Bat Removal Information

Understanding the biology of the bat is vital to understanding the challenges of controlling or getting rid of bats. Bat removal and prevention is a job that is best left to experienced wildlife professionals as non-emergency bat removal by untrained homeowners may be dangerous to the people or bats.

There are times, though, when bats will accidentally enter the living space of a home. This usually happens at the most inopportune time such as late in the evening. This can also cause a panic considering that the average homeowner doesn’t know how to react and there is little hope of obtaining professional assistance at that hour.

Bats may be legally protected in certain states so it is important to understand that anything beyond releasing the bats can be a violation of state law. Local jurisdictions may also have rules about wildlife and they may specifically address bats.

If a stray bat comes into the house, it is usually accidental. Perhaps the bat has come from the attic and wandered into the living space by squeezing under a door to the attic. In warmer weather, bats may be attracted to homes after dark as the light attracts the bats, knowing that their food source, insects, will be attracted to light as well.

Bats can be encouraged to leave a structure by turning off lights, turning on outside lights and providing a way for the bat to escape, such as by opening a door or window. This is very effective. If the bat is not flying, it can be swept into a paper bag and relocated outside.

If a colony is found in the attic, a colony can be removed and excluded. This is done by sealing entry ways after the bats leave for the evening to feed. Remaining bats can be relocated by the professional to the outside. Exclusion should only be done when there are no nursing young; otherwise, the adults excluded from returning cannot feed the young and the young will not survive. It is usually safe to assume that no helpless young are present after early fall. A professional can assess the situation to determine if young are present.

If there is no access to sealing from the inside, a one way bat tube or cone can be used at the entrance from the outside. This is installed using caulking or nails. The bats leave through the tube for the evening and cannot return through the tube. The bats might return to the area in the early evening for a day or two, but they will soon find a new home.

If a few strays are found in an area, the professional can pick them up with heavy gloves and relocate them. Bats should not be killed by the homeowner or the professional. There are no products available for bat control.

After exclusion of bats, the area should be inspected to determine if clean up is necessary. Sanitizing soiled areas might be required if large amounts of droppings or guano are found or if there are large amounts of urine. Always use personal protection when cleaning up guano or urine.