As the weather cools down and daylight hours get shorter, bats begin searching for warm, safe places to roost. Unfortunately, your attic, chimney, or crawlspace might look like the perfect spot to them. While bats play an important role in our ecosystem by controlling insect populations, you don’t want them setting up residence in your home.
At K.P. Wildlife, we specialize in humane wildlife removal and prevention. This fall, here’s what you need to know about bat-proofing your home to keep these creatures where they belong—outdoors.
Why Bat-Proofing Matters
Bats themselves are not aggressive, but having them in your home can cause serious issues:
- Health risks: Bat droppings (guano) can spread histoplasmosis, a lung infection caused by fungal spores.
- Property damage: Guano and urine can stain insulation, drywall, and wood, leaving behind strong odors.
- Structural issues: Over time, bat colonies can weaken insulation and damage building materials.
- Noise and stress: The scratching or fluttering sounds of bats in the attic can disrupt your peace of mind.
Bat-proofing your home helps protect your health, property, and comfort.
Step 1: Identify Potential Entry Points
Bats can squeeze through gaps as small as 3/8 of an inch. This means even tiny cracks around your roofline, vents, or siding can become entryways. Common access points include:
- Gaps under roof eaves
- Open chimneys or attic vents
- Loose siding or shingles
- Cracks near windows or doors
Conducting a thorough inspection around your home’s exterior is the first step in preventing an infestation.
Step 2: Seal Entry Points—At the Right Time
The best way to bat-proof your home is to seal potential entry points, but timing is key. Never seal up openings while bats are still inside your home. Doing so could trap them indoors, leading to bigger problems.
The proper method involves:
- Installing one-way exclusion devices that allow bats to exit but not re-enter.
- Waiting until all bats have safely left.
- Sealing the openings permanently with caulk, mesh, or other durable materials.
This ensures humane removal while preventing future access.
Step 3: Secure Chimneys and Vents
Chimneys, attic vents, and roof vents are some of the most common bat entry points. Adding screened covers or caps keeps bats, birds, and other wildlife from sneaking inside while still allowing airflow.
Step 4: Maintain Your Home’s Exterior
Regular maintenance goes a long way in keeping wildlife out. Check for loose roof tiles, cracked siding, or worn weatherstripping, especially as fall storms roll in. Small fixes now can prevent big headaches later.
Step 5: Call in the Professionals
Bat-proofing isn’t a DIY job for most homeowners. Because bats are a protected species, there are specific rules around how and when they can be excluded. At K.P. Wildlife, we use safe, humane, and effective exclusion techniques to remove bats and seal your home against future infestations.
We’ll conduct a full inspection, identify every potential entry point, and design a customized plan to protect your home this fall—and beyond.
Keep Your Home Safe This Season
Bats are beneficial creatures in nature, but they don’t belong in your home. By being proactive this fall, you can keep them outside where they belong and ensure your family’s safety and comfort.
Contact K.P. Wildlife today to schedule a professional inspection and learn how we can help bat-proof your home this season.
