Bat Pest Control
Bats, the only mammal capable of flight, are a crucial part of our ecosystem. Living exterminators, these flying critters are responsible for controlling pests like mosquitoes from getting out of hand.
Regardless of how useful they are, these creatures have a bad reputation of being associated with the supernatural, and often have been referred to as “flying rats.”
Unfortunately, while bats are critical for pest control in the ecosystem, they can cause a lot of damage as nuisance wildlife themselves. If you have a bat infestation, here are the top seven things you should know about bats and removal.
1. There are several different bat species.
There are multiple bat species that could inhabit your home; each has different habits and habitats. In North America, the following species are most common.
Big Brown Bats: These bats are mid-sized mammals that are dark in color. They feed on insects and roost in any high point they can find. You can find them in your eaves, attics, and other high places during the day and hunting at night. They are common nesters during the winter months and can travel alone or in groups.
Little Brown Bats: These little creatures are only about three inches. They can hide in small spaces in the warmer months and seek shelter when they hibernate. Their favorite delicacy includes small, soft-bodied insects, or bugs near slow-moving water.
Mexican Free-Tailed Bats: These bats live in the southeast and west near the coast. They are tiny, about three inches, and are mostly tail. These wild animals tend to live in big colonies and seek shelter in a cave or cave-like areas.
Red Bats: These nocturnal hunters are medium in size and are found in the western part of the US. As their name indicates, they have red fur, and they eat numerous beetles, moths, and other insects. These bats tend to burrow rather than roost.
California Myotis: This tiny bat species can be seen just at dusk or dawn feasting on flying insects. Pale in color, these flying mammals tend to hide away in dark, quiet places.
2. Bats can often roost in homes.
Many bats like to roost in high or dark places, which could include many spots in a home. They often find their way underneath eaves and hideaway in attics. They can make homes in chimneys, find open spots in roofs, or slip through small holes.
Often, a loose bat can get stuck in your home, through a crack or hole, causing stress for both you and the bat. While they don’t intentionally wish to cause harm, bats can cause a lot of problems for homeowners.
3. Bats can damage your property.
Bats can cause property damage in many ways. Bat droppings can leave grease stains on siding and often come with a strong, offensive odor.
Their fecal matter can contain a fungus known as histoplasmosis, and their urine can leave a terrible, lingering stench in your home. Bats can swarm outside your home depending on the size of the colony.
Additionally, should bats reside or get trapped inside your home, they can become ill, injured, or die in the nooks and crannies.
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4. Bats can carry diseases and parasites.
In addition to property damage, a bat infestation could be dangerous to your health. Bats can carry rabies, which can be transmitted to other animals and people through a bite. This is the most common disease bats carry and it can be fatal if untreated.
Another disease can be found in bat guano or their fecal matter. Histoplasmosis is a disease caused by the droppings bats leave behind. A fungus grows in their fecal matter and it could lead to this serious illness that attacks the lungs.
Aside from deadly diseases, bats can leave parasites in your home. Bat mites and bat bugs are pests that look much like bed bugs. They have been known to bite humans and can be problematic, though not fatal.
5. With bat exclusion, timing is everything.
If you are looking to flush a bat infestation from your home, timing is everything. Bat exclusion is a tricky process; if done incorrectly, you can end up with more problems. It should be done after the young bats have had a chance to vacate and after the adults venture out to feed. If done too early or too late, your home could suffer more damage.
Fleeing bats could become trapped and die. Females could be separated from their young and could continuously try to re-enter your home. This process should be handled by a professional to ensure that the outcome is satisfactory for you and the wildlife.
6. The best way to be rid of bats is to prevent them.
Of course, the best way to prevent nuisance wildlife from destroying your property is to keep them out, to begin with. Seal up all cracks and access points that may allow bats in. Open sections should be covered by netting.
Make sure all roof repairs are done – leave no openings for bats to move in and plug up all holes. Bats are small creatures; they can slip through tiny cracks. It’s important to fortify your home before they become a problem.
Additionally, you can remove any possible food sources you may have around your home. Often, bats are attracted to mosquitoes; be sure to look for any mosquito breeding spots, like standing water. Make your home a less attractive option to roost.
7. Bats are very important for the environment.
Bats are considered a protected species in most states. Before you make any changes to your home, consult animal control or wildlife services to be sure the actions you take are the best for you and the bats.
Again, autumn is the most ideal time to fortify against bats. The best offense is a good defense; be vigilant in your home inspection and protect the common access points in your home. Bat repellents, though appealing, don’t have a long-term effect.
The only way to stop bats from coming back is to block their access. If you suspect that you have a bat infestation, contact our licensed pest control experts to assess the problem and protect your home from nuisance wildlife.