Bats are essential for a healthy ecosystem, providing services that regulate the food chain. Some bat species can consume multiple times their body weight in insects each day, including undesirable bugs such as mosquitoes. However, these flying mammals may become unwelcome visitors on your property if they begin to congregate in areas they are not supposed to, such as your attic. In this case, bat removal becomes a priority before the bats can colonize further, damage your home, and spread dangerous illnesses.
However, bats are one pest that should only be removed by professionals. From the health dangers they pose to the legal challenges that may arise should you improperly handle a protected species, it is essential to understand the right things to do after you suspect bats have made their way into your home.
Here are the basics to keep in mind.
Why You Shouldnāt Remove Bats on Your Own
Bats are a pressing issue that should be addressed as soon as you are aware that you may have a problem. However, never attempt to remove bats from your home without professional help. There are two main reasons why DIY bat removal can be risky.
The risk of harm
Despite their size, bats can be dangerous. As with any wild animal, the diseases they may transmit are numerous, and a bite could cause an infection at the site of the wound. However, the even more pressing concern is rabies. As mammals, bats can carry rabies, and they are one of the most common vectors. Thus, it is recommended that you never directly touch a bat in order to remove it from your home. Beyond that, improperly cleaning up bat guano puts one at risk of histoplasmosis, a serious respiratory disease, and so you should rely on professionals for safe removal and cleanup.
The law itself
In addition to the physical risks presented by bats, the law may prohibit you from harming bats. Depending on the jurisdiction and species, bats may be protected under wildlife laws and may not be relocated, poisoned, or otherwise killed for any reason. However, some specialists, such as pest control companies, can help you address the problem, provided their methods of capture and release comply with the relevant laws.
How to Remove Bats Without Breaking the Law
If you have a bat problem, there are some options to remove them without running afoul of legal challenges. Some options include:
Close up gaps
The bats are entering your home from somewhere; finding out where is the first step to inhibiting their progress. Even adult bats may enter through gaps as small as a coin.
Be on the lookout for oily, stained areas that may indicate the space through which the bats are entering, as their fur may leave behind streaks where they move. Seal any vulnerabilities to discourage bats from colonizing your home.
Remove safety
Bats choose roosting locations by considering the safety and shelter provided. If your home features damp, dark, secluded locations, bats may find your property more favorable than the surrounding area. By decreasing the appeal of your property with lights, noise, vibration, or even reducing insect populations, you can encourage bats to find another, more suitable location on their own.
Add one-way doors
One of the most common ways to safely remove bats and avoid legal issues is to use one-way gates. The bats are free to leave, which keeps them safe from physical harm. However, the doors shut behind them and prevent reentry, so as bats leave the home to hunt, they are blocked from returning. Over time, the bats can clear out of your home naturally.
Contact the professionals
In some cases, removing bats on your own simply is not possible. This may occur because you are unable to locate their entry points, struggle to find effective locations for one-way doors, or for some other reason. Professional pest control teams have the tools and experience to identify a bat problem, locate hard-to-find entry points, and determine what about your property is appealing. From there, they may recommend one or more removal options, including rehoming the bats to another location, depending on the rules of your jurisdiction.
Another significant advantage of professional pest removal services is their ability to safely deal with the feces from bat infestations. Disturbing it can cause pneumonia-like illness, and professionals carry the personal protective equipment necessary to handle an infestation at any stage.
Get Rid of Bats the Right Way
If you are struggling to address a bat issue in your home, taking immediate action is essential to prevent the bats from multiplying and potentially causing illness and damage to your home.
The professionals at Spartan Animal & Pest Control can help you comply with your local governmentās rules about bat removal without compromising on the thoroughness of your pest control strategy. Contact Spartan to schedule a visit and receive a customized solution to your bat problem before it worsens!
