How Small of a Hole Can Bats Fit Through?

Bats are amazing animals with some surprising abilities. One of the most fascinating is their skill at squeezing through tiny holes. Let’s learn more about how they do it and how to keep bats out of your home while helping them thrive in the wild.

How Do Bats Fit Through Tiny Spaces?

Bats can fit through holes as small as half an inch wide—that’s about the size of a dime! Their bodies are made for flexibility. Unlike most mammals, bats don’t have rigid ribcages, which lets them squish their bodies to fit through very tight spaces.

Why Do Bats Enter Small Spaces?

Bats look for safe, dark places to rest during the day. In the wild, they use caves, hollow trees, or cracks in rocks. In cities and towns, they often find shelter in places like attics, walls, or chimneys. This is especially common in late spring and summer when mother bats are raising their babies.

Where Do Bats Get Into Homes?

Bats are great at finding small openings. Here are a few common places they sneak in:

• Roof gaps: Cracks or missing shingles make perfect entry points.
• Vents and chimneys: Without covers, these areas are easy for bats to enter.
• Soffits and eaves: Loose or poorly sealed joints can let bats into your attic.
• Windows and doors: Small gaps in screens or weather stripping can give them access.

How Can You Keep Bats Out of Your Home?

Here are simple ways to prevent bats from moving in:

1. Inspect your home: Look for cracks or holes larger than a quarter inch.
2. Seal small gaps: Use caulk, mesh, or weather stripping to close off entry points.
3. Cover vents and chimneys: Secure covers will block bats from sneaking in.
4. Work around bat season: Don’t seal spaces in spring or summer when bats may have babies.

Why Are Bats Important?

Bats aren’t just pests—they’re helpful, too! They eat insects like mosquitoes and help pollinate plants. Instead of harming bats, you can install a bat house in your yard. This gives them a safe place to live while keeping them away from your home.

Helping Bats and Protecting Your Home

Learning how small of a hole bats can fit through helps you keep them out of your home. At the same time, you can take steps to protect these fascinating animals. By sealing up entry points and providing a safe space like a bat house, you can keep your home bat-free and support their role in nature. Need bat removal or exclusion? Call us today!