eliminating ants, flies and other household pests

It's very unsettling to learn there are bats living in your attic. You probably want them out as fast as possible. However, in many places bats are protected, so you can't just start killing them or forcing them outside. Plus, bats carry rabies and spread other diseases, so you don't want to disturb the colony yourself. You'll need to bring in a pest control company with experience in removing wildlife to help you out. Here are some things to know about bat removal.

Removal Is Done During Certain Months

One of the regulations in place concerning bat removal protects baby bats. Babies are most often born in the spring and they are helpless for several months. They won't be able to fly for many weeks. You can't get rid of the mother bats during this time or the babies will slowly die in your attic. For that reason, bat removal is usually done in the fall after the babies are old enough to fly and fend for themselves. Another advantage of removing bats in the fall is that they may decide to migrate to a warmer area then anyway and freely leave your house.

Bat Removal Entails Sealing Out The Pests

The wildlife removal expert you bring in can set up a one-way exit hole in your attic that allows bats to leave in the evening to hunt for food. When the bats return at dawn, they'll find they can't get back inside the device. This method works for bats because bats don't chew their way into structures. Instead, they find open holes and use those. To be effective, all the openings to your attic must be found and the one used by the bats identified.

The one-way exit is placed on the bat tunnel and the other openings are sealed so they don't find an alternate way inside. This method complies with regulations concerning the humane treatment of bats because the bats aren't hurt. They're just forced to move elsewhere. The one-way exit is left in place for a few days to ensure all the bats have gone. Then it will be removed and the opening in the attic or roof is sealed.

The Cleanup Is The Hardest Job

Bats can live in your attic and never bother you or chew on anything to harm it. The main problem with bats is their droppings. Bats tend to gather in large numbers and that means there will be a huge amount of bat droppings in your attic, especially if you have to wait months until you're allowed to remove the bats. The droppings are considered hazardous material and you should stay away from them unless you wear protective gear. The mess can not only harm humans and pets, it can also damage the wood in your attic, so it needs to be removed. Your attic will need to be cleaned out and disinfected by a professional service. It may even need some restoration work done.

Bats are unlike any other pests that are likely to invade your home. Their colonies are often huge and yet you may be prohibited by law from eradicating them. You could have to live with your unwanted house guests for months and worry about the unsanitary conditions in your attic. The best approach is to leave the bats alone so you don't excite them and expose yourself to bites and infections. Call in an expert as soon as you suspect you have bats so the proper removal methods and cleanup can begin as soon as possible.