Bat-Proof Your Home: Tips from a Bat Removal Expert

Posted on February 19, 2024 by smokywildlife

When the sun sets and the moon rises, bats take to the skies in search of their next meal. Unfortunately, for many homeowners, bats can become an unwelcome sight, especially when they decide to roost in your attic or barn. If you’re concerned about bat infestations or if they’ve already taken up residence in your home, understanding the nuances of bat behavior and implementing bat-proofing measures is essential. Let’s shed some light on the often-misunderstood creatures and provide you with practical tips to protect your property and family.

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The Lowdown on Bat Behavior and Entry Points

Bats are fascinating creatures, integral to our ecosystem as pollinators and insect controllers. However, their habits can clash with human cohabitation. Bats are particularly active at night, using echolocation to navigate and find shelter. When it comes to your home, they can find their way inside through surprisingly small openings, including vents, chimneys, and even gaps in your roofing.

Nocturnal Habits and Nesting Preferences

The evening hours are prime time for bats, who leave their roosting spots—often in dark, enclosed areas—to hunt for insects. They are known to return to the same roost night after night. If your home offers a warm, secure place for them to rest during the day, it can become a prime location for nesting, which may lead to further complications and an eventual increase in their numbers within your property.

Understanding where bats typically roost can be the first step to fortifying your home. Focusing on areas such as attics, unused chimneys, and barn lofts, where humans seldom venture, is critical. These spaces need to be secured, but in a way that allows any existing bat population to leave naturally and prevents them from re-entering.

The Benefits of Bat-Proofing

Should you take the necessary measures to bat-proof your home? Most certainly. Not only does bat exclusion help maintain the structural integrity and cleanliness of your property, but it also mitigates health risks associated with bat guano and urine. Additionally, in many regions, laws govern the humane removal of bats due to their protected status, so preemptive measures could save you from potential legal issues.

Preventing Property Damage

Bats, like any animal, can cause a fair amount of mess and damage without even trying. From soiling your attic and insulation with droppings to damaging structures with their scratching, the consequences of an undeterred bat population can be extensive and costly to remedy.

Health Risks and Legal Implications

Over time, bat guano can pose health risks, as it may contain fungus that causes respiratory diseases. Rabies is another concern, although the incidence of bats transmitting the disease to humans is low. Nevertheless, should contact occur, it’s imperative to report it and seek medical advice.

Regulations regarding bat control and removal vary by location, and it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with local laws. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act, for example, protects most bat species, and unauthorized removal can result in hefty fines and penalties.

Tips for Bat-Proofing Your Home

Taking an active approach to bat-proofing ensures your home remains bat-free and contributes to the conservation of these beneficial creatures. Here are several practical methods for protecting your abode.

1. Inspect and Seal Entry Points

The best defense against bat intrusion is a comprehensive inspection of your home’s exterior to identify and seal potential entry points. Remember, bats can slip through openings as small as 3/8 of an inch, so be thorough in your examination. Utilize materials that are durable and weather-resistant, such as mesh screens or fills made from concrete or expandable foam. It’s important to note that sealing off entryways once bats are inside is not only ineffective but can trap them, leading to desperate measures to escape.

2. Install Bat Houses

One of the most effective and environmentally friendly methods of bat-proofing is to provide an attractive alternative to your home for roosting. Bat houses, when properly placed and maintained, can encourage bats to relocate and thrive without the need for exclusionary tactics. These should be placed 15-20 feet above the ground in areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight, such as on the south or east side of your home.

3. Trim Trees and Vegetation

Bats are superb fliers, and trees provide them with a convenient launching pad close to the eaves and rooftops. By trimming branches and foliage, you reduce the opportunities for bats to access your home. Pruning can also enhance the visibility of your property’s exterior, making it easier to detect potential entry points.

4. Use Ultrasonic Repellents

Ultrasonic repellents emit high-frequency sound waves that are disruptive to bat echolocation and can deter them from a specific area. While they are not universally effective and their impact on bats’ behavior is subject to debate, some homeowners report success with these devices.

5. Seek Professional Help When Necessary

If you find yourself overwhelmed or uncertain about the best course of action, it’s best to call in the experts. Professional bat control services employ trained technicians who understand bat behavior and the safest means for bat removal and exclusion. They’ll not only address the immediate problem but set up long-term bat management strategies to keep them at bay.

Wrapping Up

With the knowledge and measures provided, you can proactively bat-proof your home, protecting both the integrity of your property and the important role bats play in our ecosystem. A small investment in time and resources today could spare you the headaches, health risks, and legal tangles that come with unwanted bat encounters. Remember, bats are creatures deserving of our respect and consideration, even when they cross paths with our domestic spaces. Be vigilant, be knowledgeable, and be bat-proof.

Take the lead in ensuring the safety and comfort of your home. If bats have already infiltrated your space or if prevention did not suffice, don’t hesitate to reach out to a licensed wildlife control company. They can safely and humanely remove the bats, and work with you to prevent future re-infestations. Your home should be a haven for you and your family — let’s make sure it’s a peaceable kingdom that bats respect from a distance.

