.
It’s also recommended that attics be kept well-ventilated and lit to deter bats. Trimming overhanging tree lines and installing bat houses around the property offer alternative roosting sites and reduce the likelihood of bats entering your home.
However, once inside, you’ll need professional bat exclusion services to get rid of bats without harming the species. The Pest Rangers offers quick and reliable bat exclusion in Allentown,l
FAQs
What is bat exclusion and how does it work?
Bat exclusion is the process of removing bats in a humane, legal manner. The process involves using one‑way devices over exit points, allowing bats to leave a space like an attic but not re‑enter. Afterward, all openings are sealed, followed by thorough cleaning to prevent future infestations.
Are bats protected in Pennsylvania?
Yes, all bat species are protected under State Law in Pennsylvania. Exclusion must be legal, humane, and done within designated seasonal windows in accordance with game code.
Can I remove bats from my home myself?
It is possible to perform bat exclusion on your own, but it’s better to work with experts. They know how to legally and safely handle bats, when to do so, how to avoid trapping or harming pups, and properly seal and sanitize your home to prevent further issues.
