When it comes to pest control, bats are often overlooked. Most people know that bats only appear in caves and aren’t really a problem for homeowners. However, bat colonies often take up residence in attics and garages and, in some cases, can hang upside down from the rafters in your home.
If you also have large and tall trees near your home, you might be surprised to find that these creatures roost in them as well.
While a few bats in your home might not seem like a big deal, a large colony of them can be problematic. For one thing, they will often leave their droppings around, which can lead to staining and an unpleasant smell.
These bats like to stay in dark and secluded areas, so you might not even know they’re there until the problem has gotten out of hand.
Bat Pest Control: The Basics
Rabies, parasites, and other diseases are some of the health concerns associated with having bats in your home. While bats are commonly spotted in caves, little did you know that your attic, garage, or other secluded areas in your home can be the perfect place for them to hide.
There are approximately 980 different bat species all around the globe, and 40 of these species can be found in the United States alone.
These creatures are nocturnal, which means they only come out at night to look for food. Bats usually eat insects, but some species will also eat fruits, flowers, and nectar.
Although not common, it pays to have some basic knowledge of how to prevent and even stop bats from taking residence in your home.
Careful Inspection
They say that prevention is always almost better than cure – and this is true when it comes to bats as well. As a creature that likes small and tight spaces, you’ll want to be extra careful when inspecting your home for any cracks or holes that these animals can easily slip into.
A thorough inspection allows you to identify any potential entry points. Schedule a bit of your time during dusk and carefully inspect your home’s exterior. See if there are any entry points. If you’re lucky, you’ll even see bats enter and exit your place.
Some of the most common access points may include but are not limited to your attic, soffits, gaps between the roof and fascia, shingles, vents, and utility openings. Always pay close attention to any openings or holes that lead to secluded or even dark areas inside your property.
You might need a ladder to be able to inspect your home properly. If you’re not comfortable doing this on your own, you can always ask for professional help.
Bat-Proof Your Home or Business During the Autumn Season
Depending on where you live, you may or may not have to worry about bats taking up residence in your home. If you live in an area with a high bat population, it won’t hurt to take some precautions.
For starters, sealing up any openings in your home is the first and the most important thing that you should do. Bats can get through these holes, and without you noticing, a colony of them might already be roosting in your home.
The best time to bat-proof your structure is during the autumn. This is the time that bats start to leave their hibernation period and go in search of food.
This is an important point to remember. Sealing up those cracks and holes during the winter may include the risk of leaving some babies boxed in your home, causing them to look for other openings inside your home.
Exclusion
Door sweeps, vents, sealing holes with caulk, and other materials can help you keep the bats out for good. You might also want to invest in a netting that will surround your property to prevent these animals from getting through.
At the end of the day, exclusion is by far the most effective way of getting rid of bats. By making sure that they won’t be able to enter your premises, you don’t have to worry about them wreaking havoc inside your home.
Clean Up Your Attic
Once you’ve successfully excluded the bats from your home, it’s time for some serious cleaning. This is somewhat part of the exclusion process, as you need to make sure that their droppings and urine are removed from your property.
An infestation means there are droppings and possible damage to your property. Once you’ve driven them out of your home, you can then start the cleaning process. This includes hiring a professional to help you with the job.
Cleaning up an attic infested by bats is a tricky and dangerous job. You’ll be dealing with their droppings, which may contain harmful bacteria. Wear your gloves and mask, and be sure to ventilate the area as much as possible.
Install Bright Lights
As nocturnals, bats are very sensitive to light. You can use this to your advantage by installing bright lights in strategic locations around your property.
You can install strip lights, LED lights, or even solar-powered lights. Alternatively, you may also use CDs or mirrors. These can help reflect and magnify the light, making it even more effective in keeping bats away.
Doing this will make the bats feel uncomfortable, and they’ll eventually leave your property for good. Be sure to keep the lights on at night, during their busiest time.
You can also use motion-activated lights, which can help startle and disorient the bats. These lights can also serve as a deterrent, as they’ll know that there’s someone or something in the area.
How to Use Bats for Pest Control ?
While bats can be a nuisance when inside our homes, having them within the perimeters might be beneficial for some residences. While making sure that your home doesn’t provide any entry points to these creatures, you can take advantage of their presence to keep other pests away.
The biggest benefit of having bats around is that they can help reduce the mosquito population in your area. Bats eat a wide range of insect species – and mosquitoes are one of them.
They also feast on other insects, making it easier for you to control your pests and insects, particularly in the garden. While you don’t want them roosting in your home, having them around can be helpful in keeping your place free of pests and bugs.
If you have a dead tree, you can also install a bat house. Take note that the bat house needs to be exposed to the sun for at least 6 hours daily.
This is to ensure their house stays warm – something that bats need to survive. Additionally, if you’re doing this yourself, ensure that the bat house is painted in a dark color.
This helps absorb the warmth of the sun and keeps the interior of the bat house dark as well.
Final Thoughts
Bats inside our homes are a bad thing, but having a couple of them around the home’s perimeter can be beneficial in different ways.
Use these tips on how to use bats for pest control, and you might just find yourself with fewer pests, insects, and mosquitoes in your home.
Motion-activated lights, as well as bright lights installed in areas where bats are roosting or flying, can help keep them away. Remember, exclusion is always the best and the most effective preventative measure against these creatures.
