Effective Ways to Prevent Bats from Entering Your House

Homeowners should be aware that bats can cause trouble when they infest your house. These flying mammals can transmit diseases to humans from their droppings and bites. Even seeing a bat inside your house is enough to warrant getting a rabies vaccination. Hence, it is crucial to keep bats out of your home. Here are some tips to prevent bats from entering your house:

• Always keep your doors and windows closed, especially at night.
• Ensure that the screens on your doors and windows fit tightly since bats can slip in through holes as tiny as 3/8-inch in diameter. Seal any gaps around your house with hardware cloth, foam insulation, or weatherproofing strips.
• Replace your outdoor light bulbs with yellow lights as they attract fewer bugs, which are a primary source of food for bats.
• Install stainless steel chimney caps with quarter-inch wire mesh to prevent bats from entering chimneys and furnace vents.

If bats are already present in your house, here are some steps you can take to get rid of them:

1. Look for bat entry points by checking for stains caused by bat body oils, urine, and droppings. You can also observe after sunset to see where the bats come from when they leave your house in search of food.
2. Create a one-way door by hanging a quarter-inch netting over the entry points. This will allow the bats to escape under the net and fly away, and they won’t be able to return.

FAQ

1. What attracts bats to houses?

Bats are attracted to houses because they provide a warm and safe environment, as well as a source of food. They may also be attracted to houses that have openings or gaps that allow them to enter.

2. What should I do if I find a bat in my house?

If you find a bat in your house, the first thing you should do is to keep calm. Open windows and doors to allow the bat to fly out on its own. If the bat does not leave, you can try to catch it using a towel or a container, but be sure to wear gloves and take precautions to avoid being bitten.

3. How can I prevent bats from entering my house?

To prevent bats from entering your house, you should seal any openings or gaps that could allow them to enter. This includes sealing gaps around windows, doors, and vents, as well as sealing any holes in the roof or walls. You can also install bat houses outside your home to provide bats with an alternative roosting location.

4. Are bats dangerous to humans?

Bats can carry diseases such as rabies, but they are not aggressive and will usually avoid contact with humans. If you come into contact with a bat, it is important to seek medical attention to determine if you need treatment for rabies.

5. Should I try to remove bats from my house on my own?

No, it is not recommended to try to remove bats from your house on your own. Bats are protected by law in many areas, and there are specific guidelines and regulations for their removal. It is best to contact a professional wildlife removal service to safely and legally remove bats from your house.