Bat Removal for Home and Business

Because of their love for high, dark places, the chimney and attic are perfect roosting spots for bats in buildings. A bat colony can consist of hundreds of bats. With time, their droppings (guano) accumulate, gradually deteriorating the building’s structure, giving off an awful smell, and posing several risks of diseases, most notable Histoplasmosis, a severe lung infection caused by inhaling bat guano. 

Due to the prevalence of bats in the southeastern part of North America, residents of South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida constantly have to deal with bat infestation problems. This post explores how Metro Wildlife and Pest Control help thousands of clients deal with a bat infestation. 

Step 1: Investigation and Inspection

Bat removal is a complex job, and you must get everything right. This starts by getting your bat infestation assessment right. Some of the tell-tale signs of bat infestation include:

1. Hearing clicking and scratching sounds from your ceiling, attic, or chimney. 
2. Bat droppings (guano) around your property.
3. Discoloration of your drywall, soffit, or fascia boards due to bat droppings
4. Physical sighting

You need to identify the bat species on your property because each species has different behavioral patterns that may dictate the best removal approach. For instance, Savannah, Georgia alone, is home to about nine bat species with slightly different birthing patterns.

Knowing the birthing pattern of the bat species is crucial because it defines when bat exclusion is best performed. The last thing you want is to separate the mother from her pups. Doing so will result in the death of the pups, which will result in a more significant problem. 

After a thorough investigation, the next stage is to inspect your entire property to figure out how the bats are getting in. Is there a missing board, brick, or roof tile serving as an entry spot? 

Step 2: Bat removal

Bat removal can be achieved through several techniques. Some of which include:

• Exclusion

This is the most common method for bat removal. It is also the most humane. This is why it is the most adopted method, given that the United States wildlife laws protect some bat species. 

Exclusion involves identifying all entry holes into the attic, chimney, or residing space. These holes are then sealed with hardware cloth or caulk, except one. An exclusion device is installed on the main entrance that’s left open. Once the bats leave through the device, they cannot get back in. All bats should leave within three to five days, after which the space can be further inspected to ensure they have all vacated. 

• Bat repellents

Essential oil sprays like eucalyptus, mint, cloves, and cinnamon are natural bat repellents. They can be applied to disturbed areas to disperse bats. What’s more, there are also several synthetic repellents on the market. Repellents are not 100% reliable. What’s more, repellents have to be continuously reapplied to remain effective. 

Step 3: Clean up and repairs

Bat guano is very dangerous to health. That’s why proper clothing, gloves, and a respirator must be worn before entering and cleaning the infected area. Scrap off all the droppings and disinfect the area to kill fungal spores and pathogens. 

Finally, carry out all necessary repairs – like replacing insulation that has been soiled by guano or fixing damaged wood. 

Metro Wildlife and Pest Control for Perfect Bat Removal

Are you dealing with a bat infestation problem in SC, NC, Savannah, GA, and Jacksonville, FL? Bat infestation is a serious health risk! Contact us today at Metro Wildlife and Pest Control to keep your family safe and keep bats away for good.