Humane Bat Removal
Bats are not rodents or flying mice but close relatives of primates. While there are many bat types in the US, the colonizing variants cause most problems. They cause the most nuisances while roosting in large numbers, particularly in attics.
Bats are not aggressive and are primarily insectivores eating moths, wasps, and gnats. Though thought to be blind, they aren’t. They use their echolocation to navigate while flying.
While the bat carries rabies, its guano or bat droppings are a breeding ground for fungal disease.
Bats need just a quarter-inch gap to invade your property, and once inside, the colony grows. That’s when you start noticing bats flying in and out of your living space. And this is to say nothing of the droppings that will inevitably appear.
How to remove bats can be a tricky business. Bat removal needs extensive training and experience, which is where we can help with just a phone call.
It’s time to call your local bat exclusion company if you notice these creatures flying in and out. We use only the safest bat removal methods to eliminate these nuisance animals from your property. Getting rid of bats is as simple as calling Alpha Wildlife.
A Note About Bat Removal
Bat removal in the southeast is a service we take very seriously.
If you hear odd, high-pitched sounds or smells odd scents in your attic, you’re not crazy. It’s likely you have a bat problem. However, bats are protected by the federal government. As such, they need to be handled in a regulated fashion.
So before rushing to kill them or seal them in, consult with a bat removal expert like Alpha Wildlife. Our process for how to get rid of bats is legal and humane. We will work to remove your bats effectively, above board, and permanently.
Do you have bats in the attic?
Bat removal is at an all-time high due to construction and development. Bats may be small creatures but can create a giant mess inside and outside your home.
Bats species commonly found in your area:
- Little Brown Bat
- Big Brown Bat
- the Mexican Free Tail Bat.
Generally, bats need only the smallest gap to gain access to your home. The average egress is only 1/3 of an inch for an entry point. It also makes no difference whether it’s an older home or a new build. Once bats get into the attic, they find a spot to call home.
Often you’ll notice a strong urine smell before you’re aware you have bats.
Bat Damage Possibilities
Once you know you’ve got bats, we recommend that you have them removed as soon as possible.
Pup (baby) season is typically from late May to early August. Given that bats are federally protected mammals, they cannot be interacted with during mating season. To remove a bat colony from your living space, you will have to wait until pup season is over.
Removal of adult bats before babies are strong enough to fly can cause more significant issues. They may also cause bat damage to the insulation from guano and urine that is left behind daily. Additionally, bats also can carry bat bugs that could be a potential hazard to your health.
Unfortunately, suppose you see bats flying around your home. In that case, there is a good possibility that bats have gained access inside your home. Potentially, it might result in more extensive problems, like sanitary issues and resulting health concerns.
Bats can transfer rabies by biting. Their mouths are so small that you may not notice the tiny bite mark. Bats can also cause lots of damage to your insulation from their droppings (guano) and urine. Handling bats should never happen without the help of trained wildlife professionals.
Bats Feeding Habits
Bats are efficient feeders and fill their stomachs in about an hour. And thankfully, bats primarily feed on insects and other pests that pose a risk to people and their pets.
They feed mainly on beetles, moths, flies, flying ants, wasps, dragonflies, and other flying insects. They will not feed in heavy rain or when the temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Bats will accumulate fat reserves before entering a soft slumber in the winter season. A typical fat reserve can be as much as a third of their body weight.
Bat Inspections
The first step in answering how to get rid of a bat is to determine the kind of problem you have. One bat versus a colony may mean different means of removing bats.
Alpha Wildlife can handle all of your bat removal needs. Once you realize that you need a bat removal service, call Alpha Wildlife to set up your assessment.
Every technician at Alpha Wildlife is nationally certified and trained in all things relating to bat removal and remediation. When our technician comes to your home or business, we will determine if you have a bat issue. Once a bat problem is identified, we will assess your property for removal. A remediation plan will be presented to you after the assessment.
Common Bat Removal Questions:
Q: What types of bats are in the area?
A: The main types of bats in the area are little brown bats, big brown bats, and Mexican free-tail bats. They differ in size and aggressiveness. They each have their preferred location for roosting in your attic.
Q: Can you trap bats, and what are bat removal services?
A: The short answer to the question is, No, you cannot. Bats are federally protected, meaning that unless the bats are in the immediate home, they can not be touched. When the bats are in the attic, eaves, soffit, ridge, or fascia, that is not considered a direct danger to you.
So, how do we get them out? First, we will have to identify the main entry point. We will seal the rest of the home to protect it from re-entry. Then we will put a one-way valve on the house, where the bats can leave but cannot get back in.
Q: What is Bat Exclusion, and why is it necessary?
A: Once Bats get into an attic space, the bats cannot be physically touched and removed. Bat Exclusion is not an easy fix, but it is very effective when done correctly.
Once bats have claimed a space as their home, it is difficult to keep them out. Even if their main entry point is blocked, a bat will work hard to reenter a structure. Entering your home is the thing they will fixate on.
Q: Can’t I just hire a contractor for bat removal?
A: If you are wondering who to call to get rid of bats, don’t rely on a general handyman. The main reason you should not hire a contractor is that Bats are protected.
If a contractor does manage to seal the bats in your home, you can potentially accrue heavy fines. A fine is incurred per bat that dies in your home. The penalty can come from local and federal wildlife agencies. And the penalty may be placed on you and your contractor.
Also, most contractors do not have the training to know all the areas that bats can get in the attic. On the other hand, every Alpha Wildlife technician is Bat Certified and nationally trained to keep the bats out.
Q: What is the cost of bat removal?
A: It’s difficult to offer an exact number that applies to all people for bat removal costs. Various factors affect the kind of remediation plan needed. This could include:
- whether you have a large colony or just a single bat,
- the kind of space the bats have claimed,
- and more.
Many contractors will give you one quote and then change the number on you later. We encourage you to contact us to discuss the specific nature of your bat infestation. That way, we can give an accurate estimation.
Q: Can I remove the Bats myself?
A: No, you cannot remove bats by yourself. Bats are state and federally protected. You can not manually remove the bats according to those guidelines. The only time the bats can be touched is if the bat is in a habitable living space.
If you see a bat in your living space, call a professional like Alpha Wildlife immediately. We will ensure the bat is removed and your home inspected to ensure there are no more bats.
Other Qs
If you are still wondering about our bat removal process, we have you covered. Explore our frequently asked questions page. You can learn more about the cost of bat removal, who to call for bat removal, and more.
Local Bat Removal Services
When removing bats, keep your expertise local. Our bat removal specialists operate throughout numerous metros in the southeast. We know the kinds of bats that call our area home.
In South Carolina, we offer bat removal services in and surrounding areas of:
In Tennessee, removal of bats is available in and surrounding areas of:
We also remove pests across a range of wildlife species, including raccoons, squirrels, skunks, and more. Contact us to explore the breadth of our wildlife control and removal services. It’s risk-free and no-obligation.
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