Bats are an essential part of the ecosystem in South Wisconsin, but when they decide to roost in your home, they can cause significant problems. A bat infestation is not only disruptive but also potentially dangerous to your property and your health. At Critter Control of South Wisconsin, we understand how unsettling it can be to find bats in your attic or other areas of your home. In this article, we’ll cover the key things you need to know about bat infestations and how to deal with them effectively.
Why Bats Choose Your Home
Bats are attracted to homes primarily during the colder months when they seek safe, warm places to roost for hibernation. Your attic, chimney, or other dark, quiet areas in your home provide an ideal environment for bats to shelter from the harsh outdoor conditions. These areas offer not only the protection they need from the cold but also easy access to food sources, such as insects, which bats hunt at night. Bats are particularly drawn to homes because of the shelter they provide, allowing them to rest undisturbed. Unfortunately, while they are beneficial for controlling insect populations, their presence in your home can create significant problems, including health risks, structural damage, and unpleasant odors.
Signs of a Bat Infestation
The first step in addressing a bat infestation is recognizing the signs. Bats are small, and their presence can sometimes go unnoticed until the problem becomes more severe. Common signs of a bat infestation include:
- Feces and Urine: Bat droppings, or guano, are often found near entry points or in areas where bats roost. The smell of urine and the sight of small, black droppings are strong indicators of a bat infestation.
- Scratching or Scraping Sounds: Bats are nocturnal and may make scratching or scraping sounds in your walls, attic, or ceilings as they move around or rest.
- Visible Bats: You may see bats flying in or out of your home, especially at dusk or dawn. They are typically active at night and tend to leave and return from their roosting sites during these hours.
- Strong Odors: Bat urine and guano produce strong, musty odors that can be noticeable inside your home, particularly in attic spaces or other areas where bats roost.
The Dangers of Bat Infestations
One of the primary risks of a bat infestation is health-related. Bats can carry diseases such as rabies, which can be transmitted through bites or saliva. Additionally, their droppings can harbor the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which causes histoplasmosis, a potentially serious respiratory illness. Inhaling dust from bat guano or their nests can lead to respiratory problems for both humans and pets.
Beyond health concerns, bat infestations can cause significant damage to your property. The accumulation of bat guano and urine can weaken insulation, drywall, and wood, resulting in costly repairs. The moisture from their urine can also compromise roofing materials, beams, and other structural components of your home. Over time, odor from the bat droppings and urine can permeate the home, making the living space uncomfortable. Furthermore, the presence of bats increases the risk of fire hazards, as they sometimes chew on wires, potentially leading to electrical fires.
How to Handle a Bat Infestation
If you suspect a bat infestation in your home, it’s important to take action immediately. Here are the essential steps to handle the situation safely and effectively:
Do Not Handle Bats Yourself: If you encounter a bat inside your home, avoid handling it directly, as bats can bite or scratch, leading to potential transmission of diseases. Use gloves and protective clothing if you must remove the bat, or better yet, call a professional wildlife control expert.
Identify the Source of Entry: Bats can enter your home through very small openings. Check your roof, vents, chimneys, and exterior walls for cracks or gaps. Seal any holes with materials that bats cannot chew through, such as steel mesh or caulk.
Install Bat Exclusion Devices: If you have bats roosting inside your attic or other spaces, exclusion devices (such as one-way doors) can allow the bats to exit but prevent them from re-entering. It’s important to perform this task when the bats are not actively roosting or hibernating to avoid trapping young bats inside.
Clean Up After the Infestation: After the bats have been safely removed, it's essential to clean up any guano or urine left behind. Wear protective gear when cleaning and disinfecting the area. You may need to replace insulation or other damaged materials to restore the area to a safe and hygienic condition.
Prevent Future Infestations: Once you’ve dealt with the current infestation, take steps to prevent future issues. Seal any cracks and gaps, install chimney caps, and maintain your home to ensure it remains free from rodent or bat entry points.
In Wisconsin, bats are protected under state law. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recognizes that bats are beneficial for farmers and homeowners alike, as they consume large quantities of mosquitoes, moths, and other insects that can be pests. Because many bat species are considered endangered or threatened, it is illegal to harm or disturb bats in their natural roosting sites, including during their breeding and hibernation periods. This protection means that homeowners cannot simply remove or harm bats without following proper procedures.
Why You Should Call Critter Control
At Critter Control of South Wisconsin, we specialize in safely and humanely handling bat infestations. We are familiar with the laws surrounding bat removal and can ensure the safe, humane relocation of bats in compliance with state regulations. We can also help you identify and seal entry points, preventing future infestations while adhering to legal and ethical standards regarding bat conservation. If you suspect that bats have made their way into your home, don't wait until the problem worsens. Contact Critter Control of Souther Wisconsin today!