If you’re dealing with bats in your attic, you’re likely searching for solutions to safely and effectively remove them. Bats are beneficial for the earth, but when they get into your home, they can be an issue. Fortunately, there are practical ways how to get rid of bats in your attic spaces.
Why do bats like your attic?
Before jumping into how to remove bats from your attic, let’s understand why they’re there:
- Attics are warm and cozy
- They’re safe from animals that might eat bats
- Attics are perfect for bats to sleep and raise their babies
While bats help eat bugs and pollinate plants, having them in your attic can cause problems:
- Bat poop can damage your house and smell bad
- Bats might carry diseases
- They can be noisy, especially at night
- Bats might harm your attic insulation
Bats cause about 70% of rabies deaths in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While most bats aren’t rabid, it’s important to be cautious. Contact with wildlife, including bats and raccoons, can spread rabies to humans.
How to get rid of bats in attic?
Here are 15 effective strategies to help you remove bats safely and efficiently:
1. Identify the Entry Points
First, figuring out how bats get into your attic is crucial. Bats can enter through surprisingly small gaps or cracks. Thoroughly check your attic and look for any holes on the outside of your house. This is the first thing you need to do to learn how to get bats out of attics.
2. Seal the Entry Points
Once you know where the bats are getting in, you need to close up those holes. To stop them from getting in, you can use steel wool, glue, or expanding foam. Make sure you do this after the bats have left for the night to avoid trapping them inside.
3. Install Bat Exclusion Devices
A highly effective method for bat removal is to use bat exclusion devices. These devices allow bats out of the attic but stop them from returning. Install these over the entry points you’ve identified to guide bats out of your attic.
4. Use Bat Repellents
Bat repellents can be helpful when trying to remove bats from attic spaces. Ultrasonic devices, which emit high-frequency sounds, can deter bats without disturbing humans or pets. Natural repellents such as peppermint oil or ammonia can also be utilized to reduce bat activity in your attic.
5. Remove Food Sources
Bats are attracted to places where food is available. Make sure your attic and nearby areas are food-free. Keep pet food and bird feeders away from the house, and make sure garbage cans are properly sealed.
6. Maintain a Clean Attic
A clean attic is less inviting to bats. Cleaning your attic regularly will remove any potential nesting materials or debris. Bats prefer dark, undisturbed places, so maintaining cleanliness can help make your attic less attractive to them.
7. Use Bright Lights
Since bats prefer dark environments, introducing bright lights into your attic can make it less appealing to them. Install bright LED lights as your bat removal in your attic.
8. Introduce a Bat House
Providing an alternative home for the bats can help encourage them to move out of your attic. Install a bat house distant from your house to provide them with a suitable spot to roost. This can help in bat removal by giving them another option.
9. Employ Professional Pest Control
If you’re struggling with how to remove bats from attic areas, professional pest control might be necessary. Experts have the necessary skills and instruments to perform bat removal and provide guidance on preventing future infestations.
10. Use Noise Deterrents
Noise deterrents can also help in getting rid of bats in attic spaces. Devices that emit noise frequencies uncomfortable for bats can encourage them to leave. Look for such devices at hardware stores or online.
11. Ensure Proper Ventilation
Good ventilation can make your attic less welcoming to bats. To get bats out of your attic, improve ventilation to reduce humidity and heat, which can make your attic a less inviting environment for bats.
12. Regularly Inspect Your Home
Regular inspections can help detect bat entry points early. Regularly inspect your roof, vents, and exterior walls for signs of damage or potential access sites. This preventive approach is critical in preventing a minor issue from becoming a major infestation.
13. Use Chemical Repellents
In addition to natural repellents, chemical repellents can offer a stronger deterrent. These repellents, which come in sprays and granules, should be used following the manufacturer’s instructions. Be careful to use them in areas safe for pets and children.
14. Install Mesh Screens
To keep bats out of your attic, install mesh screens over vents and chimneys. Make sure the mesh is thin enough to block bats while still allowing for adequate air. Regularly check for any damage or holes in the screens.
15. Monitor and Reassess
After taking these steps, monitor your attic to ensure that the bats have been effectively removed. If you continue to see signs of bat activity, reassess your methods and make necessary adjustments. Sometimes a combination of approaches is required to fully resolve the issue.
Find Quick Solutions for Removing Bats from Your Attic
If bats are in your attic, it’s important to deal with them quickly to prevent damage, noise, and health risks. By following the 15 strategies provided—like sealing entry points, using repellents, and keeping your attic clean—you can effectively remove bats. If the problem continues, consider calling a professional for help. These actions will help make your home bat-free and safe.