When you are dealing with bats in your attic, the feelings thats come to mind are all but good. Georgia has a good number of bats infesting houses and businesses. Solving these problems can be stressful, tricky and dangerous.
Smart Solutions Wildlife Removal has serviced the Atlanta area for 18 years. We offer bat removal, bat control, attic cleaning services and bat exclusion. We hope this article will create some simple action steps for you to take to help solve your bat problems.
1. Seal All Entry Points and Possible Entry Points – Check your home for gaps or holes. Look closely around the roofline, vents, chimneys, siding, trim, and windows. Use caulk, screen or metal to seal these openings. Hire a professional and licensed pest and wildlife removal company to safely remove bats from your home or business.
2. Install Bat Exclusion Devices- One-way exclusion cone devices allow bats to exit but prevent re-entry. You should leave these in place for several days to ensure all bats have relocated.
3. Use Screens- Install screens on gable vents and other ventilation to prevent access.
4. Maintain Your Home- Regularly inspect and repair any wear and tear that could create new entry points.
Possible Dangers of Bats When They Invade Your Home
-Rabies – Bats are a carrier of a fatal blood borne disease called rabies. A bite or scratch from an infected bat can transmit the virus to humans.
These scratches can be very small, hard to see and almost microscopic. A licensed professional should be called to contain the bat and send it off to be tested. Especially, if you do not know how long its been flying around in your home and if it made contact with you when you were sleeping! Your local health department will offer guidelines on rabies protocol.
-Histoplasmosis – This lung disease is caused by inhaling fungal spores found in bat droppings or guano. Avoid disturbing bat droppings and have them professionally cleaned. Utilizing HEPA air cleaning equipment is necessary for contaminated insulation replacement.
Bats can carry parasites like ticks, mites, bat bugs, and fleas. These parasites can feed on humans and pets. Doing an ectoparasite pest control treatment after they have been removed is needed to kill the fleas, ticks, mites and bat bugs.
Hiring a Professional for Bat Removal Services
1. Inspection – A licensed expert should do a complete inspection. This will help find entry points and assess the infestation level. This involves getting in the attic and on the roof and taking pictures.
Humane Exclusion – Professionals use exclusion devices called bat valves and methods to remove bats without causing harm.
3. Prevention – They will seal entry points to prevent future infestations.
4. Cleanup – Wildlife removal companies can handle the safe removal and sanitation of bat droppings and any contaminated materials.
Areas To Concentrate On For Bat Exclusions
Attics – Bats often roost in attics due to the temperature and seclusion.
Eaves and Soffits – Small gaps in siding and wood trim can serve as entry points.
Chimneys – Without proper screening, caulking or chimney caps, chimneys can be an easy access point.
Secure roof and wall vents with screens or guards.
Proper Cleanup of Bat Droppings
1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Use gloves, masks, and protective clothing to avoid direct contact and inhalation of spores .
2. Ventilation – Ensure good ventilation during cleanup and utilize HEPA scrubbers.
3. Wet the Area – Dampen droppings with a treatment to reduce dust before removal.
4. Disinfect – Use an approved disinfectant to clean the area after droppings are removed.
5. Dispose Safely – Place waste in sealed bags and dispose of according to local regulations.
- Hiring a licensed professional to perform a bat cleanup, sanitation, and remediation is best.
Are bats protected?
Yes, parts of the United States protect bats federally. Federal laws protect many bat species. This includes the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). Here are some key points regarding the federal protection of bats:
Endangered Species Act (ESA)
– **Protected Species**
Some bat species are in danger. This includes the Indiana bat, gray bat, and northern long-eared bat. The U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service lists these species as endangered or threatened bats.
Prohibited Activities – The Endangered Species Act does not allow the “take” of endangered and threatened species. This means you cannot harm, harass, or kill these bats. You also cannot disturb their habitat.
Permits – Any activities that might affect these bats or their habitat typically require permits. It is best to let a licensed pest control or wildlife removal company handle bat removal. They know the right process to use to keep the bat pups safe if they are present.
Seasonal Bat Restrictions
Maternity Season
Bat maternity season happens from late spring to late summer. During this time, many bat species are taking care of their young. It is often not allowed to disturb them. This helps prevent mothers from separating from their pups.
State and federal guidelines usually dictate specific periods when exclusion efforts can be performed. Avoid performing exclusion while flightless young are present.
State and Local Protections
Additional Regulations – Besides federal protections, many states have their own regulations protecting bat species, which can include additional species not covered by federal law. It’s essential to be aware of and comply with both state and federal regulations when dealing with bats. The National Wildlife Control Operators Association(NWCOA) offers training and certification for bat control.
Conservation Efforts
Habitat Conservation – Efforts are in place to conserve bat habitats, such as caves and roosting sites, which are critical for their survival.
Disease Management – Programs to combat diseases affecting bats, like white-nose syndrome(WNS) , are also part of conservation efforts.
Compliance and Best Practices
– Professional Removal – Because of these protections, it is best to hire a wildlife removal company. They should know the federal and state rules to follow during bat removal.
Smart Solution Wildlife Removal is both certified and trained through NWCOA and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. We offer a variety of local bat services and Atlanta wildlife services. We service Canton, Marietta, Acworth, Roswell, Cumming, Alpharetta, Buford and many other Georgia Locations.
Humane Exclusion – Experts use humane methods, like one-way doors. These doors let bats leave buildings but stop them from coming back. This way, no bats will get hurt.
In summary, bats are protected under various federal laws, and removing them requires following regulations to ensure the conservation of bat populations.
