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.
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.