Stay informed and stay secure. Bat-proofing your home is not just about maintaining the four walls around you; it’s about being responsible stewards of the wildlife that shares this magnificent planet with us. Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for TWRA licensed and insured bat removal service in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee. We serve residential and commercial properties. Trust us for safe, humane, and affordable bat control and extraction.

Bats in the Belfry? More Like the Attic: A Closer Look at Bat Infestations

Posted on August 7, 2023 by smokywildlife

Bats are often portrayed as eerie creatures of the night, flitting around in belfries and haunted houses. But in reality, these winged mammals are more likely to be found somewhere much closer to home – your attic. Bat infestations in residential properties are more common than you might think, and they can pose some serious problems for homeowners.

Join us as we take a closer look at bat infestations, the issues they can cause, and how professional bat removal services can help restore peace and safety to your home.

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What You Need to Know About Bat Infestations

Bat infestations can be caused by a variety of factors. They are often attracted to residential properties due to the availability of food sources, like insects or pet food. The ideal environment for bats is one that provides them with shelter, such as an attic or other space that offers protection from the elements and predators. Additionally, bats may enter your home through small cracks and crevices in the exterior, or through gaps around roof vents or chimneys.

The Problem With Bats in the House

The presence of bats in your home can bring with it a variety of concerns. Bats can leave behind guano (bat droppings) which contain parasites like histoplasmosis that can be hazardous to humans. The pests themselves may also carry diseases such as Rabies that can be hazardous to your health. In addition, bats can cause damage to insulation and other materials in the attic or other areas of your home.

How to Get Rid of Bats in the Attic

If you suspect that you have bats in the attic, walls, or chimney, it’s important to deal with it quickly and effectively before the issue becomes worse. Professional bat removal services are highly recommended over DIY approaches such as specialized animal repellents and exclusion techniques. A licensed and insured wildlife control operator can identify the species of bat, determine the size and nature of the infestation, provide humane removal services, seal up entry points to prevent further infestations, and safely dispose of any guano or other debris left behind. They may also offer attic repair and insulation replacement services. By getting a handle on your bat infestation as soon as possible with the help of a professional, you can ensure the safety and integrity of your home and family.

Bat Proofing Techniques

Bat infestations, while not common, can be a significant disturbance. Bats are beneficial to our ecosystem, but they can create a mess in our homes and pose potential health risks. Therefore, bat-proofing your home is a crucial step in preventing bat infestations. Start by identifying any potential entry points. Look for cracks, crevices, holes, or spaces in your home’s wall, roof, eaves, and other areas. Bats can squeeze through gaps as small as 3/8^th of an inch! Seal these entries with high-quality caulk or a similar material to prevent bats from gaining access.

Don’t forget about your yard, either. Reducing your home’s attractiveness to bats involves maintaining your outdoor space. Trim back trees and branches close to your home, keep your trash cans sealed, and avoid leaving pet food outside. This will discourage bats and other wildlife from making your property their residence.

In Summary

No matter where you live or what kind of environment your property offers, it’s important to be aware of potential bat infestations and know how to respond if one occurs. With the right knowledge and help from a professional bat removal service, you can take back control of your home and make sure your family can rest easy.

Are you looking for a trusted Nashville animal removal service that can help you get rid of bats at an affordable price? Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for TWRA licensed and insured bat removal and control in Nashville, Tennessee and beyond. We also work with many other types of wildlife and serve both residential and commercial clients.

The Common Signs of Bats in the House

Posted on February 12, 2021 by smokywildlife

Bat populations are important to our local economies and Eco-systems, but they are not welcome in our homes. Bats are incredibly destructive. They will cause a long list of structural damages inside and outside of your house, plus pose several health hazards and safety risks, including exposure to bat diseases and unsanitary conditions caused by their presence. If you suspect that you have a bat problem, or bats in the house, it is time to conduct a self-inspection to look for the signs of a bat infestation or localized bat activity within your property.

Identifying the signs of bats in the house early on is the best way to prevent costly damages and invasive repairs, as well as possible health risks for you and your pets. Continue below to learn where and how to get started with a bat infestation inspection.

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Bat Diseases and Destruction

Even though we rely on local bat populations for their help with our farms, crops, economies, and more, they are not a species of mammal we want lurking too closely. Bats are not only destructive, but they are also known carriers of several transmissible diseases, like Rabies, Histoplasmosis, and parasites. When bats locate a place to roost, such as your attic, they will saturate the entire environment with their droppings and waste, which is highly unsanitary and unhygienic, but also a potential structural hazard if it saturates the ceiling and floorboards too much.

How to Look for Bats in the Attic

Bats only need an opening as little as 3/8ths of an inch to get inside your house! They tend to hide out in very dark areas closed off from the inclement weather and predators. Your attic is the perfect place to start your home inspection for a bat infestation. If you notice brown or yellow stains on your walls or ceilings, it could be from bat dropping and waste accumulation over time. This is often a sign of a long-term bat infestation. Lingering odors is another.

