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How To Get Rid of Bats From Your Home & Keep Them Away - (2022 Guide)

how to get rid of bats

Bats are a common sight in many parts of the world, but that doesn't mean people appreciate them. In fact, many homeowners and businesses would love to exterminate bats if they could.

These pests will leave droppings everywhere they go, which is disgusting and dangerous to your family's health.

Bats play an important role in our ecosystem, so please be sure to follow all the instructions carefully if you decide to remove bats from your home.

This blog post will show how to get rid of bats fast and permanently!

What are Bats?

bat

Bats are mammals that belong to the order Chiroptera. Bat species are the only mammals with wings attached to their front limbs, allowing them to fly.

They accomplish this feat thanks to a thin membrane of skin that stretches between their long fingers. This "wing" is covered in tiny hairs that help the bat to glide through the air.

In addition, bats use echolocation to navigate in the dark. By emitting high-pitched sounds and then listening for the echo, bats can detect objects in their path and avoid flying into them.

Bat sleep by hanging upside down. Bats eat insects, help check mosquito population and other unwanted guests,

How to Identify and Find Bats

You can find several species of bats in the United States. The most common species are the little brown bat, big brown bat, and Mexican free-tailed bat.

All of these bats are small animals with furry bodies and wingspans ranging from eight to ten inches. Their fur is usually dark brown or black, although some species may have lighter fur on their undersides.

As their name suggests, big brown bats are larger than little brown bats. They also have longer noses and ears, and their wings are darker in color.

They have reddish-brown fur on their backs and gray fur on their undersides. Their wings are black with white tips, and they have a long tail that extends beyond their body.

Remember that a bat colony typically has more than one entry points, and these openings can be as small as half an inch to their bat houses. Only a matter of time you will see bat activity.

Common places to find bats include:

  1. Attics
  2. Crawl spaces
  3. Behind shutters
  4. Inside chimneys

Signs & Causes of a Bat Infestation

Bat Infestation

Some bat infestations are clearly visible, while others are not. While others can be difficult to spot, there are a few key signs that indicate you have bats in your home:

Bats flying around at night - This is the most obvious sign that you have bats in your area. If you see them flying near your house or around your yard, there's a good chance they're roosting somewhere on your property.

Bat poop - One of the most obvious signs of a bat infestation is bat droppings. Bat droppings, also known as guano and bat urine, look like small pellets and are usually found near where the bats are roosting. This can cause serious health concerns.

Bat sounds - You may hear bats squeaking, scratching, or flapping their wings if they are roosting in your home.

Ammonia Smell - Bat guano (excrement) produces an intense ammonia odor. Even if you can't smell it, there may be an infestation somewhere on your property.

Accumulation of Bat Guano - The conspicuous indicators of these unwanted are the huge quantities of guano they produce. It resembles rat droppings. When ground, it transforms into a powdery substance.

How Long Does It Take to Get Rid Of Bats?

The time it takes to get rid of them will depend on how big the infestation is and where they are roosting. If the bats are roosting in an accessible area, you may be able to remove them yourself.

However, if they are located in a difficult-to-reach spot, you'll need to call a professional for help.

It's also important to note that they are protected by bat conservation International law in some states, so you'll need to check the regulations in your area before taking any action.

In most cases, it will take a few weeks to get rid of the bats and seal off their entry points. However, if the infestation is large, it could take months to get rid of all the bats.

11 Ways of Getting Rid of Bats in Your Home

Bats are amazing creatures that are unfortunately misunderstood. Though they have a bad reputation, bats are actually very beneficial to our environment.

However, there are times when bats can become a nuisance, such as when they take up residence in our homes.

If you find yourself with an unwelcome bat or two in your home, here are 12 tips for how to get rid of them:

1. Fill up holes and seal cracks

One of the best ways to exterminate bats is to physically block their access points into your home. This means filling up any holes or cracks that they may be using to gain entrance.

You can use caulk, expandable foam, or steel wool to do this. Be sure to check both the exterior and interior of your home for potential access points.

2. Install a decoy bat house

Another way to get rid of them is to trick them into thinking that there's another bat house nearby.

You can do this by installing a decoy bat house nearby (within 10 feet of the main bat house). The bats will then go to the decoy house instead of yours.

3. Implement a bat cone bat deterrent

If you want to keep bats away without harming them, then you may want to try using a bat cone bat deterrent like Bonide Bat Magic Bat Repellent.

These devices work by preventing bats from roosting in your home without harming them in any way.

4. Essential oils and house items

Essential Oils

There are a few essential oils that can help repel bats, such as peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, and eucalyptus oil.

Citrus fruits can also help keep bats away. Try placing lemon, orange, or grapefruit peels around your home.

The strong scent of these fruits will deter bats from entering your home.

