What Is a Bat?
Bats belong to the Chiroptera order of mammals. They are the only mammals capable of genuine, sustained flight because their forelimbs have evolved as wings. Apart from polar regions and some deserts, you can find bats pretty much anywhere in the world.
There are 1,400 species of bats, 17 of which are common in our area. Bats are nocturnal, resting during the day and coming out at night to feed. They are associated with Halloween since people are often creeped out by them.
Several species of bats are insectivores, which means they feast primarily on insects. While they may live in caves and trees, some choose your home as their primary residence.
Why Would Bats Choose My Home
“The problem with caves and trees is that they can get damp and cold. Bats solve this hassle by taking up abode in your abode. It’s warm, dry, and quite comfortable for them. They only need about a half-inch opening. Brown bats, the most common type found in attics, prefer to hunker down year-round, so once they’re in, they’re in to stay.”
Bats choose your home because it is more comfortable than living in a cave. Can you blame them?
Not only are they attracted to your home because it’s cozy, they are likely drawn there by something you may have in abundance. If your property seems to attract mosquitos or moths, you might as well be calling them to dinner.
How Do I Know If I Have Bats in the Attic?
There are several signs you have bats in your attic, including:
- The smell of bat guano, which will have an ammonia-like odor
- Droppings in your attic or on insulation
- Urine stains on your ceiling or on items stored in your attic
- Audible scratching or squeaking sounds
- You see bats flying around your roof and attic vents
What Can I Do About Bats?
This is a very important question. Many states, including North Carolina and Virginia, have pretty strict rules about what can be done about bats in homes.
Bats can be evicted without using trapping techniques. In fact, trapping can be incredibly harmful for bats and is likely prohibited in your area.
“Because young bats are unable to fly for several weeks after birth and can be trapped inside during an eviction, usually to starve, there is a moratorium in North Carolina on bat evictions during the pup-rearing season from May 1 through July 31.” - North Carolina Wildlife Commission
Before you attempt your own extraction, you must make sure you follow all guidelines and regulations. Anything that could injure pups (baby bats) is prohibited.
Bat boxes, sealing exits, and physically catching them are all against local regulations. What you can do, however, is try to eliminate the things that enticed them to your property in the first place.
You can start with having a professional extermination company eradicate mosquitoes and other food sources from your yard and home. Moth balls in the attic will at least temporarily deter them from hanging out, but they will return if you don’t make some key changes.
When the bats are gone, you can seal your attic more thoroughly to prevent their return. Make sure you check with wildlife professionals before you act to ensure you are within your rights.
Rid-A-Bug Wildlife Removal Services
If you have a bat problem, the best step to take is to call the pros. Rid-A-Bug can help you safely and humanely relocate wildlife. We know exactly what can and should be done about bats. Furthermore, we can help you eliminate what attracts them to your home.
Exterminating mosquitoes and other pests will make your property much less appealing to a variety of critters.
Contact Rid-A-Bug for fast and effective wildlife removal and pest extermination services in the Carolinals and Virginia.