Bats in the Attic? Here’s What to Do
Discovering bats flying from your roof can be an unsettling experience. While these nocturnal creatures play a vital role in our ecosystem, their presence in your home poses significant health risks and can lead to property damage. When you see bats exiting your roof, the most crucial step is to seek professional assistance.
The Importance of a Professional Bat Inspection
A targeted and effective solution to a bat infestation begins with a comprehensive inspection. Every bat problem is different, and a thorough assessment allows professionals to pinpoint entry points, identify roosting sites, and determine the most appropriate removal strategy. Without a detailed inspection, attempts at removal can be ineffective and potentially harmful to the bats.
During an inspection, trained technicians will meticulously examine your roofline, chimney, soffits, gable vents, and other potential access points. Bats are incredibly adaptable and can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps, often finding refuge in areas such as:
- Chimneys: Uncapped or damaged chimneys are common entry points.
- Soffit Gaps: Gaps where the soffit meets the roof or chimney.
- Gable Vents: Open or damaged gable vents provide direct access to the attic.
- Behind Shutters and Siding: Small crevices offer ideal roosting spots.
- Fascia Boards: Gaps behind or underneath fascia boards.
- Other Structural Gaps: Any opening larger than a dime can be an entry point.
Tailored Bat Removal Strategies
Once the inspection is complete, a customized removal plan can be developed. There are several humane and effective techniques for bat exclusion and removal, the best approach depends on the specific situation:
One-Way Doors: This is a common and highly effective method. One-way doors are installed over primary entry and exit points, allowing bats to fly out but preventing them from re-entering. After 7 to 14 days, once all bats have safely exited, the one-way doors are removed, and the entry points are permanently sealed.
Although in some situations we may leave it in when it’s beneficial.
Hand Removal and Other Techniques: In certain situations, particularly with smaller colonies or accessible roosts, technicians may use specialized tools and techniques for gentle hand removal or to encourage bats to vacate the premises.
Risks of Coexisting with Bats
Allowing bats to roost in your attic or walls can lead to serious consequences for your health and home:
- Disease Transmission: Bats are known carriers of diseases such as rabies. While direct contact is rare, the risk of exposure is present, especially if bats are found in living spaces.
- Histoplasmosis: Bat guano (feces) can harbor the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which, when inhaled, can cause histoplasmosis, a respiratory illness.
- Structural Damage from Guano and Urine: Over time, the accumulation of bat guano and urine can be significant. This not only creates a strong, unpleasant odor that permeates your home but also can cause structural damage to insulation, drywall, and wooden beams due to the corrosive nature of bat waste.
Comprehensive Cleanup and Restoration Services
Our Commitment: Warranty and Guarantee
We stand by the quality of our work. Attic Kings Animal Removal and Exclusion provides a warranty on all materials used in our exclusion process. Furthermore, we offer a guarantee that we will service and re-seal any areas where work was performed if another problem arises. Our 7 to 14-day bat eviction process is designed for effectiveness, and if bats return to the treated areas, so do we, at no additional cost to you.
Get Your Free Inspection Today!
Don’t let bats compromise the safety and integrity of your home. Our inspections are always free, and our technicians are licensed and fully trained to provide the most effective and humane solutions.
Ready to resolve your bat problem? Contact us today for a free inspection!
Phone Number: 404-723-1065