How to Get Rid of Bats in Attic
Do you hear scratching, squeaking, or fluttering in your attic? It could be bats. It is not uncommon to hear these flying mammals hiding in your Kaw Valley attic during the night.
How do you know if you have bats in your attic?
In order to get bats out of your attic, you first need to determine if it’s really bats, you’re dealing with, or another critter. The signs of bat activity can be similar to other rodents, so the easiest way to know is by physically seeing them. Bats will nest indoors in areas that are dark, undisturbed, and have easy access to the outdoors at night—which in most cases accurately describes your attic. There are other signs that a bat might be living in your attic besides visually seeing one:
You see:
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Piles of droppings in one corner of your attic or near an entry point
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Droppings on the attic insulation
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Stains on attic walls
You smell:
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A strong smell of ammonia, which is caused by excrement
You hear:
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Squeaking or chirping
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Scratching
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Fluttering
How did bats get into your attic?
Bats often find shelter in homes during winter to escape the cold weather or to give birth to their young. Bats are able to easily enter attics through small openings or narrow gaps high on your house. They may also enter under loose-fitting doors, around windows and through gaps around conduits and utility vents. Bats only need an entry hole the size of a dime. Bats prefer attics over closets or living rooms because it is similar to their native shelter (trees, caves, and crevices).
I have bats, how do I get them out?
Leave it to the professionals.
Bat removal can be a dangerous task to take on by yourself. You can risk both your own and the bat(s) safety and well-being. Bats are common carriers of rabies and other dangerous diseases, and can transmit diseases to you through bites, scratches, or contact with bodily fluids. Kaw Valley is home to 15 different bat species — many which are on the threatened or endangered list and are protected by law. It is important to understand the Kansas state regulations when dealing with bat removal.
Save the headache of removing bats yourself and call the professionals at Critter Control of Kaw Valley. Our experts are trained in bat removal and know how to remove bats while following Kansas state regulations safely and humanely. We are ready to help solve your bat problems today, call Critter Control of Kaw Valley at 785.268.6623 for an inspection!
How do I keep them from coming back?
Now that we have safely and successfully removed the bats from your attic, it is important that you put measures into place to keep them from coming back. Bats are creatures of habit and will keep returning to the same spot year after year if measures aren’t put in place to keep them out. Our experts can put preventative measures into place, so you don’t have any more visits from these nuisance animals.
Here are steps to prevent bats from entering your attic:
Seal up any holes.
The easiest way to prevent bats from returning is to seal up the holes they entered from. Remember that bats can get through holes the size of a dime, so be diligent when sealing up holes.
Clean up any mess
While wearing protective gear (gloves, masks, easy to clean clothes) collect any loose droppings or debris and dispose of them. Disinfect the area and dispose of any contaminated insulation or damaged wood. Learn about our Full-Service Attic Repair process here.
Keep your house clean and cleared
Get rid of unnecessary items and clutter in your attic. This will discourage bats from viewing your clutter as nesting potential or protection from the elements.