How to Keep Bats Out of the Garage

While bats may be great to have around because they eat insects, most people do not want them living in their garage. Not only are their droppings messy, but bats can be aggressive when startled and may bite. Whether you already have bats in your garage that you would like to evict or you just want to avoid the problem all together, some simple prevention will not only clear out your garage but help you eliminate the problem permanently.

Things You'll Need

• Screen
• Hammer
• Nails
• Wood
• Garage door sealer
• Adhesive

Instructions

1. Observe your garage carefully for several nights. Bats tend to fly out of their sleeping quarters at dusk, so keep an eye on your garage for several nights to determine where -- if anywhere -- the bats are exiting the garage. Remember that the holes could be very small. Some bats can fit through openings the size of your thumb.

2. Block all exits but one. Nail the pieces of wood over every hole you find. Of course, if you prefer, you can seal the holes with more aesthetically pleasing media, but the important thing is to make sure they are sealed. Leave one opening available to the bats or you run the risk of trapping them in the garage permanently and creating a much more serious problem.

3. Install a garage door seal. Most garage doors do not fit flush against the walls that they are mounted to. You likely have fairly large, triangular holes near the top of the door or spaces at the bottom. Garage door seals are usually made of foam rubber and can be purchased or cut to fit your specific needs. They can be mounted to the wall with adhesive to fill the gaps created by your garage door. They not only will keep bats out of the garage, they will also help you save on energy costs.

4. Nail screen mesh over the last hole, but leave the bottom open so the bats can push their way out. This will make exit easy, but re-entry much harder. This alone may convince your unwelcome guests to give up on your garage. If you do not already have bats in the garage, then the screen will certainly prevent any new residents from moving in. You should leave the screen loose for several days.

5. Nail the screen down. Do so after nightfall to ensure that any straggling bats have left for the night. Now, the bats cannot get back in and you can be certain that the garage is empty.

Tips & Warnings

• Bats are wild animals, and their bites can easily become infected. If you are bitten by a bat call a physician immediately.

References

• Bat Problems
• Install a Garage Door Seal