Bats are usually welcome around homes because their sophisticated insect-tracking system helps them find and eliminate bothersome pests. When bats enter and roost in homes, however, they can become a nuisance. While bats are generally harmless to humans, their urine and feces have a strong unsavory odor that attracts insects and other bats into their roosting area. Once you remove bats and their waste from your attic, you must eliminate odors to prevent future bat infestations.
Step 1
Wear a respirator and protective clothing at all times while working around bat wastes. Bat fecal matter contains a fungus called histoplasma capsulatum, which can infect humans with histoplasmosis. This infection may cause inflammation in the skin, bones, joints and/or lining in the heart as well as rashes and flu-like symptoms.
Video of the Day
Step 2
Lightly spray any bat droppings with water. Scoop up bat feces with a dustpan and broom and place it in plastic bags to throw away. Discard the broom after sweeping up the bat droppings.
Step 3
Remove and discard any insulation or fabric contaminated by bat wastes. This will eliminate histoplasma capsulatum spores.
Step 4
Mix a 1:20 solution of bleach to water and transfer it to a spray bottle. The bleach will kill any residual fungus and will also sanitize the area.
Step 5
Spray contaminated surfaces with your bleach and water solution.
Step 6
Spray deodorizing spray or vinegar on the area to cover up any lingering odors. The pheromones in the bat droppings will attract other bats to the area, so it is important to eliminate all odors.
Step 7
Seal any openings in late winter/early spring to prevent bats from entering your home in the future. Use 1/4- inch hardware cloth, sheet metal, plywood, mortar, aluminum flashing or plastic bird netting to seal up any entryways 3/8 of an inch or larger.
Video of the Day