Bats live in virtually every habitat in the United States. They use trees, caves, and rock crevices for daytime roosting locations. When natural bat habitats are limited, bats will roost in mines, under brides, under roofs, in chimneys, but most often inside your attic. Once a colony of bats is established, resulting bat problems for homeowners range from general noise and smell nuisances to the heightened risk of contracting illnesses.
Bat Entry Points into Attics
Depending on the time of year and the species of bat, they enter attics either to hibernate or give birth. Attics offer the warmth, humidity, and shelter necessary for rearing young pups. Bats gain access to attics through gaps in roof shingles, mortar, windows, doors, and home ventilation systems. Gable vents are a common bat entry point into the attic. Conflicts that arise from bat infestations in the attic range from unsightly messes to health risks. Some of the more negligible issues associated with bat presence include their insistent squeaking sounds and the strong musky odor that is excreted from their scent glands.
Bat Problems in Your Attic
One of the biggest bat problems is the collection of bat droppings, also called guano. Bat guano can introduce health risks to you and your family and damage your attic. Guano provides a hospitable environment for the fungal spores that cause Histoplasmosis, a respiratory ailment, to grow. When droppings accrue, the spores become airborne and can be breathed in by residents. During bat removal, the WMS experts wear respirators to protect themselves. Bat guano collects under the roost location. The longer an infestation, the larger the pile of bat droppings. They can contaminate your insulation and weaken your ceiling. In rare cases, a bat can find itself in the living space of your home. It is exceedingly rare for bats to bite you, but it can be difficult to find a bat bite spot. Additionally, bats are known carriers of rabies. If someone has been in the same room with a bat, it is prudent to seek medical attention or contact the local health department.
How to Get Rid of Bats in Your Attic
Not only do bats provide environmental and economic benefits, but also bat populations are threatened. Human behavior like wind turbines and pesticides hurt bat populations. White-nose syndrome is a fungal disease that spreads through bat colonies and has almost eliminated the Northern long-eared, little brown, and tri-colored bats. Before you attempt a DIY bat removal, there are state and federal protections for bats. It is illegal to kill or trap bats in the attic. If flightless pups are present you cannot install bat exclusions. Finally, without proper protection, amateur bat control can put your health at risk.
Bats in Attic Removal
Not only is bat exclusion the most effective way to get rid of bats from roosting in your attic, but it is also the most humane and ethical bat control strategy. Exclusion tubes/doors are a one-way exit, allowing bats in the chimney to leave but not to return. The process typically takes a week or more to ensure all bats are out. Once we find there is no further evidence of activity in the home, we remove the door and seal the final exit point.
Once bats are gone, our experts may recommend removing any feces and apply sanitization agents to decontaminate the area. Any recommendations can be completed by WMS and will be quoted on an estimate. Where you live will determine when bat removal is possible. In colder climates, you cannot remove or disturb bats during hibernation. During the summer, you can evict bats once the pups can fly on their own.
Wildlife Management of Minneapolis Service Area
Minneapolis, St. Paul, Maple Grove, Champlin, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids, Apple Valley, Eagan, St. Louis Park, Stillwater, Woodbury, Mound, Eden Prairie, Edina, Minnetonka, White Bear Lake, Plymouth, Wayzata, Burnsville, and Their Surrounding Areas
This franchise is independently licensed and operated by Wildlife Management Services, Inc