How to tell if you have bats in your attic—and what to do next

One downfall of being a homeowner is seeing your home start to become a place for unwelcome guests like bats. If you’ve started to suspect a few have made their way into your attic, then it’s important to address the issue promptly. But the key to removing bats is to follow a specific protocol since unlike other animals, bats have legal protection. Here’s everything you need to know about bat infestations and how to get rid of bats in the attic safely.

Meet the Experts

• Aaron Carlson is a wildlife biologist at Trutech Wildlife Service.
• Jamie Nichols is the Senior Service Center Manager at Arrow Exterminators.

Why Are Bats Attracted To The Attic?

Many homeowners struggle with finding out there’s a swarm of bats in their attic, but why do they like this place so much? Wildlife biologist, Aaron Carlson, says that the attic provides the ideal location for bats, especially females who are looking to give birth.

“During the summer, female bats are looking for safe places to give birth near food and water sources, and the attic fits that,” he says. “Bats need a steady temperature between 85°F to 104°, and bats in the United States are insectivores. Human activity will attract insects.”

Our other expert, Jamie Nichols, says that another reason why bats love the attic so much is because it provides the right type of shelter they look for. “They tend to stay in these areas because they are safe and out of the elements. Homes that leave their outside lights on at night can be attracting the bats. This is based on lights attracting bugs, and in turn these bugs are sometimes the food sources for the bats,” he says.

Signs You May Have Bats In The Attic

Sometimes you may not know you have bats in the attic until you start to see or hear strange things in your house. One of the top signs that bats are making themselves at home in your attic is the sound they make.

“One of the first signs of a bat problem is soft fluttering or scratching noises in the walls or ceiling, usually around dusk or dawn,” says Nichols. “Staining around entry points is also common, as bats tend to leave behind greasy smudges where they squeeze in and out.”

Other than the sounds, Nichols says another top indicator is the droppings they leave behind. He says, “The telltale sign of a bat infestation is the guano: bat droppings. Guano looks a lot like mouse droppings, but it’s often a bit larger and has a shiny appearance. It also tends to build up into big piles. And if you start picking up a strong, ammonia-like smell near your attic or chimney, that’s another hint that bats have settled in.”

How To Get Rid Of Bats In The Attic

To be transparent, it’s best to let a professional exterminator take care of the bat removal for several reasons. The first is that they have the proper equipment and know how to safely handle the situation (since bats do pose the risk of rabies and fungi with their droppings). The second, and most important, is to follow legalities. Bats are legally protected in most states, which means they have to be removed humanely and safely. So in order to make sure you don’t do anything illegal, we recommend calling an exterminator to do the job.

4 Ways To Keep Bats From Coming Back

After having an exterminator come out to your house and remove the bats, there are a few ways you can lower the risk of seeing another invasion. Here’s how to keep bats from coming back to your attic:

• Seal or caulk entry points bats were originally getting into.
• Place vent covers or protective barriers along your chimney or vents to keep them out.
• Annually inspect your roof for broken shingles.
• Take care of insect invasions promptly.

When To Call A Professional

Since bat removal can be a tricky process, you should call a professional the second you suspect a colony has moved in upstairs. According to Carlson, the longer bats stay in the attic, the bigger the chance of respiratory infections grows.

“Guano can damage insulation and contaminate the attic space. The droppings can cultivate the growth of a fungus,” he says. “When guano is disturbed, fungal spores can become airborne, leading to a serious respiratory infection.”

Read the original article on Southern Living