How to Get Rid of Bats in My Walls
Though bats are a subject of fear for many people, it is mostly unwarranted. Bats can carry diseases, but the chance of having something passed on to you by an infected bat without being directly bitten or scratched is extremely low. Bats are natural pest controllers who feed nightly on mosquitoes, flies, and moths, so they're actually beneficial to have around. However, bats living inside your home or roosting within your walls isn't pleasant or restful. Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take to get rid of them.
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Things You'll Need
- Repair materials
- Repellent spray
- Fiberglass insulation
- Pest removal agency
Instructions
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Look for openings on the outside of your house. Bats usually find their way into a house through cracks under the eaves of a roof or through openings in the siding. They can also enter through chimneys or air conditioner vents. According to Critter Control, smooth, oil-darkened rub marks indicate where bats have been entering and exiting.
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Repair or plug up any holes or cracks with bricks, wood, or cement. Do this at night to be certain there are no bats inside your walls at the time so you're not trapping them inside.
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GetRidofThings.com recommends spraying an animal repellent around where you think bats are entering and exiting, like underneath the eaves of your roof or siding. A repellent found in hardware or pet stores for cats and dogs will do. If you can find them, spray along cracks or other openings to reach the inside of the wall. Bats dislike the repellent and will avoid roosting in areas that have been sprayed.
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Push fiberglass insulation into walls, under roofs and floors, and in attic corners to deter or discourage bats. There's no need to do a complete overhaul in home insulation, but a layer will do a lot to keep bats away. Direct exposure to fiberglass irritates bats as much as it does humans.
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Contact a professional pest removal agency. If bats are inside your walls and you can't find an entrance or exit, the only way to be sure you'll get rid of them is through a professional.
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Tips & Warnings
Bats follow air currents when flying, so if one gets stuck in a room of your house, confine it, open all the windows, and dim or turn off lights (too much light confuses them).
Bats that look disoriented or weak might be carrying a disease. Use thick gloves (leather is best) and a mask when attempting to catch one and contact your local wildlife agency immediately.
