Bat Exclusion: How to Safely and Humanely Remove Bats from Your Home
Bats play a vital role in our ecosystems, controlling insect populations and even helping with pollination. However, when they take up residence in attics, barns, or other structures, they can become a concern for homeowners. While it’s important to protect bats, it’s equally important to keep them out of living spaces where they might pose health risks.
The process of safely and humanely removing bats from a structure is called bat exclusion. Unlike extermination, which is illegal in many areas due to bat conservation laws, exclusion ensures bats can leave a structure but cannot re-enter, allowing them to relocate naturally.
Why Bat Exclusion Matters
Bats are beneficial creatures, but having them in your home can lead to issues such as:
• Guano Accumulation: Bat droppings can create strong odors and may harbor harmful fungi that cause histoplasmosis, a lung disease.
• Noise and Structural Damage: Large colonies can cause disturbances at night and may lead to damage over time.
• Rabies Risk: Although rare, bats can carry rabies, posing a risk if direct contact occurs.
By using humane bat exclusion methods, you can safely remove bats while ensuring they continue to thrive in their natural environment.
How to Humanely Exclude Bats
1. Identify the Entry Points
Before excluding bats, you need to determine where they are getting in. Look for:
• Small gaps (as tiny as 3/8 of an inch) along rooflines, vents, chimneys, and eaves.
• Dark stains around openings caused by bat oils.
• Guano (bat droppings) near entry points.
A good way to confirm bat activity is to observe the structure at dusk and watch where bats emerge.
2. Install One-Way Exclusion Devices
Once entry points are identified, the next step is installing a one-way bat valve or bat cone over these openings. These devices allow bats to exit but prevent them from returning. Common exclusion tools include:
• Bat Exclusion Tubes: A flexible tube or funnel placed over an entry point.
• Bat Doors: Flap-like devices that let bats fly out but block their return.
3. Seal Entry Points (After All Bats Have Left!)
After allowing a few nights for all bats to exit, carefully seal the entry points.
Never seal openings while bats are still inside, as this can trap and harm them.
4. Clean and Sanitize the Area
After exclusion, clean up guano and sanitize the affected areas. Proper PPE is required to protect yourself and a virucide is highly recommended.Â
When to Perform Bat Exclusion
The best time for bat exclusion depends on the species and local laws. In most cases:
• Spring and Summer (Maternity Season): Avoid exclusion during this time (May-August), as baby bats may be left behind, unable to fly.
• Late Summer to Early Fall: This is the ideal time, as young bats have matured and can leave on their own.
• Winter: If bats are hibernating inside, exclusion should be postponed until they are active again.
Professional Help vs. DIY Exclusion
While DIY exclusion is possible, it requires patience and careful execution. If you have a large colony, hard-to-reach entry points, or legal concerns, hiring a bat exclusion specialist, such as Orange Mouse is the safest option. Professionals follow legal and ethical guidelines to ensure humane removal.
Final Thoughts
Bat exclusion is a responsible and effective way to remove bats from homes while allowing them to continue their ecological role. By following humane methods, sealing entry points, and providing bat-friendly alternatives, you can maintain a bat-free home without harming these important creatures.