If you suspect bats might have found their way into your attic, you’re not alone. Bats often seek out attics for shelter, especially during the cooler months when they need a warm, safe place to roost. While these creatures play an important role in controlling insect populations, having them in your home can lead to serious health risks and property damage.
Signs You May Have Bats in Your Attic
Bats are nocturnal and often quiet, which can make it challenging to detect them. However, there are several key indicators that bats may be roosting in your attic:
Scratching or Fluttering Sounds
Bats are generally quiet, but at night, you may hear soft scratching or fluttering as they move around. This sound can be subtle and easy to dismiss, but if you hear it regularly in the evening, it’s worth investigating.
Sighting Bats Around Your Property
If you’ve noticed bats flying near your home at dusk, it may be a sign that they’re roosting nearby. Keep an eye out, especially during the warmer months, as bats are most active when insect populations are high.
Bat Droppings (Guano)
One of the most telling signs of a bat infestation is the presence of bat droppings, or guano. Guano looks like small, dark pellets and tends to accumulate near entry points, such as windows or vents, where bats come and go. Not only does guano emit a strong odor, but it can also harbor fungal spores that cause histoplasmosis, a respiratory illness dangerous to humans.
Staining or Grease Marks on Walls and Ceilings
Bats have oily fur that can leave dark, greasy stains on surfaces they frequently pass through. If you see unexplained dark streaks or stains around entry points, it may be a sign of bats squeezing through small openings.
Strong Ammonia Smell
A strong, musty odor can indicate the presence of guano and urine buildup. If your attic has an unusual, ammonia-like smell that doesn’t go away, it’s a sign that bats may be roosting and leaving waste behind.
What Do I Do if I Have Bats in My Attic?
Once you’ve identified a potential bat presence in your attic, it’s essential to handle the situation carefully. Bats are protected species in many areas, and removing them without professional help can be dangerous for both you and the bats. Here’s what you should do:
Avoid Direct Contact
Bats can carry diseases like rabies and are best left undisturbed. Do not attempt to handle or touch them, especially if you notice a bat behaving unusually, as this could be a sign of illness. Keep children and pets away from the area, as even indirect contact with bat droppings can be harmful.
Inspect and Identify Entry Points
Bats often enter through small openings, such as vents, gaps in roofing, or cracks near windows. Try to locate the potential entry points to help the professionals identify where the bats are coming in. However, avoid sealing these entry points until the bats are safely removed, as trapping them inside can lead to more problems.
Contact a Professional Bat Removal Service
Attempting to remove bats on your own can be risky and may not solve the problem long-term. Professional wildlife removal experts like Dog-Gone Wildlife are trained to safely and humanely remove bats, ensuring they are relocated without harm. Our team uses specialized techniques to gently evict bats and prevent them from returning.
Bat-Proof Your Attic
Once the bats are removed, it’s essential to secure your attic to prevent future infestations. Our team will inspect your home and recommend sealing any potential entry points, reinforcing screens, and ensuring your attic remains off-limits to bats.
Clean Up Safely
Bat droppings can pose serious health risks, and cleaning up without proper protection can be dangerous. Dog-Gone Wildlife can help ensure that all contaminated materials are safely removed and that your attic is restored to a clean, safe environment.
Why Choose Dog Gone Wildlife for Bat Removal
At Dog Gone Wildlife, we understand the importance of safe, humane bat removal. Our team is available 24/7 to assist you, whether you’re hearing strange noises in the attic or noticing signs of a bat presence. With years of experience in humane wildlife removal, we serve homeowners throughout the Columbus, Ohio area, including Powell, Westerville, Upper Arlington, and more. We’re committed to keeping your home and family safe while ensuring bats are treated with care and respect.
If you think you have bats in your attic, don’t wait. Contact Dog Gone Wildlife today for a professional inspection and removal plan that gives you peace of mind and a bat-free home.