1. Seal All Entry Points And Potential Entry Points- Inspect your home for gaps or holes, especially 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. These should be left in place for several days to ensure all bats have relocated.
3. Use Screens- Install screens on gable vents and other vents to block access.
4. Maintain Your Home- Regularly inspect and repair any wear and tear that could create new entry points.
Possible Dangers of Bats
-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.
-Histoplasmosis – This respiratory disease is caused by inhaling fungal spores found in bat droppings (guano). Avoid disturbing bat droppings and have them professionally cleaned.
– Parasitic Infestation – Bats can carry ectoparasites like ticks, mites, bat bugs and fleas, which can then feed on humans and pets.
Hiring a Professional for Bat Removal
1. Inspection – A licensed professional should perform a thorough inspection to identify entry points and determine the extent of the infestation. This entails getting in the attic and on the roof and taking pictures.
2. Humane Exclusion – Professionals use exclusion devices and methods to ensure bats are removed without 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 Of Home to Exlcude
– 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, a caulking or chimney caps, chimneys can be an easy access point.
– Vents – Roof and wall vents should be secured with screens or guards.
Are Bats Protected ?
Yes, bats are federally protected in many parts of the United States. Several bat species are protected under federal laws, including 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, such as the Indiana bat, the gray bat, and the northern long-eared bat, are listed as endangered or threatened under the ESA.
– Prohibited Activities – The ESA prohibits the “take” of endangered and threatened species, which includes harming, harassing, or killing these bats, as well as disturbing their habitat.
– Permits – Any activities that might affect these bats or their habitat typically require permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). It is best to allow a licensed and trained pest control or wildlife removal company to determine the correct process to remove bats.
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.
- It is best to hire a licensed professional to perform a bat cleanup, sanitation and remediation.
Seasonal Restrictions
– Maternity Season – During the maternity season (typically late spring to late summer), many bat species are raising their young, and exclusion or disturbance is often prohibited to avoid separating mothers from their pups. State and federal guidelines usually dictate specific periods when exclusion efforts can be performed. Performing exclusion while there is flightless young present should be avoided.
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 n 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 – Given these protections, it is advisable to hire a professional wildlife removal company that is knowledgeable about federal and state regulations to ensure compliance during bat removal. Smart Solution Widlife Removal is both certfieed trained through NWCOA and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. https://www.smartsolutionspestcontrol.com/wildlife-removal/bats/
– Humane Exclusion – Professionals use humane exclusion methods, such as one-way doors, that allow bats to leave structures but prevent re-entry, ensuring that no bats are harmed during the process.
In summary, bats are protected under various federal laws, and handling or removing them requires adherence to these regulations to avoid legal consequences and ensure the conservation of bat populations.