Understanding Bat Behavior

Why bats choose your home

One of the reasons bats may seek shelter in your home is due to the scarcity of suitable housing options in their natural habitats. The cutting down of trees, which are traditional bat dwellings, has left them with fewer places to call their own. So, they may see your home's attic, basement, or walls as ideal substitute habitats, especially if conditions are warm and dark. This understanding is critical as it helps us to humanely and effectively address the issue of bat infestation, ensuring we also consider eco-friendly and species-conservation efforts.

Common types of bats found in homes

Several bat species may find your home attractive, but the most common are Brown bats and Mexican-free tail bats. These bats are relatively small and can squeeze through tiny gaps to invade your attic or basement. Familiarity with the types of bats that inhabit homes can provide insights into their behaviors, mating seasons, and preference for specific types of dwellings. This knowledge can guide the method used for bat exclusion, which can differ based on the species at hand.

What attracts bats to your home

Bats are usually attracted to homes due to the availability of food and the conducive conditions the structure provides. For instance, many bat species feed on insects. If your home has a considerable insect population, it might lure bats. The architectural features of a house can also draw bats — gaps in roofing, unscreened chimneys, and cracks in the walls provide easy access points for bats. Understanding these attractions can help homeowners eliminate factors that may have initially attracted bats.

Humane Ways to Get Rid of Bats

Exclusion

Exclusion is the most popular and humane method for bat removal. It involves installing exclusion devices (like nets or tubes) at the bats' entry points that allow them to leave but not return. When conducting a bat exclusion, it's crucial to consider the time of the year. Bats have maternity seasons when they nurse their young – these young bats cannot initially fly and might die if an exclusion attempt is carried out. Thus, in the interest of animal well-being and biodiversity conservation, it's imperative to carry out exclusions outside of these maternity periods.

Sealing Entry Points

Once the bats have been excluded from the premises, carrying out preventative measures is of utmost importance to prevent re-entry. This can be done by sealing all possible entry points – cracks, gaps, and holes in the house's structure. More specifically, one can use a variety of materials like caulk, weather-stripping, or high-density foam, depending on the size and location of the gaps. A continuous effort in home improvement and maintenance will prevent future bat invasions.

Professional Help

If the bat infestation is severe or the homeowner is uncomfortable performing the exclusion and sealing on their own, professional pest control services can be contracted. They are trained and licensed to handle such issues, potentially making the process more efficient and effective. It is important to choose a reputable provider, well-versed in humane bat handling practices, to ensure that the entire procedure is conducted ethically while also ensuring the safety and health of the homeowners.

Maintaining a Bat-free Home

Deterrents and Repellents

Various deterrents and repellents can dissuade bats from occupying your property. Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sound waves that bats find irritating and can be installed around potential entry points. Natural aromatics, such as peppermint oil, can also cause discomfort to bats and deter them from staying. Note, these are not instant solutions and have mixed results, The best strategy is to use these deterrents in conjunction with more comprehensive methods like exclusion and sealing entry points.

Regular Maintenance and Checks

Ensuring that your home stays bat-free involves regular inspection and maintenance. Areas of the house that are not frequently used, such as the attic or the basement, should be regularly checked for signs of bat activity. Regularly scheduled maintenance work such as sealing gaps, maintaining screens over windows, vent, and chimneys, and dealing with potential bat attractants such as insect nests can go a long way in preventing future infestations.

Planting Bat-friendly Gardens

While the aim is to keep bats out of your house, they still offer important ecological benefits like insect control. To capitalize on these benefits without inviting them into your home, you could consider creating a bat-friendly garden. This means providing food and shelter in the form of a bat house and native, night-blooming plants that attract insects for bats to feed on. Being proactive in offering an alternative habitat for bats can significantly reduce the chances of them seeking refuge in your home.