Bats are some of the most misunderstood wildlife, likely due to their portrayal as blood-sucking vampires in movies, and not everyone sees their beauty. They are the only mammals that can truly fly, using wings that internally resemble a human hand. They usually have brown or black fur and range in size from a few inches to some with wingspans of several feet. 

Importance of Bats

Without bats, our ecosystem would be imbalanced, and billions of dollars in crops would be lost annually, impacting our food supply. Bats are hugely beneficial to our existence. They are excellent pollinators, consuming nectar from various plants and dispersing seeds to aid in regrowth. Every bat consumes thousands of insects nightly.

Bats at Risk

There are more than 1,400 bat species worldwide, with 21 classified as critically endangered and 83 as endangered. Many others are considered vulnerable.

Unfortunately, several significant factors threaten the existence of many bat species. White-nose syndrome is a fungus that attacks the bare skin of bats hibernating in dark, damp places like caves. It causes them to wake up from hibernation too early, use their reserves, and perish. 

Wind turbines are a relatively new source associated with hundreds of thousands of bat deaths annually. Residential and commercial land developments, mining, and agricultural efforts eliminate many bat habitats. They are forced to find food, water, and shelter in other areas, like rural and urban environments. 

When bats start roosting in the same areas as humans, there are bound to be a few encounters, some of which may be negative. However, they don’t have to be. Bats want to avoid humans, and several factors reduce bat-human contact. When necessary, though, professional bat removal services should be a priority. 

Why Bat Encounters Are Rare 

Occasionally, a bat may fly into the living area of your home or swoop down onto your porch. A bat may fly into an open window of an office building. Their entrance into your private space is simply an accident. A sick bat may occasionally fall from its roost onto the ground. This may occur during the daytime. 

It’s important to note that whenever you encounter a bat, call a wildlife technician to learn how to remove it from your house. Below are reasons why bat encounters are rare, including the following. 

Bats Are Nocturnal 

Bats are only active at night, so bats don’t rely on their eyesight to search for and capture insects. So, how do they eat over a thousand bugs nightly? They use echolocation. They know where to fly when vibrations and sounds echo off leaves, insects, buildings, and everything else. 

Most humans are indoors at night while bats are feeding. However, you will likely view a bat in action if you look up at an outdoor pole light with many insects swarming around it. 

Bats Roost in High Places 

Some bats roost alone, and others prefer roosting in colonies. In both cases, bats roost in spots high off the ground and away from humans. They prefer roosts above ten feet from the ground. They want to be out of sight, in dark spaces. When given a chance, bats will take advantage of tiny cracks and holes less than an inch in size that leads to a warm roosting spot. Attics, sheds, eaves, and chimneys are good examples. They will also roost behind siding, walls, barn beams, and trees. 

Bats Prefer Dark Attic Spaces 

Bats are accustomed to being active in the dark and prefer to roost in the dark too. They choose caves and tree hollows when available, but many bats are forced to search for other structures. Dark attics are a favorite because they are cooler and require less energy. Bats need as much energy reserved as possible to help them get through the winter months. 

If you discover bats in your house, contact a company like Critter Control for removal assistance. 

Problems with Home Remedies for Removing Bats 

Many people try getting rid of bats themselves but quickly realize they need help from a professional. Homeowners use creative methods or home remedies to get bats to fly out of their roost and never return. Most methods offer more problems than solutions. 

  • Mothballs: Bats do not like the smell of mothballs and may avoid the area. Remember that humans do not like the scent, which can linger throughout your home. Mothballs can also trigger skin sensitivities in humans. 
  • Bright lights. Bats may avoid an area with bright lights, but there is no guarantee they will leave your attic. They may find a darker spot in the same residence. Also, bright lights attract insects, keeping bats nearby for nighttime feeding. 
  • Loud noises. Bats can find roosting spots in tiny corners, shielding their ears from loud sounds. Therefore, you and your family are the only ones annoyed by the sounds. Some bats aren’t bothered by loud noises. Ultrasonic devices, radios, and other noise repellents may only temporarily remove bats. 
  • Gels and liquids. Stores sell products with chemicals to repel bats from an attic. They claim to be harmless to bats and humans, but there are also many cautions when using them. Also, you must reapply the gels or liquids after a month because it fades and is no longer effective. 

Many people find that home remedies rarely solve long-term bat problems. Bats will return if all the cracks and holes used as entrances are not sealed. Homeowners have trouble finding all access points, so hiring a professional to seal and prevent entry into the attic permanently is the best method. 

In addition to sealing entry points, they take multiple steps to ensure professional bat removal. 

Steps Professionals Take to Remove Bats 

If you are not trained on removing a bat from your house, you are at risk of being bitten by a bat or disturbing its guano (feces), which can grow mold spores. While it is rare for bats to transmit rabies to humans, it is possible. Other diseases associated with bats include histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, salmonella, and other fungal infections. 

When you contact a bat control company like Critter Control, you can expect professionals to arrive with safe and humane equipment to ensure the safety of you, them, and the bat. They have extensive knowledge and training on bat habits and habitats and know the local, state, and federal laws regarding bat removal. For example, bats cannot be forced to leave their roost during the maternity season, from late Spring to Fall, or until all newborn pups can fly out independently. 

There are multiple steps involving techniques for getting rid of bats but keeping them out. 

Inspection 

Experts start every job with a thorough inspection to locate and identify bat activity, damage, and roosts. The inspection helps them develop a professional bat removal and damage repair plan. 

Bat Valves 

Removing bats from an attic is best done with bat valves, one-way doors that allow bats to fly out but cannot fly back in. Bat valves are safer and easier than trying to capture a bat. 

Exclusions 

Professionals use exclusions to ensure you do not have a bat problem in the future. They make your home less attractive to bats, encouraging them to roost elsewhere. Exclusions include eliminating things that attract insects, such as outdoor night lighting, stagnant water, manure piles, compost, and garbage cans. 

Professionals seal cracks and holes that give bats access to your attic. 

Clean-Up and Sanitization 

Bat experts know how to clean areas with bat guano (feces). Bat guano can harbor parasites and grow mold spores harmful to humans if ingested. Once cleaned, pros will apply sanitization to the area using proper safety gear. 

One final advantage of hiring an expert is that some areas require permits to remove bats and disease testing if the bat is captured. Rather than face health or legal problems, call a professional for help.