If you hear noises coming from the attic at night, such as shuffling or squeaking, it could be nocturnal bats flying in and out as they hunt for flying insects. Before you take a peek into your attic, be sure you are equipped with proper safety materials and gear, including eye shields and gloves. In fact, it is strongly recommended to hire a certified bat removal company in Nashville to perform a full-service inspection using innovative technologies and professional training.

Finding Bats in the House

In addition to brown and yellow stains on the walls and ceilings, you might also notice foul, lingering odors if you have bats in or around the house. Not only could these odors be caused by a massive accumulation of bat guano (droppings) and other waste, but they can also be from a dead bat.

Another common sign of having bats in the house are strange noises coming from the walls or chimney. Bats like to roost in wall voids and chimneys as much as they like attics, so be sure to add these areas to your critter control check list. You might hear sounds like chattering, shuffling, squeaking, and screeching.

If you see bat droppings around or at the bottom of window eaves, ledges, rooflines, and anywhere else, you can safely assume you have localized bat activity around your house. In these same areas, also look for oily or greasy stains on your siding and roof shingles. Bat fur often leaves these greasy stains behind as they squeeze in and out of their entry points of your house.

How to Get Rid of Bats in the House in Nashville, Tennessee

Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 to safely get rid of bats in Nashville, Tennessee. We are TWRA licensed and insured bat removal and control specialists that retain the proper certifications, resources, and experience to deliver the highest standards of excellence in the bat abatement industry. In addition to bat removal, we also provide full-service inspections, infestation cleanup, and bat damage restorations. We can even work with your homeowners’ insurance company to perform animal cleanup and repair services. Request a free estimate or advice, anytime. Our bat control specialists also offer emergency animal removal service if you have a bat in the house, after-hours.

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Smoky Wildlife Control Welcomes You to Our Nashville Animal Removal Website!

Posted on January 13, 2021 by smokywildlife

https://www.smokywildlifecontrol.com

Animal Removal and Control in Nashville, Tennessee

Here at Smoky Wildlife Control, we are a TWRA licensed and insured wildlife removal and control company that provides real workable solutions for nuisance wildlife problems in Nashville, Tennessee and its surrounding locations. Best of all, we deliver all of our critter control and animal trapping services at a price you can truly afford! So, if nuisance bats in the attic or raccoons under the porch are getting you down, act now and let us manage your property’s needs with prompt and professional animal removal service that stands the test of time.

Continue below to learn more about our animal removal and control services for Nashville, Tennessee wildlife, including information about our brand new website!

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Check Out Our Brand New Nashville, Tennessee Wildlife Control Website!

Today, we have officially launched our brand new animal removal and control website for Nashville, Tennessee. So, we gleefully invite you to take a closer look at all the Nashville wildlife removal services and conveniences we offer to both residential and commercial clients!

Full-Service Critter Control and Removal in Nashville, TN

Start by viewing all of our wildlife control services we provide, and learn about all the unbelievable amenities we offer our clients for their added comfort and convenience! Our TWRA licensed and insured wildlife removal specialists work with all native types of wildlife in Tennessee, including bats, raccoons, skunks, squirrels, chipmunks, opossum, armadillos, groundhogs, birds, yard moles, fox, beavers, and many more! In In addition to Nashville animal removal and control, our wildlife removal experts also provide comprehensive animal cleanup and repair for animal infestations and damages. What does this entail? Well, it means we will cleanup, disinfect, and restore the area of your property that was damaged by invasive wildlife! We also provide free estimates, full-property inspections, free advice, dead animal removal, and after-hours emergency animal removal.

We Work With All Tennessee Wildlife

Smoky Wildlife Control offers a wide range professional Nashville, TN critter control services to safely get rid of nuisance wild animals, and most importantly, prevent them from intruding or becoming a threat ever again. As a team of Tennessee wildlife control experts with real hands-on experience, you can trust that we know exactly how to identify, target, extract, exclude, and clean up after a nuisance wildlife problem, no matter the wild animal to blame. Best of all, we will accomplish our objectives within a time frame that’s convenient for you. We also adhere to all industry accepted standards and best practices, as well as operate within all local, state, and federal regulations that oversee Tennessee wildlife. Want to know more about us? You can do that too on our new website!

Nashville Animal Removal Services You Can Trust

We have spent our career cultivating and improving the best possible methods for getting rid of nuisance animals and animal infestations from residential and commercial properties, both effectively and affordably. As a family owned business, you can expect economy-based prices and honest service, regardless of how small or large your animal removal needs might be. From comprehensive inspections and animal removal, to professional exclusion, cleaning, restoration, post service checkups, and more, you can count on Smoky Wildlife Control for safe and effective wild animal control at a price you can afford. We serve all of Nashville, Tennessee, as well as the Greater Nashville and Middle Tennessee areas.

Contact us at 615-610-0962 to speak with a friendly company manager about your nuisance wildlife control needs and options, anytime.

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