How To: Get Rid of Bats—and Keep Them Away for Good

Know When to Get Rid of Bats With These Signs

Bats don’t usually pose an immediate damage threat to homes or property, which is why it's easy to ignore them, for now, but if forgotten about they can eventually pose a threat to not only your home but the health of your loved ones! If you notice these signs, it might be time to call a bat exterminator:

How to Get Rid of Bats

Please consider the following step when making the decision to remove bats from your property:

STEP 1: Identify the type of bats you're dealing with

The first step to getting rid of bats is to determine exactly what kind of bat you're dealing with. This is important because there are several different kinds of bats in the world, each with its own set of habits.

STEP 2: Determine points of entry

Step three is determining what type of opening you want to seal off. If it is a chimney, look up the manufacturer’s instructions on how to do this properly. If it is a window, make sure there are no cracks around the edges of the glass. If it is a door, make sure it is tight.

If you don't know what to look for, ask a professional pest control operator about the best way to identify the entrance points of a bat colony. They will likely show you pictures of the different ways bats enter homes.

Once you have identified the entry points, call a local pest control provider to help you determine whether sealing those holes will keep out bats. You'll probably find that some of the places that bats go into houses aren't accessible without climbing onto the roof or drilling into the wall. In these cases, you might want to consider calling a pest control company to install a system that keeps bats out of your home.

STEP 3: Seal any openings

If bats have already taken up residency, simply sealing up their entry point might not be a good plan if it traps them inside the house. One way to get rid of bats is to use a product called a one-way exit valve—a device that allows the bats to exit, but doesn't allow them to return. This type of device works by providing a small hole that bats can pass through, but won't come back out of.

Once you've successfully removed the animals from your home, it’s time to prevent them from coming back. Bats are very social creatures and will often congregate around openings where there is food or shelter. After all, they're mammals, and they like to hang out together. So, once you've sealed up the entrance, make sure to block every possible way for them to reenter.

To fill up holes and seal cracks, start by covering the most common entrance points. Use caulk, putty, or even duct tape to close up crevices. You'll want to make sure that you cover every single gap and hole that leads into the attic or basement.

Install caps on chimneys, screen vents, and install mesh over windows. These devices will keep bats away from your home while allowing air circulation. And remember, if you see a bat flying around outside, don't panic; it could just be looking for a way back into your home.

STEP 4: Clean thoroughly

The best way to keep your home safe from flying pests is to make sure that there are no places where bats could hide. Bats like dark spaces, especially those that are out of sight, like under porches, sheds, attics, crawlspaces, and even inside walls. If you find one of these spots, take care of it immediately.

Once you've eliminated places where bats could live, it's time to start cleaning up the mess. First, spray down the area with a solution containing 10 parts water and one part household chlorine bleach. This will help disinfect the area. Then, use a sponge or rag dipped in hot water and dishwashing liquid to wipe away any remaining bat feces and urine. Finally, wash the area with a solution consisting of equal amounts of water and ammonia. Be careful not to let the ammonia come into contact with the skin.

If you're dealing with a large infestation, call your local pest control professional, who may recommend hiring a commercial cleaner to do the job.

What about attic bats?

If you live in a region with colder winters, you might notice bat activity during the fall months. Bats are nocturnal animals, meaning they tend to emerge around dusk and return to roost before dawn.

Once they migrate out, seal any cracks or holes and close off any vents. You can also install bat exclusion devices like those used in homes with children. These prevent bats from entering while allowing airflow. However, it is important to remember that even though bats aren't harmful to humans, they can carry rabies.

In warmer regions, you'll want to make sure you're sealing up any gaps or cracks in the home. This includes windows, chimneys, attics, crawl spaces, and basements.

What are bats attracted to?

Bats are attracted to insects and tight dark spaces because they have a need for protein and shelter, which is why your attic is so attractive!

Contacting a Wildlife Professional to Get Rid of Bats

Bat removal requires specialized equipment and experience. Absolutely ZERO do-it-yourself methods actually work at either removing or controlling the bat population. From bat nets, decoys, and mothballs, to noisemakers and essential oils, none of it works! Despite this reality, a lot of people still try to handle it themselves, but most don't know what they're doing. In short, wildlife removal including bat removal and control is best left up to qualified professionals!

At Clancy Brothers Pest Control, we offer humane measures to ensure your home is bat-free. We use bat exclusion programs that work as a one-way door out of your home. Bat colonies can only be dealt with during May and after bat-breeding season from Mid-August to October to ensure the younger bats aren't left behind. From November through May, bats go into hibernation and we're unable to treat them then.

If you're experiencing any signs of a bat infestation, contact the wildlife removal experts at Clancy Brothers Pest Control immediately!