How to Get Rid of Bats: The Complete Homeowners’ Guide

Watching Bruce Wayne stand up in a cave full of bats is cool to watch, but it’s not fun when you’re Bruce Wayne and the bats are in your house.

Now, don’t get me wrong. Bats are fascinating creatures — they eat thousands of mosquitoes, help pollinate plants, and some species are endangered. But having bats inside your home? Not so fascinating. In fact, that’s something nightmares are made of!

Bats in the attic can lead to a build-up of guano (that’s bat poop), damaged insulation, and a smell you’ll never forget. Don’t worry — we’re here to help!

Now, put on your cape and cowl while we break down exactly how to get rid of bats and keep them from turning your house into their own personal bat cave.

What to Do If You Have Bats in Your Home or Attic

Close your eyes and imagine this: It’s dusk, you step outside, and you notice little shadows darting out of your roof. Congratulations — you have bats in your attic, and they are here to stay.

Here’s what you should do:

  • Identify the signs: Squeaking at night, piles of guano (bat droppings), ammonia-like smells, and bats flying out of vents or roof gaps at sunset.
  • Relax and stay calm: Chasing after them is not the answer — bats are protected species in most states, so you can’t harm them. Plus, you’ll look absolutely ridiculous.
  • Call for professional help: Wildlife control experts (like Alpha Wildlife) can legally and humanely exclude bats while sealing off entry points.

Bat roosting in attic

What Is the Best Way to Get Rid of Bats?

You’ve found guano on your roof, and you’ve heard fluttering noises in your attic. Forget garlic, holy water, or blasting heavy metal music. The best way to get rid of bats is professional exclusion:

  1. Bat inspection — find every entry and exit point (bats can squeeze through holes smaller than a quarter).
  2. Bat exclusion devices — one-way doors let bats fly out but not back in.
  3. Seal & secure — once the bats are out, seal all openings permanently (make sure you don’t seal them inside though).
  4. Guano cleanup — remove and sanitize the contaminated area to restore your attic.

This method is 100% humane and effective — no bats harmed and your attic is intact.

How Do You Keep Bats Away From Your Home?

Bats don’t just show up for fun — your attic offers warmth, safety, and darkness, which is perfect for a family of bats. Here’s how to make your home less appealing to these flying critters:

  • Seal entry points: Make sure your chimneys, vents, and roof gaps are properly sealed. Treat your home like a quarantine zone — nothing gets in and nothing gets out.
  • Install chimney caps & vent covers: Caps and covers are excellent barriers. Bats will try to get through, but they are not getting in.
  • Maintain your roofline: Think that tiny crack in your roof is small? Bats will see this as a true bat signal and you’ll soon have a bunch of new friends in your attic.

Things to Try That Actually Work

Some people swear by DIY “bat hacks,” while others focus on proven methods. Don’t waste your time with something that doesn’t work. Here are real strategies to keep bats away:

  • Exclusion barriers — chimney caps, vent screens, bat doors, and soffit repairs.
  • Proper attic maintenance — no dark cozy spots = no bat colony.
  • Professional wildlife removal — because bats are protected and you don’t want to risk hurting one of these little fellas, call a professional to get the job done right!

Bat in attic

What Can Keep Bats Away Naturally?

So, you’re feeling lucky. You think you can outsmart the common bat? Well, I wish you the best of luck. People try all sorts of “bat repellents,” but do they actually work? Sort of.

  • Bright lights: Bats love darkness — a floodlight in the attic can send them packing temporarily.
  • Strong scents: Ammonia or mothballs might deter them for a while, but your attic will smell worse than they did. Too many mothballs and you’ll leave your house too.
  • Sound devices: Mixed results — some bats ignore them completely.

Natural methods are not permanent and they’ll only buy you a little time before they come back.

Bat in attic showing its teeth

The Verdict: What Is the Best Way to Keep them Away for Good?

Bats are amazing creatures, but they belong outside — not in your attic. The only guaranteed way to get rid of bats is professional exclusion, sealing every entry point, and proper cleanup. Anything else just leaves the door open for them to return.

FAQs

Q: What is the best way to get rid of bats in the attic?

A: Humane exclusion — one-way devices let bats leave safely, then experts seal the entry points.

Q: Are bats dangerous?

A: Yes. Bat guano can spread disease, and while rare, bats can carry rabies. Always use caution.

Q: Do natural bat repellents work?

A: Lights, scents, and sound may temporarily annoy bats, but they won’t solve the problem.

Q: Can I remove bats myself?

A: Not recommended. In most areas, it’s illegal to harm bats. Professional removal ensures safety and compliance.

Q: Why are bats in my house?

A: They’re looking for warmth, safety, and darkness — attics are the perfect place for bats to make a home.

Quick Recap

Bats outside = awesome.

Bats inside = not so much.

  • Scratching, squeaking, or guano in your attic? → You’ve got bats.
  • The best way to get rid of bats is humane exclusion and sealing.
  • Prevention starts with sealing cracks, installing caps, and attic maintenance.
  • Natural remedies may buy you time, but they’re not permanent.
  • For a long-term fix, call the bat experts at Alpha Wildlife.

👉 Alpha Wildlife provides safe, humane bat solutions to keep your home bat-free — and smelling a lot better.