Bats are nocturnal animals and often go unnoticed, but if they’ve made their way into your home, there are several signs that can help you identify them. If you suspect that bats are a threat and have taken residence in your house in Marietta, Georgia, here is what to look for:
1. Scratching Noises in the Attic or Walls
- Scratching, squeaking sounds at night are common signs that bats are in your attic or in the wall voids. These noises are at peak activity in the early evening or just before dawn when bats are active and leave the roost.
- Chirping or high-pitched squeaks might also be heard, especially if there are baby bats (pups) in the colony. They make a high pitched rasping noise that is very distinctive.
2. Bat Droppings (Guano)
- Bat droppings are another telltale sign. Bat droppings (known as guano) are 1/2 inch small, dark, and glittery and found in piles beneath areas where bats are roosting. Common places and locations for feces is under gable vents, chimneys, siding, vents and entry points.
- Guano are a health hazard, as it can contains fungal spores that cause a fatal lung disease called histoplasmosis. This disease can lay dormant and manifest its later on in life.
3. Grease Stains
- Bats often leave behind grease stains or sebum marks on walls, siding, or entry points where they have been landing and roosting. This happens because the natural oils, urine and droppings from their fur smear on surfaces they rub against.
- You may notice dark streaks near gable vents, soffits, or chimneys where bats have been flying entering and exiting.
4. Visible Bat Sightings
- If you see bats flying around outside your house, especially at sunset or dawn, this is a clear sign that there is a colony nearby.
- Bats are not typically active during the day, so seeing them at twilight is a sign they are using your home as a roost.
5. Foul Odor
- A strong musty or ammonia-like odor will be present if there is a colony of bats in your attic or walls. The smell is often a result of crystallized bat urine and droppings building up over time.
- This odor can become increasingly potent if bats have been in the house for an extended period and should remediated because of the health risks.
6. Damaged Insulation or Structure
- Bats will often will soil insulation, wood, and walls in their attempt to create a suitable roosting space. If you notice damage to the insulation or attic in your this could indicate bat activity.
7. Entry Points
- Bats can enter your home through very small gaps, from as small as 3-/8 inch to 1/2 inch! Look for potential entry points around the rooflines, soffits, vents, chimneys, or brick gaps.
- If you notice these tiny openings, bats may be using them to access your attic, walls or other void spaces.
8. Bat Maternity Season (Spring to Early Summer)
- During maternity season, usually between May and August, bats will give birth to their young in safe places like your home. Spring and summer is when you’re most likely to notice increased activity. Bats live in excess of 15 years in the wild and will return to the same place to roost each year.
- Baby bats are often heard as squeaking or chirping sounds, and their presence can attract other bats to the roost as the colony grows.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly. Bats can cause serious damage to your property and pose health risks due to their droppings. Here’s what you should do:
- Contact a Professional Wildlife Exclusion Expert: Bat removal and exclusion require specialized knowledge and equipment. It’s important to work with a pest control professional who can safely remove bats and seal entry points to protect your home from future infestations .
- Do Not Handle Bats Problems Yourself: Bats can carry diseases such as rabies, and handling them can be dangerous. Federal and local guidelines should be followed. Call a licensed wildlife control to deal with bat removal and relocation.
- Seal Entry Points: Once the bats are removed, ensure that all entry points are sealed to prevent future access. This may include repairing holes in the roof, installing screens on vents, or installing bat-one way doors or valves.
- Clean Up Bat Guano Safely: If you find bat droppings, it’s important to have a trained professional clean them up carefully to avoid inhaling spores. Use protective gloves, a respirator, and eye protection. Soak down and disinfect the area to avoid health risks from airborne particles.
At Smart Solutions Wildlife Removal, we specialize in humane bat removal, wildlife control and exclusion services. If you suspect that bats are in your home, don’t wait for the problem to escalate. Our expert wildlife technicians will conduct a thorough inspection, identify the species of bats and safely remove any bats.
We implement long-term exclusion solutions to properly seal your home from future infestations. We follow guidelines put in place by Bat Conservation International and state laws.
Contact us today for a free consultation and ensure your home remains bat-free!
