Why Bats Choose Your Home
Bats typically enter homes through small gaps or openings in the roof, soffits, vents, or chimneys. They’re nocturnal and quiet, so infestations often go unnoticed for weeks or even months. They prefer dark, enclosed spaces that mimic the caves or hollow trees they would use in the wild. Your attic, eaves, or walls offer exactly that. During spring and summer, female bats gather in colonies to raise their young, making homes particularly vulnerable during these months. Unlike other wildlife, bats don’t chew their way in—they slip through cracks as small as half an inch.
Health Hazards of Bat Infestations
One of the most serious dangers of a bat infestation is the potential for disease. Bat droppings, known as guano, can accumulate quickly and create toxic conditions. Guano can harbor the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which causes histoplasmosis—a respiratory disease that can become severe, especially in people with weakened immune systems. The spores from dried guano can become airborne and inhaled when disturbed, making clean-up particularly dangerous without proper protection.
Bats are also known carriers of rabies. While it’s rare for bats to bite humans, it only takes one bite or scratch to transmit the virus. In some cases, bat bites are so small that they go unnoticed. That’s why it’s essential to avoid any direct contact with bats, especially if one is found inside your living space.
Structural and Property Damage
Beyond the health risks, bats can cause significant property damage over time. Guano builds up quickly in attics or wall voids, staining insulation, drywall, and wood beams. The droppings also produce a strong ammonia-like odor that can permeate through your home. If left untreated, guano and urine can weaken structural elements and cause mold growth. Their presence can also attract insects, such as bat bugs, which are closely related to bed bugs and may spread into your living spaces.
Why DIY Bat Removal Is Dangerous and Often Illegal
Many homeowners don’t realize that bats are protected under federal and state laws in most areas, particularly when they are raising young. It is illegal in many regions to kill or disturb bats during certain months of the year. DIY removal methods like sealing entry points or using chemical deterrents can be both ineffective and unlawful. If bats are sealed in during the wrong time of year, young bats may be left behind to die, causing odor, biohazards, and potential fines.
Additionally, handling bats or cleaning guano without proper safety equipment can put your health at serious risk. That’s why professional intervention is critical.
How Wildlife X Team Handles Bat Infestations
At Wildlife X Team, we specialize in humane and legal bat removal. Our technicians start with a full inspection to locate entry points and assess colony size. We then install industry-approved one-way exclusion devices that allow bats to exit the structure without being able to return. Once the bats have safely left, we seal up all potential re-entry points to prevent future infestations.
We also handle full cleanup and sanitation of guano-contaminated areas, using professional-grade equipment and PPE to ensure safety. If insulation or structural elements have been damaged, we can replace or repair those areas to restore your attic or walls.
Protecting Your Home from Future Infestations
Preventing future bat infestations starts with sealing up access points. Because bats can fit through incredibly small gaps, a detailed inspection of your roofline, vents, soffits, and siding is key. Installing chimney caps, attic vent screens, and repairing loose flashing can go a long way in keeping them out. Regular maintenance and seasonal inspections from a wildlife professional will help ensure bats don’t return.
Schedule a Bat Inspection with Wildlife X Team Today
If you suspect bats in your attic or have seen guano around your home, don’t ignore the warning signs. Bat infestations pose serious health and structural risks, and the longer you wait, the worse the problem becomes. Wildlife X Team offers humane, legal, and effective bat removal services with complete cleanup and exclusion solutions. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and protect your home from the hidden dangers of bats.