Bats have quite a reputation for being persistent, tricky pests. While bats play an important role in the ecosystem, mainly by controlling insect populations, you don’t want them roosting in your attic. They can transmit diseases and carry parasites, which pose significant health risks to humans and pets. It’s much easier to prevent a bat infestation than to remove one, especially since bats are a protected species that can only be legally removed from a premises during certain seasons. In light of that fact, we’re here with five tips for keeping these flying invaders away from your home.
Secure Your Roofline
The roofline is one of the most common entry points for bats, making it an important place to inspect. Check for loose or missing shingles and gaps where the roofline meets exterior walls. Even small openings less than an inch around are enough for bats to squeeze through. Repair damage and close off openings around the roofline to avoid giving bats any access points to your attic.
Cover Your Chimney
Bats can also find their way inside your home by coming in through the chimney. The first step is to make sure the flue is closed when the fireplace is not in use. This can prevent unwelcome visitors from flying into your living room, but it doesn’t prevent them from establishing a roost inside the chimney. For that, installing a chimney cap, which is a protective metal covering that sits on top of the chimney, usually does the trick. Just make sure to get one with a fine mesh screen, as one with openings that are larger than a half-inch could allow bats to squeeze through.
Seal Other Entry Points
Aside from the chimney and roofline, which are the most common culprits, bats can find their way in through any small opening in your home’s exterior. This includes gaps around pipes and wiring, cracks in siding, and vents or the openings around them. Conduct a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior, and seal any gaps you find using caulk, weatherstripping or wire mesh.
Close Doors and Windows
It might sound simple, but keeping doors and windows closed is another easy way to keep bats out. During the warmer months, bats are most active at dusk and dawn, so be mindful during those times. Make sure your windows and doors are properly screened. That way, bats can’t fly in if you decide to open them up and let in some fresh air. Also make sure that screens are in good shape and free of rips or tears.
Remember to Be Humane
Keeping bats away is more about exclusion than it is about other traditional pest prevention methods. The most important thing to do when protecting your home from bats is to be humane. Bats are a protected species, which means there are laws in place that dictate when and how you can remove an infestation. Never attempt to catch or remove bats on your own. And when sealing entry points, make sure no bats are already inside so you don’t accidentally trap them. If you do find bats in your home, wait until they fly out on their own or call a professional bat removal team for help.
If you’ve found bats in your home or you simply want to prevent them from establishing a roost, call the Omaha bat removal experts at Pro-Staff for help! We have the knowledge and tools to safely and legally remove them while using humane exclusion techniques to keep them from coming back. Contact us today for bat removal and exclusion services.
