How to Get Rid of Bats

Finding bats in your house can be a little scary. They eat bugs, which is good. But they can also be a problem if they move into your attic or walls. Want to know how to get rid of bats? It's important for a safe home.

Why Get Rid of Bats?

Why bother with bat control? Well...

• Bats can carry diseases.
• Their poop, called guano, can mess up your house.
• They can be noisy.
• Some people are allergic to them.

So, yeah, getting rid of them is a good idea.

Bat Behavior 101

To get rid of bats, you gotta know how they act. Bats like dark, quiet places. They can squeeze through tiny holes – even as small as half an inch!

Where do they get in?

• Cracks in the walls
• Gaps around doors and windows
• Open vents
• Holes in the roof

Remember, it's often against the law to hurt bats. So, we want to get them out humanely.

Call the Pros?

Sometimes, it's best to call a professional. They know what they're doing.

What They Do

First, they look around your house. They find where the bats are getting in.

Bat Exclusion

Then, they seal up all the holes. But they leave one or two open so the bats can get out. They put special things over those holes. The bats can leave, but they can't come back in!

Guano Cleanup

Next, they clean up all the bat poop. This is important because it can make you sick.

Seal it Up!

Finally, they seal up everything so the bats can't get back in.

DIY Bat Control?

Want to try getting rid of bats yourself? You can! But it might not work as well if you have lots of bats. These tips can help keep bats away.

Bright Lights

Bats don't like bright lights. Shine lights where they hang out.

Noises

Some sounds bother bats. You can buy machines that make these sounds.

Smells

Some smells bats hate. Like...

• Peppermint oil: Spray it around.
• Eucalyptus oil: Same as peppermint oil.
• Mothballs: Be careful! They can be dangerous for you and your pets.

Seal Those Holes!

The best way to keep bats out is to seal up all the holes.

• Use caulk or foam to fill cracks.
• Put screens over vents.
• Fix your roof.

DIY: Step-by-Step

Okay, feeling brave? Here's how to get bats out yourself.

Step 1: Watch Them

See where the bats are going in and out.

Step 2: Get a One-Way Door

Buy something that lets bats out but not back in. Think of it as a batty revolving door!

Step 3: Install It

Put the one-way door over the hole they're using.

Step 4: Watch Again

Make sure they're leaving and not coming back.

Step 5: Seal Everything Else

Once they're all gone, seal up all the other holes.

Important!

• Don't do this when baby bats are around. You don't want to trap them inside.
• Wear gloves and a mask. Bat poop is gross and can make you sick.
• Check your local laws. Some places have rules about getting rid of bats.

Keep 'Em Away!

Okay, the bats are gone. Now what? Here's how to keep them away forever.

• Look for new holes often. Seal them up!
• Fix your house. Keep it in good shape.
• Cut back trees near your house. Bats like to hide in them.
• Keep your yard clean. Less bugs mean less food for the bats!

Bat-Proofing

Really want to keep bats out? Try these bat-proofing tricks:

• Put a cap on your chimney.
• Cover your vents with screens.
• Seal cracks in the walls.
• Put door sweeps on your doors.
• Use lights that turn on when something moves.

The Law

Remember, it's often illegal to hurt bats. Know the rules in your area before you do anything.

Be Nice!

We want to get rid of bats humanely. They're important for the environment.

When to Call for Help

Not sure what to do? Call a professional if:

• You have lots of bats.
• You can't reach the holes.
• You're worried about getting sick.
• You're just not sure what to do.

The End!

So, that's how to get rid of bats! Be smart, be safe, and be nice to the bats (even if they're in your attic!). Good luck!