Bats play an important role in controlling pests, but they can cause significant issues when they take up residence in your attic. Besides the noise and potential damage, bats can carry diseases like rabies and histoplasmosis. Over time, accumulated bat guano becomes a serious health risk in homes and buildings.
If you're a homeowner or business owner concerned about keeping bats out of your attic, this guide will provide you with practical steps and expert advice to bat-proof your property. For bat prevention solutions tailored specifically to your property, call Varment Guard today.
7 Bat Prevention Tips
1. Seal Entry Points
The first and most effective way to keep bats out of your attic is to seal up any potential entry points. Bats can squeeze through small gaps just a half-inch across. Here’s how you can find and seal entry points:
- Inspect the roof and eaves for any cracks, gaps, or openings.
- Check around vents, chimneys, and utility lines. Bats can slip in around poorly sealed areas.
- Install hardware cloth or sealant to block openings larger than 1/4 inch.
- Use caulk or expandable foam for larger cracks. Make sure it's weather-resistant for longevity.
2. Trim Overhanging Tree Branches
Bats often use trees or structures near your home as launching points to enter your attic.
- Trim any tree branches that overhang or are close to your roofline. This removes easy access for bats to drop onto your roof and look for entry points.
- Schedule regular tree maintenance to keep trees away from your roof.
3. Inspect Roof and Replace Missing Shingles
Your roof is a critical line of defense against bats entering your attic. Damaged or missing shingles can create gaps where bats can slip through.
- Inspect your roof regularly for damaged shingles. High winds, storms, and natural wear and tear can cause shingles to loosen or fall off.
- Replace missing or damaged shingles immediately. Bats are adept at finding even the smallest gaps.
- Check your roof's soffits and fascia for any weaknesses, as these areas can also allow bats to get inside.
-
Check for gaps where shingles meet structures like vents or chimneys. Ensure that these areas are well-sealed to avoid bat entry.
4. Cover Vents and Chimneys
Chimneys and vents are a common entry point for bats, especially without the proper covering.
- Install a high-quality chimney cap that covers the entire opening of the chimney. Ensure the cap has mesh sides to allow airflow but block bats and other creatures.
- Inspect your existing chimney cap. If you already have one, check for damage, corrosion, or gaps that could allow bats to enter.
-
Cover vents around your roof and attic with steel mesh so bats cannot use these entry points or become trapped in them.
5. Replace Outdoor Light Bulbs with Bat-Deterrent Lighting
Outdoor lighting can either attract or deter bats, depending on the type of bulbs you use. Since bats are nocturnal, certain lights can help keep them away from your home.
- Use yellow or warm LED bulbs. Bats are less attracted to warmer light, as it doesn’t interfere with their echolocation the way cooler or bright white light does.
- Install motion-activated lights. Continuous lighting can make your home more attractive to insects, which in turn attracts bats. Motion-sensor lights only activate when needed, reducing this problem.
- Place outdoor lights away from entry points. Ensure that any lights near attics, chimneys, or vents are positioned to illuminate the area without directly attracting bats.
- Avoid UV or blue spectrum lighting. These types of lights can attract insects, leading to more bats hunting near your home.
6. Keep Attics Well-Lit and Well-Ventilated
Bats prefer dark, quiet places, so making your attic less inviting can be a simple yet effective deterrent.
- Install bright lights inside your attic to discourage bats from roosting. They’re nocturnal and dislike illuminated spaces.
- Ensure proper ventilation. Stale, warm air makes for an ideal bat habitat. Improving airflow in your attic may make it less appealing to bats looking for a roost.
7. Professional Bat Exclusion Services
While DIY methods can be effective, hiring a professional wildlife removal company ensures the job is done thoroughly and humanely.
- Professionals will inspect your home, identify all possible entry points, and install exclusion devices if necessary.
- Adherence to local laws and regulations to ensure that bats are removed humanely, especially since many species of bats are protected.
How to Get Rid of Bats in Your Attic
Preventing bats from entering your attic takes a proactive approach. Getting bats out of your attic requires the skills of a bat removal expert. If you're dealing with an existing bat problem or want professional guidance bat-proofing your home, Varment Guard is here to help. Our expert wildlife control team specializes in humane bat control and bat removal for homes and properties of all types. Schedule your appointment today.
