Of all the potential species of wildlife that commonly take shelter in residences, bats are amongst the hardest to detect and the most dangerous to cohabitate with. They are quiet, typically exist in large numbers and their guano is extremely toxic. All in all, you want to take any necessary measures to prevent them taking up residence in your attic, walls or garage.
If you do discover evidence that bats have already moved in. Call a humane wildlife removal expert immediately. This can be a potentially life-threatening situation if mistreated of left unattended.
Do you need wildlife removal services? Request a quote today!
Locate Vulnerable Areas
It’s hard to keep bats out if you don’t know where to look. Examine the home’s exterior to see if any areas are in need of repair. Whether it’s from cracks in the foundation or loose roof shingles, they’ll use these weak areas to slither inside the home. When you don’t have any, it becomes significantly more difficult to find a way in.
A helpful hint is to watch out for piles of bat guano on the ground. Bats will typically releive themselves ans they come and go. As they are creatures of habit and use the same entry and exit points, you will often find an accumulation in high traffic areas. An obvious sign of an existing bat colony in your home. Call a wildlife removal expert immediately.
Bats are small creatures that only need small openings to get inside. Examine vulnerable areas, everything from the roof line to windows and doors. You can even learn how to animal-proof roof vents. Strengthening and maintaining regular upkeep helps deter them from entering altogether.
Check out this video to see a typical bat entry in a residential home:
Screen Everything
For bigger areas where a sealant won’t cover the job, use nets and screens, double-checking that the wiring is tight enough so bats cannot slip through the mesh. Eliminate the chimney as an entrance with a chimney cap.
Poly netting is an option, particularly if you have a barrel-tiled roof. Steel mesh, wood, and sheet metal are a few viable options for larger, harder-to-cover areas. The best material to use will likely be based on your home’s structure. Once screens are installed, secure them with staples or screws.
Your goal is to cover any potentially vulnerable area. Bats do not need much space to wiggle through. A hole the size of a dime is sufficient. So this will be a time-consuming and tedious process.
Remeber, in Ontario bats are a protected species. Which means if you even suspect you have bats in your home, you can not perform any of these preventative measures. Trapping in bats or endangering their young is illegal and can lead to stiff fines and penalties.
The above measure is only to be performed if you are certain you do not have a bat colony living in your home. Contact a local wildlife expert. Many offer free assessments and this way you can ensure you are not endangering any animals.
Get to Know These Critters
Understanding bat behavior is a useful bat-proofing tip. They’re nocturnal critters who spend their days roosting. They typically choose entrances high off the ground, where there are broken windows and missing shingles. Knowing when they’re coming and going makes it easier to secure and prevent parts of the home from becoming bat entrances and exits.
Next best indicator is the time of year. Bats are only active from early summer till late fall. After which they hibernate for the winter. So, keep an eye out in early summer for an increase in activity. This will help you prevent any intrusion as well as detect any potential pre existing issues.
Forget about Extermination
It is illegal to use chemicals and poisons to keep bats out of your home. They’re not only ineffective and inhumane, they will leave to hefty fines. Remember, bats are a protected species in Ontario, which means killing them is illegal.
We can not emphasize enough how dangerous bat guano is. If disturbed and airborne, it can lead to contracting histoplasmosis; a potentially deadly virus. If you even remotely suspect you may have a bat issue in your home call a professional bat removal services.
Do you need wildlife removal services? Request a quote today!