Roundup: Nuisance Bat Management Online Publications
Triangle Wildlife Removal & Pest Control, Inc.
1913 Lost Cove Ln
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 661-0722
Triangle Wildlife Removal & Pest Control, Inc.
Bat Prevention
Bats are protected by law in most states, so it is important to check with animal control or wildlife services for any regulations before bat-proofing the home. The best time to bat-proof is the start of autumn, when bats leave for hibernation. At dusk, homeowners should inspect the exterior of the home and observe where bats enter and exit. Common access points include attic louvers and under facia boards. It is recommended that homeowners seal any cracks or crevices with caulk and steel wool. Pay special attention to holes in the structure that lead to dark secluded areas, like attics and belfries. Also, screen attic vents and openings to chimneys, and install door sweeps. Exclusion is the only method to keep bats out long term. Homeowners should contact Triangle Wildlife Removal & Pest Control, Inc. if an active bat infestation is suspected, as the problem often can not be controlled with do-it-yourself measures. Source
A person will suffer lung scarring and lasting damage as well as damage to internal organs and blood vessels. After you have been completely grossed out by the fact that a bat has made its way into your home, you are probably thinking to yourself that you have to get that thing out of your house right now! Any attempt to trap or kill the bats will only result in a failed job and frustration, (not to mention it’s illegal to attempt), so never attempt anything but a proper live exclusion during the non-maternity season. Bats are nocturnal and enjoy roosting in very warm areas. Bats are very important for the environment because they eat a lot of insects. Raleigh NC bat removal services.
Bat-Proofing
Bat-proofing a building involves sealing the bats’ entrance holes and then providing the maternity colony with an alternate roost, or bat box. Bat-proofing a building is usually a simple procedure that does not require the skills of a professional or any expensive materials. To bat-proof your home: (1) stage a “bat watch” to identify bat entrances, (2) seal the holes to prevent their entry, (3) provide an alternative roost, or bat box, for the colony to occupy.
Identifying Entrances
The first step in bat-proofing is to locate the holes that bats use to enter and exit the attic. Bats commonly enter at points where joined materials have warped, shrunk, or pulled away from one another. Some common points of access occur at louvered vents with loose screening, at the roof peak, and in areas where flashing has pulled away from the roof or siding. Original Source
If a bat would accidentally land on you, your reaction would most likely be to brush it off. If you want to attract bats to your property and offer them shelter, then by all means do so. In addition, an adult may not consider the small animal a danger and attempt to remove it by hand. It can accumulate in huge amounts, contaminating an attic and potentially causing lung disease for the people in the house. METHOD OF CONTROL: Mothballs or ammonia won’t make them leave, nor will ultrasonic sound emitters or strobe lights. Both Little Browns and Big Browns often emit a chattering sound as they get ready to exit their roosting areas at sunset to begin feeding. Cover your skin with heavy clothing, wear protective goggles, and make sure that you wear a surgical mask over your nose and mouth. First make sure to keep safety in mind. From there, they crawl to their roosting spots. I also compare it to the squeaking sound made by quickly rubbing pieces of styrofoam together.
NUISANCE BATS: CURRENT TECHNOLOGY IN THEIR MANAGEMENT AND
CONTROLManaging nuisance bat colonies can be accomplished via exclusion (bat-proofing) or in limited cases via the use of repellents. Exclusion is emphasized as the first and most desirable approach providing it is also practical. New products and devices have recently become available which may significantly aid in making exclusion programs more possible and practical. Repellents such as lights, fiberglass batting and various improvised mechanical devices may all have some utilization. Controlling nuisance bats can be accomplished via the use of toxicants and trapping, although there is considerable opposition from many bat researchers towards the use of toxicants.
Toxicants that have been used against bats include DDT and Chlorophacinone (Rozol®). Efficacy studies conducted on Rozol tracking powder against nuisance big brown bats have demonstrated mean population reductions of 40% within three days, 88% reduction within two weeks and 98% reductions were obtained within one month following application. It is recommended that toxicants be considered for use only when all attempts at exclusion or repelling the bats have been tried and exhausted. It is contended that professionally supervised and administered toxicant programs are preferable to the various haphazard (and sometimes dangerous) “home remedy” approaches undertaken by a frustrated and a non educated public. These practices often exacerbate the problem of bat-people contacts as well as subject the bats to excessive inhumane treatments. Information Source
A bite from a bat can be so small that a child might not realize it’s what happened. Also, urine. As said before, guano can carry histoplasmosis spores which are very dangerous to your health when breathed in. Bats carry a large number of diseases and parasites that can be quite dangerous to you. Check the local bat species to determine when it is safe to exclude the colony.
For this reason an attic, garage or barn can be an ideal space for them. How Can You Tell Bats Are In Your Attic? I wear a biohazard suit and rubber gloves, but most importantly, a HEPA air filter mask. If given the opportunity they will quickly sneak into your home and set up shop there. In addition to the above reasons one of the biggest reasons to not use poison is the fact it is inhumane.