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Getting Rid of Bats: Tips for Humane Wildlife Removal

Getting Rid of Bats: Tips for Humane Wildlife Removal

Bats are often misunderstood creatures. Though many people fear bats, they play a crucial role in our ecosystem. Bats help control insect populations, pollinate plants, and even provide food for other animals.

However, finding bats in and around your home can be alarming. They can become a nuisance and even pose a health risk. Knowing what to do when you find a bat in your house and how to remove them safely and humanely is important.

This blog post covers tips for safe and humane bat removal. Our experts include easy steps on how to get rid of bats outside the house and how to get rid of bats in the house. We also go over ways to prevent bats from coming back.

Identify the Problem

The first step in safely removing bats is to identify the problem. Bats tend to hang out in specific areas of the home, like attics, crawl spaces, chimneys, and sunrooms. You may notice signs such as droppings, urine stains, or scratching noises in the attic or walls. Bats are most active at night, so you may also see them flying around outside your home at dusk.

Identify Protected Bat Species

You should identify the species of the bat before taking any action because some species are protected by law and require special permits for removal.

In Georgia, 16 species of bats can be found. Identifying them can be challenging due to their similar appearances. The most common species in Georgia are the big brown bat, the evening bat, and the red bat.

Use characteristics such as body size, fur color, and wing shape to identify bats. State and federal laws protect all species of bats in Georgia. Some species, such as the Indiana bat and gray bat, are listed as endangered species and require special permits for removal or disturbance.

If you encounter bats in your home or property, it’s essential to contact a licensed wildlife removal specialist to safely and legally handle the situation, bringing us to our next point.

Seek Professional Help

Since bats are protected by law in Georgia, contact licensed wildlife removal professionals like Bug House. Our wildlife removal experts have the training, equipment, and knowledge to remove bats safely and prevent them from returning. They can also advise you on sealing up entry points and making your home less attractive to bats.

Seal Entry Points

To prevent bats from entering your home, seal up any entry points. Bats can enter through small gaps or holes as small as a quarter inch in diameter, so inspecting your home thoroughly is essential. Seal any cracks or holes in the walls, roof, and chimney. Use caulk, expanding foam, or weather stripping to seal gaps around windows and doors. Install mesh screens over vents and chimneys to prevent bats from entering.

Use Repellents

Several natural repellents can help keep bats away from your home. These include essential oils such as peppermint, cinnamon, and eucalyptus. You can also use mothballs, which contain a chemical called naphthalene that bats find unpleasant. However, it’s important to note that repellents are not always effective and may only work for a short period.

Install Bat Houses

If you want to provide a safe and humane habitat for bats, consider installing bat houses on your property. Bat houses provide a safe and cozy place for bats to roost and can help attract them away from your home. They can be installed on trees, poles, or buildings and should be located at least 10 feet off the ground in a sunny area.

Getting rid of bats can be tricky, but it’s important to do so safely and humanely. By identifying the problem, seeking professional help, sealing up entry points, using repellents, and installing bat houses, you can remove bats from your home and prevent them from returning. Bats are an essential part of our ecosystem and play a crucial role in our environment, so handling them with care and respect is important.

Bug House Has Your Back

When you search for a reliable team to manage pests and remove wildlife in and around your home, call the experts at Bug House. Our pest and wildlife control technicians get to the bottom of your bug problems and help you kickstart an effective, long-term solution for your home.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Bug House customers throughout Georgia in Augusta, Carrollton, Columbus, Dublin, Eastman, Forsyth, Lake Oconee, Macon, Madison, McDonough, Milledgeville, Monroe, Sandersville, Savannah, St. Simons, Warner Robins, and Watkinsville.