Bats occupy a special place in the human subconscious as they have been the subject of endless symbols of horror and even heroism (e.g., Batman).
Today, bats are considered a species at risk in Pennsylvania, which is why they may be less common in parts of the state, such as the Lehigh Valley or Wyoming Valley, than they once were.
Nevertheless, it’s not uncommon to spot a bat hiding in an attic or occasionally making its way into a barn all the time.
While they are generally harmless creatures, their droppings (guano) can spread disease, and these creatures are infamous for their bites, though it’s not as bad as you’d think.
You may be hard pressed to find an exterminator in your area, other than The Pest Rangers, that deals with bats and bat exclusion. But that’s one of our specialities, from the Lehigh Valley to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton to the Poconos to Southeastern PA.
If you’re looking to get rid of a bat in your home and want to learn more about how to prevent one from entering, read more to discover how bats behave, how to eliminate them ethically, and who to call to get the job done.
Why Are Bats a Problem in Homes?
Bats are mostly harmless and can even be considered beneficial—they eat insects like mosquitoes, moths, and wasps. However, when they roost inside homes, they pose several risks to both property and health.
For example, our technicians have seen countless examples of bats damaging siding, insulation, and even wood by gnawing on materials and dropping large amounts of waste and urine that eventually degrade the structure.
In Eastern Pennsylvania, species like the little brown bat and big brown bat are known to seek shelter in homes, especially older properties common in cities like Wilkes-Barre and Allentown.
A bat colony living in your attic or walls can produce large amounts of droppings (guano), which may lead to histoplasmosis, a potentially serious lung disease.
Bats can also carry rabies, and their presence often attracts other pests like mites and bat bugs. Because of these risks, any sign of a bat infestation should be addressed quickly and professionally.
Common Bats in Eastern Pennsylvania
While it’s easy to identify a bat, there are several species that differ in size and behavior.
Bats commonly have webbed wings, with larger bats having a span of up to five feet while smaller bats measure about six inches. They can weigh between an ounce and two pounds. These mammals live in colonies and are only active during the warmer months.
Bats eat all manner of bugs, including wasps, moths, and mosquitoes. They don’t like cold or wet weather, so you will rarely see them flying in the rain.
Three common bat species found in Pennsylvania include big brown bats, little brown bats, and Mexican free-tailed bats. These creatures are natural pest control experts, but they become a nuisance species when they find a cozy spot in your home.
Where Can Bats Hide in My Home?
Like any other animal, bats are on the lookout for a comfortable place to take care of their young. Anywhere they roost will be near a good source of food, like bugs, plants, or fruit. Additionally, they will want a warm, humid environment that is typically deserted parts of the home. That’s why bats are commonly found in attics, barns, and garages.
The most common parts of the home where we’ve encountered bats on service calls include:
- Attics with minimal human activity
- Chimneys without proper caps or screens
- Eaves and soffits with small gaps
- Loose siding or vents
- Barns, garages, or sheds
Bats can squeeze through openings as small as ½ inch wide. That’s why a thorough inspection is key to understanding how they’re getting in.
What Harm Can They Cause Humans?
Though bats are harmless creatures, they can pose a serious health threat when handled incorrectly or when they live in proximity with humans. Their droppings, both fecal and urine, have an extremely unpleasant stench.
Additionally, a fungus can form in their bat guano; long-term exposure can cause lung disease or histoplasmosis. Often, these droppings need to be decontaminated and removed professionally. DIY cleaning is not recommended.
While most bats do not carry diseases, a small percentage may have rabies. This can be life-threatening to humans and pets, especially when bitten.
Lastly, bats arrive with pests of their own that can easily pass to humans. Bat mites and bat bugs have been known to bite humans and pets. If you discover a bat problem in your home, it should be taken care of as efficiently as possible.
When to Remove Bats
Timing is critical when dealing with bats. In Pennsylvania, bat maternity season typically runs from late spring through summer. During this time, it is illegal and unethical to exclude bats, as mothers may be separated from their flightless young.
Proper bat removal should be done before the young are born, or after they are weaned and can fly. Attempting bat exclusion at the wrong time can trap animals inside your home. Check with the animal control/wildlife services when attempting bat exclusion.
Bat-Proofing Your Home
Autumn is the best time to bat-proof your home since bats leave for hibernation during this time. Calling a professional is recommended as you run the risk of improperly bat-proofing your house and leaving bats stuck inside.
Here are a few general tips for preventing bats from entering your home:
- Seal cracks and gaps around the roofline, vents, and soffits
- Install chimney caps and attic vent screens
- Repair loose siding or fascia boards
- Keep attic spaces well-lit and ventilated
- Install bat houses at least 20 feet away from your home to provide alternative shelter
Inspect your exterior to look for possible entry and exit points. The ideal time to search is 30 minutes before dark or an hour before dawn. Keep watch for about an hour. Pay attention to chimneys, eaves, and other possible access points.
However, professional bat pest control is the only method with guaranteed long-term results.
Safe & Legal Bat Removal: Why You Need a Professional
Because bats are protected under both federal and state wildlife laws, you cannot harm them or use poisons to eliminate them. That’s where professional wildlife control comes in.
At The Pest Rangers, we specialize in humane bat exclusion across Scranton, the Poconos, Southeast Pennsylvania, and the Lehigh Valley. Our licensed technicians will:
- Inspect your home for signs of bat activity and entry points
- Determine the best timing for safe exclusion
- Install one-way devices that allow bats to leave but not return
- Seal all potential re-entry points using durable materials
- Advise on installing bat houses nearby to provide alternate roosts
We also provide guano cleanup and attic decontamination to restore your space to a safe condition.
Don’t struggle with bats in Eastern Pennsylvania any longer–contact The Pest Rangers today to get a free quote on bat exclusion services.
FAQs
Are bats protected in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Most bat species in Pennsylvania are protected by state and federal wildlife laws. It is illegal to kill bats, and exclusion can only be performed at certain times of the year to protect bat pups.
When is the best time to remove bats from my home?
Late summer to early fall is the ideal time for bat exclusion in Pennsylvania. By this point, young bats are able to fly, which allows safe and humane removal without separating mothers from their pups.
Can I remove bats on my own?
We strongly recommend against DIY bat removal. Bats can carry diseases like rabies, and improper exclusion can lead to dead bats inside walls or attics. Our professionals are trained in humane, legal methods that protect both you and the bats.
