How to Get Rid of Bats In Your Attic Quickly and Safely

While bats may seem like fun, spooky creatures that only come out on Halloween, in reality, they are a common household pest. Many homeowners will discover they have a bat in their attic at some point and it’s important to know the steps to get the bat out of your house safely. 

Read on to learn how to get rid of bats in your attic based on the advice of pest control experts.

How to Get Rid of Bats in Your Attic 

The best thing to do is call a pest control company if you think bats are living in your attic. Unlike other pests, there are species of bats that are protected under the Endangered Species Act.

It’s a federal violation to use chemicals including insecticides, rodenticides, disinfectants, and mothballs to kill bats. Most states have restrictions on when and how bats can be removed. 

Call a pest expert immediately if you suspect bats are in your home. They’ll be able to eradicate the issue quickly and correctly according to your state and federal laws. 

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Signs of A Bat Infestation in Your Attic

Bat Droppings

The biggest sign of bats in the attic are the droppings, or guano, you might find around your home.

“Bat droppings are often found along the exterior of your home near potential entry points,” Richard Christner, co-owner of Whitmore Pest Control, says. “You might also notice staining on the siding.” 

Bat droppings are small black pellets or cylinders that are about the size of a grain of rice. They can look slightly sparkly and leave a dust-like texture when crumbled. 

Seeing Live or Dead Bats

If you see dead bats around your property or notice bats flying around your home at sunset or in the early morning, it’s a good sign you have bats in your attic.

Bats are nocturnal creatures, so keep an eye out at dawn and dusk to see if any bats seem to be coming and going from your home.

Squeaking and Scratching Noises

Eason says strange noises are a strong indicator bats are in your home.

“If you hear scratching, flapping, or squeaking sounds, especially at dusk or dawn, that’s a big red flag,” Jerry Eason, owner of Diamond Exterminators, says.

Bats communicate with one another by making high-pitched squeaking sounds. Likewise, if you hear scratching sounds coming from your attic during the night, that could mean bats are in there. 

Ammonia Smell

A strong ammonia smell is another tell-tale sign of bats in your home. Guano produces a strong, unpleasant odor that’s similar to ammonia.

Check your attic if you notice the smell in your house to see if other signs of bats are present.  

Brown and Black Stains Around Entry Points

Eason says brown and black stains around your home—especially on walls and ceilings—are another sign bats are making their residence in your attic, due to discoloration in their urine.

If you suspect bats are inside your home, check near your deck, porch, windowsills, attic, and siding for these stains.

What Not to Do When There Are Bats in Your Attic

While it’s tempting to take care of the problem on your own, it’s best to leave this job to the experts. Avoid trying any extermination methods to get rid of bats in your attic since it’s against the law to harm them.

Instead, call your local pest control company right away. A pro will remove the bat from your home and release it back into the wild.

What to Do to Keep Bats Away

• Use bat cones: These plastic tubes are installed at openings around your attic and allow bats to exit if they are inside your attic but prevent them from re-entry.
• Seal entry points: Christner says this is the most effective solution to prevent bats from re-entering your home. Identify and repair all potential entry points, such as gaps and cracks even as small as a quarter inch since bats can squeeze through very small openings.
• Add lighting: Bats prefer the dark, and bright lights will deter them from your home. Install motion-activated lights near your roof so the lights turn on once bats and other critters come near.
• Install barriers: Barriers, such as wire mesh or plexiglass sheets, can be used to block potential areas where bats might seek refuge under your roof. “These barriers are a superior alternative to smell-based deterrents because they offer consistent protection in both the short and long term,” Christner says.