Why Older Homes Are More Susceptible to Bats

Bats might be interesting to watch as they flit overhead at night, but when they decide to make your home their own, they can quickly become a serious problem. Any home may become a bat roost if the right conditions are present, but older homes are often especially susceptible. Having a strong pest control strategy in place and acting quickly at the first sign of bats are essential for preserving the integrity of a home should bats become an issue.

Bat droppings are the primary source of damage from these flying invaders. The heavy, extremely caustic nature of the guano can damage the home’s interior structures and cause a severe odor that is difficult, if not impossible, to remove. If you live in an older home, it is important to understand why you might be more vulnerable to bats than your neighbors and what you can do about it.

Older Tenancy

Old homes can be found anywhere, and it is common for their original owners to still be present. People who have stayed in one place may also be getting older, which means that they may encounter challenges when identifying a bat problem that their younger counterparts might not.

A decline in hearing or vision could make these pests harder to detect, and some older individuals may not even realize that bats are a problem at all. If there has been no issue for the duration of their home ownership so far, established residents might not consider a pest issue until the invasion becomes severe.

Architectural Challenges

Older homes often feature stunningly intricate and refined facades. While this is wonderful for a property’s identity in the neighborhood, it can also create plenty of hiding places for bats. Highly detailed cornices, trim, and more may provide secure nesting spots for bats or ideal locations for temporary shelter while they find a way in.

Modern homes, in contrast, are more likely to be sleek, with crisp, seamless edges that make infiltration difficult. This does not mean that old homes should do away with their beautiful ornamentation; rather, owners should be extra vigilant for signs of bats. Check for droppings, scratch marks, or noises and odors on the home’s exterior.

Climate Control

Old houses rarely receive the same level of structural attention to temperature and humidity control as new homes. Even if they have an air conditioning system and a dehumidifier, the house itself was likely built without these elements in mind. This can lead to challenges with humid areas or temperature fluctuations within the ceilings, attic, and walls.

Bats love warm, humid locations, which means that older homes with these problems can be especially appealing for these flying pests. Even if the bats are not drawn by a damp location in the house, they may still arrive if their preferred prey (bugs) are making a home in the moist wooden structures.

Worn Features

Over time, an older house will begin to show its age. This is a completely normal part of a home’s lifespan, but it makes the structure more vulnerable to bat intrusion. Gradually widening gaps in trim, small surface damage such as cracks or chips on the exterior, and worn-down insulation are all inviting opportunities for bats to enter. Once inside, they may wedge themselves into tight gaps for security, after which it can be difficult to get them out again.

Be sure to inspect both the inside and outside of the home at least once each year to spot potential locations where bats may enter. If this job is too physically demanding or if you’re unsure what to look for, a pest control professional can help.

Developed Landscaping

Many homeowners residing in aging properties do not consider the possibility of a bat infestation because they have never experienced one before. However, as the neighborhood changes, so too does the propensity for bats to arrive. Trees that were once young and small might now be exceptionally large, inviting millions of insects on which the bats can now feed. A newly landscaped backyard that considerably changes the area can suddenly leave bats without a secure place to stay, prompting them to find it in your home.

Stop a Bat Problem Before It Worsens

Bats are a significant source of home damage, and they can often multiply quickly with few signs until the infestation becomes severe. However, getting bats out of your house is not impossible, especially with the help of skilled professionals. Contact Spartan Animal & Pest Control to partner with a team that can remove bats humanely and effectively, then close up their entry points so your bat problem stays resolved for years to come.