Bats play a crucial role in the environment by controlling insect populations and helping with pollination. However, when they invade homes, they can cause serious problems. From noise disturbances to health risks associated with bat droppings, dealing with a bat infestation requires professional help. Hiring a bat exterminator ensures safe, humane, and effective removal of these winged creatures.
Signs of a Bat Infestation
Before calling a bat exterminator, homeowners should be aware of common signs that indicate the presence of bats in their home or property.
1. Nocturnal Noises
Bats are active at night. If you hear scratching, squeaking, or flapping sounds from your attic, chimney, or walls, you may have a bat infestation.
2. Guano (Bat Droppings)
Bat droppings, also known as guano, resemble mouse droppings but are larger. Accumulated guano creates a strong, musty odor and can cause respiratory diseases like histoplasmosis.
3. Grease Stains on Entry Points
Bats squeeze through small openings in roofs, vents, and walls. Over time, their oily fur leaves dark stains around these entry points.
4. Sightings at Dusk
If you frequently see bats flying around your home at dusk or dawn, they might be nesting in your attic or eaves.
Why DIY Bat Removal Is Not Recommended
Many homeowners attempt to remove bats on their own, but DIY bat extermination can be dangerous and often ineffective. Here’s why professional bat control is the best approach:
1. Health Risks
Bats can carry rabies, a deadly disease that can be transmitted through bites or scratches. Their droppings also harbor dangerous fungi that cause lung infections.
2. Legal Protections
In many regions, bats are protected by law, making it illegal to harm or kill them. Professionals follow legal guidelines to safely remove bats without violating wildlife laws.
3. Incomplete Removal
Simply chasing bats out does not guarantee they won’t return. A bat exterminator ensures that all entry points are sealed to prevent future infestations.
How a Bat Exterminator Removes Bats
Professional bat exterminators use safe and humane methods to remove bats and prevent them from returning.
1. Inspection
A thorough inspection identifies the species of bats, their nesting sites, and possible entry points.
2. Exclusion Techniques
Instead of killing bats, professionals use bat exclusion devices that allow bats to exit but not re-enter. This is the safest and most humane method.
3. Sealing Entry Points
Once all bats have left, exterminators seal gaps, cracks, and holes to prevent re-infestation.
4. Cleanup and Sanitization
Bat guano is hazardous. Professionals remove droppings and disinfect the area to eliminate odors and health risks.
Preventing Future Bat Infestations
To avoid another bat problem, follow these tips:
- Inspect your home regularly for small openings where bats can enter.
- Install bat-proof mesh or screens over vents and chimneys.
- Reduce outdoor lighting that attracts insects, which are a food source for bats.
- Use bat houses to provide an alternative shelter away from your home.
Conclusion
Bats are essential to the ecosystem, but they can be a serious nuisance when they invade homes. A bat exterminator ensures safe, legal, and effective bat removal while preventing future infestations. If you suspect bats in your home, don’t wait—contact a professional bat removal service immediately.