You can also try placing cloves around your home as they have a strong scent that bats dislike.

5. Use a natural bat repelled

There are also various commercial repellents available that are specifically designed to keep bats away from your home.

One of the most popular and effective products is Bonide Bat Magic Bat Repellent. This product uses natural ingredients to humanely repel bats from confined areas in your home without causing harm!

6. Use mothballs

mothballs

Another common household item that can help exterminate bats is mothballs. Mothballs release a strong fumes that bats find unpleasant.

To use this method, simply place mothballs around the perimeter of your home or in any areas where you've seen bats entering/exiting. Just be sure to use caution when using mothballs as they can be harmful to humans if used incorrectly.

Never place mothballs inside your home as they can be toxic to people and pets if inhaled.

Mothballs are also harmful to the environment and should only be used as a last resort.

7. Install a bat net

bat net

If you have bats roosting in your home, you may want to consider installing a net for bat exclusion. These nets are designed to keep bats from roosting in your home without harming them.

They are made of a strong nylon material that is durable and weather-resistant. You can find it at most hardware stores or online.

Once you have the bat net in place, check it regularly to make sure that no bats are getting trapped inside.

Bat nets can be an effective way to exterminate bats, but they need to be used correctly to be effective.

8. Hang aluminum foil

aluminum foil

Another way to deter bats is to hang aluminum foil around your home. The shiny surface of the foil will reflect light and bat away any bats that come near it.

This is a temporary solution, but it can be helpful in getting rid of bats while you work on a more permanent solution. Foil can also be used in combination with other methods on this list.

Be sure to keep an eye on the foil, as it can become wrinkled and less effective over time.

9. Install bright lights

Bats are nocturnal creatures, so they avoid areas that are well-lit. You can take advantage of this by installing lights around your home.

The light will deter bats from roosting in your home and may even cause them to leave the area entirely. Be sure to use energy-efficient bulbs to avoid running up your electric bill.

This method is most effective when used in combination with other deterrents on this list.

Installing lights is a simple and effective way to deter bats, but it will only work if the lights are left on at night.

10. Contacting a Professional to Get Rid of Bats Permanently

pest control expert

If you've tried all of the methods on this list and you're still dealing with a bat problem, it may be time to contact a professional at 24h Pest Pros.

There is a pest removal service that specializes in getting rid of bats permanently. They will be able to assess your situation and come up with a customized plan to get rid of the bats for good.

This is usually the most expensive option, but it may be worth it if you're dealing with a large number of bats or you can't seem to get rid of them on your own.

How To Prevent Bat Infestation

The best way to get rid of bats is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. Here are a few simple steps toward eradicating the problem:

  1. Seal up any cracks or holes in your home that may be letting bats inside.
  2. Keep your gutters clean and free of debris.
  3. Install a bat net around your home if you have bats roosting in your attic or another area.
  4. Use mothballs, aluminum foil, or bright lights to deter bats from roosting in your home.
  5. Contact a professional if you're still having problems getting rid of this wildlife animal.

Following these tips will help you prevent it permanently and help in the insect population. Bats can be a nuisance, but you don't have to put up with them.

Hire a Professional Pest Control Expert for Your Bat Removal

If you have bats roosting in your home, the best thing you can do is to hire a professional pest control expert. They will be able to assess your situation and come up with a customized plan to get rid of the bats for good.

This is usually the most expensive option, but it may be worth it if you're dealing with a large number of bats or you can't seem to get rid of them on your own.

When it comes to getting rid of this wildlife animal, it's best to leave it to 24h Pest Pros. They have the experience and a wildlife expert to get rid of them quickly and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do bats hate the most?

Bats possess an innate sense of smell, which helps them to locate a food source for themselves or locate the baby. It's possible for a bat to use the scent it hates if you use rosemary, mint, clove, or cedarwood.

What scent keeps bats away?

They are highly sensitive and the strong scent can be scary for them. There's a wide variety of essential oils to purchase but the best for those who want to eradicate the bats is cinnamon.

Can I get rid of bats on my own?

Ignore mothballs and aerosol deterrents. It's not working, especially when you have a bat colony in the house. Bat removal is easy using exclusion.

Conclusion

Even though bats are important for the ecosystem, having them in your home is not ideal.

If you're dealing with a bat problem, use the tips on this list to get rid of them permanently.

If you have any questions or need help getting rid of bats, contact 24h Pest Pros.

We're experts in bat removal and can help you get rid of your bat problem quickly and efficiently. Give us a call today!

About The Author:

Meet Mark Calhoun, a seasoned pest control expert in the realm our pest control company. With over 10 years of dedicated experience and Managing Editor. His primary mission is to furnish you with precise and invaluable DIY insights, ensuring your home remains pest-free while aiding you in distinguishing various household pests.
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