Bats can be a nuisance, but they can also bring insects and rodents into the attic. Despite the nuisance, bats are hardy creatures that can live and breed for years in the attic, where most people do not spend much time. The first thing you should know about how to get rid of bats in attic is that poison will not work. Poisoning bats is illegal in most states due to their environmental contribution. Here are some tips to keep bats out of your attic:
Exclusion
One of the first steps in removing bats from your attic is identifying the areas where they enter and exit. Then, in the evening, observe the openings and take notes. The next step is to exclude the bats by using one-way exclusion devices. If you are unsuccessful with this method, try using a one-way bat door or an airtight container. Once you’ve excluded all of the possible entry points, you can work on sealing the building.
To exclude bats from your attic, seal off any access points with mesh or caulk. Large holes or louvered vents should be closed with hardware cloth. Seal smaller areas with foam insulation or caulking compound. Be sure to time your bat-exclusion procedure properly. If you catch a female bat in your attic before her pups have hatched, the pups will decompose, creating an odor. The process is simplest in structurally sound homes.
Another way to eliminate bats in the attics is to install exclusion doors. These doors will not let bats in and keep them from breeding and maternity colonies. These doors will also protect your home from odors and squeaking noises. These doors are effective in removing bats and are also legal. However, you need to know that this method cannot be used to prevent maternity colonies.
Besides using exclusion doors to eliminate bats in attics, you need to clean your attic thoroughly. Bat droppings can be harmful to your health because they contain mold. You should also hire a professional to do the job since you’ll want to ensure that you don’t release more bats in the future. These professionals will seal all entryways and perform a thorough cleaning to prevent future bat problems.
Hiring A Professional
Bats are not a small nuisance. They can be difficult to get rid of on your own, especially if they have already established home. In addition, it is illegal to exterminate bats, so you should only try to remove the problem by hiring a professional. Hiring a professional will protect your property and give you peace of mind.
Hire a professional to get rid of bats from your attic. Bat removal services are expensive, ranging from $2,500 to $5,000. Additionally, professional bat removal services often include a warranty, which helps protect homeowners against future costs for repairs. However, most warranties do not cover bat removal through the attic because they require a bat house to be built at least 100 feet away from the home and 12 feet high. Homeowner’s insurance usually covers bat removal costs.
Preventing Bats From Returning To Your Home
If you have a bat problem, you should be able to prevent them from returning to your home by addressing the underlying causes of their behavior. Though bats are not aggressive, their droppings and urine are highly damaging to wooden structures, compromising the structural integrity of your home. Taking action immediately will help prevent the bats from returning to your home.
A one-way exclusion device is another effective method of preventing bats from returning to your home. These devices go on all openings where bats can enter the home and let them out. These can last up to a week and can be easily replaced once the bats are gone. Caulk can be used to seal larger openings. A draft guard can be placed beneath doors for exterior walls and chimneys to block them.
