How Do You Get Rid Of Bats In The House

How Do You Get Rid Of Bats In The House? The Definitive Guide to Safe Exclusion

Finding a bat flying around your living room or noticing tell-tale signs of guano (bat droppings) in your attic can be alarming. It's a situation many homeowners face, and while stressful, it's entirely manageable. If you are asking yourself, "How do you get rid of bats in the house?"—you've come to the right place. We are going to walk you through the humane, legal, and effective process of permanently removing bats from your home.

The most important thing to remember is that bats are essential parts of our ecosystem and are generally protected by law. This means lethal removal methods are almost always illegal. The key strategy we will focus on is exclusion—getting them out safely and making sure they can't return.

Understanding Bats: Why Are They In Your House?

Bats are not trying to scare you; they are simply looking for a safe, warm, and dry place to roost. Your home, especially the attic or wall voids, offers the perfect environment.

They usually seek shelter for two main reasons: hibernation during the winter, or forming a "maternity colony" during the summer. If you have a colony, you might hear scratching noises or notice a faint, musky odor.

Remember that bats are incredibly beneficial. A single bat can eat thousands of insects, including mosquitos, every night! Knowing this helps maintain perspective when figuring out how to get rid of bats in the house.

Crucial First Step: Safety and Legal Considerations

Before you start any exclusion process, you must be aware of critical safety precautions and the legal timeline for bat removal.

When to Act (Seasonal Timing)

Timing is absolutely non-negotiable. Most bats are protected during the "maternity season," which typically runs from late spring through late summer (May to August/September, depending on your location).

If you seal entry points during this time, you will trap flightless baby bats (pups) inside. They will die and decompose, leading to major odor problems and potentially attracting other pests. Trapping adult bats is also illegal in many states.

The safest times for exclusion are generally:

• Early Spring (April): Before pups are born.
• Late Fall/Early Winter (October – November): After the pups are grown and before the deepest hibernation periods start.

Prioritizing Your Safety (Handling and Rabies Risk)

Never handle a bat directly with bare hands. While most bats do not carry rabies, those that are sick or easily caught on the ground are higher risk. If a bat is found in a room with someone sleeping, a child, or a pet, professional consultation is immediately required to test the animal.

If you must handle a bat to release it outdoors (e.g., if one flies into your kitchen), wear thick leather gloves. Use a container, like a box or coffee can, to gently trap it, then release it outside immediately at dusk.

Step-by-Step Guide: How Do You Get Rid Of Bats In The House?

The exclusion process is systematic and requires patience. Follow these steps precisely to ensure you successfully and humanely answer the question: how do you get rid of bats in the house?

Phase 1: Locating Entry Points

Bats can squeeze through incredibly small gaps—as narrow as half an inch (the size of a dime). You need to find all active entry points. This is best done at dusk.

Sit outside and watch your roofline, chimney, vents, and eaves just after sunset. Watch for them emerging to feed. Where you see them flying out, that is likely a primary exit point. Look for signs of guano buildup on the walls directly below these openings.

Common entry areas include:

1. Gaps where the chimney meets the roof.
2. Loose flashing or trim boards.
3. Unscreened vents or broken windows.
4. Openings at the peak of the roof (gable vents).

Phase 2: The Exclusion Device (The One-Way Door)

An exclusion device, or one-way door, is the heart of the humane removal process. This device allows the bats to exit your home at dusk for feeding but prevents them from re-entering when they return at dawn.

Choosing the Right Exclusion Device

You can purchase a professionally made exclusion cone, or you can craft a simple one using netting or plastic sheeting. The material must be lightweight and easily pushed aside by the bat as it leaves. Affix the exclusion device securely over the main entry hole, ensuring the bottom edge hangs freely at least 12-18 inches below the opening.

Crucially, before installing the one-way door, you must seal every other minor hole and gap you identified on your house. Only the exit point where the exclusion device is placed should remain open.

Allow the device to remain in place for 5 to 7 nights, ensuring several warm nights have passed. This guarantees all bats have left for feeding cycles.

Phase 3: Sealing the Home (Bat-Proofing)

Once you are certain the colony has been excluded, it is time to remove the one-way door and permanently seal the final opening. Use durable materials that bats cannot chew through, such as silicone caulk, copper mesh (stuffing small holes), or sealant foam designed for outdoor use.

Inspect the home seasonally. Bats are persistent, and if they find another tiny crack, they will try to move back in. Prevention is the final answer to how do you get rid of bats in the house.

What NOT To Do When Removing Bats

While desperation might tempt you, several common methods are dangerous, illegal, or ineffective:

1. Don't Use Poisons or Toxic Repellents: Not only is this illegal, but it guarantees that bats will die inside your walls, leading to terrible odors and biohazard issues.
2. Don't Use Sticky Traps or Lethal Traps: These are inhumane, cruel, and often kill the protected animals.
3. Don't Use Mothballs or Ultrasonic Devices: These methods are largely ineffective for long-term exclusion and can cause severe air quality problems if used in large quantities in an attic.
4. Don't Attempt Exclusion During Maternity Season: As stressed earlier, sealing them in during the summer is illegal and results in unnecessary death and putrefaction.

When To Call a Professional

While DIY exclusion is possible, there are times when professional help is necessary. If you have a large colony (over 50 bats), if the entry points are dangerously high, or if you suspect rabies exposure, contact a certified wildlife removal specialist immediately.

Professionals are trained in the legal removal processes, proper guano cleanup (guano can be hazardous due to fungal spores), and effective structural sealing.

Conclusion

If you're wondering, "How do you get rid of bats in the house?" the answer is clear: through safe, timed, and humane exclusion. By waiting until the legal exclusion period, diligently finding and sealing all entry points except one, and installing a reliable one-way exclusion device, you can successfully move the bats out of your home without harming them.

Remember, patience and persistence are key. Once they are gone, maintain regular inspections to ensure your home remains bat-proof for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best material to seal up bat entry points?

The best materials are durable and permanent, such as high-quality silicone caulk, copper mesh (for stuffing small cracks), and weather-resistant sealants. Avoid materials that degrade quickly or are easily pushed aside.

Can I just use light to scare the bats away?

While bright lights or strobe lights placed in an attic might temporarily encourage bats to relocate, this is not a permanent solution. They will often move to a different, darker, or more secure spot within your house. Exclusion devices are the only reliable long-term fix.

How long does the exclusion process usually take?

The preparation (finding all the holes and sealing the minor ones) can take a few days. Once the exclusion device is installed, you should leave it up for at least 5 to 7 nights of warm weather to ensure the entire colony has departed for feeding. The whole process, start to finish, typically spans about two weeks.

Is bat guano dangerous to clean?

Yes, potentially. Aged bat guano can harbor fungal spores that, when inhaled, can cause histoplasmosis, a serious respiratory infection. Always wear protective gear, including a respirator (N-95 mask), gloves, and coveralls, when cleaning guano. If there is a large accumulation, hire a professional cleanup service.

How Do You Get Rid Of Bats In The House

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