Sharing a business space with bats can lead to problems like unpleasant smells, property damage, and health issues, which can be a serious concern for employees and customers. However, bats are also beneficial creatures as they naturally prey on pests, and laws often protect them. That's why hiring a bat removal professional is always the best option to ensure bats are safely and humanely removed.
Do you have a bat infestation?
Bats are helpful creatures, but having them roost in your business can be a major nuisance. Bats will seek shelter during the day in attics, wall spaces, behind chimneys, and even under eaves. They typically become more active in the spring and summer, but they may be active year‐round in warmer climates like Florida. Some bat species hibernate in the winter, while others migrate to warmer areas. There are some signs that you may have a bat infestation, such as:
- Droppings around potential entry points
- Seeing bats flying in or near your business
- Strong musky odors
- Scratching noises
If you suspect a bat infestation, don't try to remove them yourself. Call a bat removal professional to safely and humanely evict the bats.
Identifying common types of bats in the U.S.
It's essential to identify common types of bats to plan the most effective bat removal method, as each species may have different roosting behaviors and preferences. Here are the most common types of bats found in the U.S.:
- Big brown bat: The big brown bat can be found in various habitats, including urban areas. It is a medium‐sized bat with a wingspan of up to 13 inches, brown fur, and large ears. They prefer to roost in buildings, such as attics and barns.
- Little brown bat: The little brown bat has a wingspan of up to 11 inches. They are small, weighing only about 1/4 to 1/2 an ounce, and have dark brown fur. Little brown bats prefer to roost in dark, secluded spaces, such as caves, attics, and tree hollows.
- Mexican free‐tailed bat: The Mexican free‐tailed bat is a medium‐sized bat with a wingspan of up to 12 inches. They have long, narrow wings and distinctive tail structures used for flight. They are typically found in the southern United States and Mexico and prefer to roost in large colonies in caves, buildings, and other structures.
How bats can go from a nuisance to a danger
Bats can pose certain dangers to humans. While most bats do not carry rabies, some do, and bites from infected bats can transmit the virus to humans. Bats can also carry other diseases like histoplasmosis, which is caused by inhaling spores found in their droppings. Bat droppings, or guano, can accumulate and create a foul odor and unsanitary conditions, potentially leading to respiratory problems for people who breathe in the contaminated air. While bats are important for the ecosystem, they can quickly become a nuisance and pose health risks when roosting in homes or businesses.
How Terminix controls bats
At Terminix, we have years of experience in bat removal and offer humane solutions to control bat infestations. Our technicians follow a four-step process that ensures that bats are safely and humanely removed from your business. Here's how it works:
Inspection & identification
Our team will inspect your business to identify signs of bat infestation and potential entry points.
Eviction & exclusion
Based on your technician's findings, they will safely and humanely evict the bats from your business and use exclusion techniques to close potential entry points.
Clean-up
If required, your technician will clean up the area where the bats were roosting and get rid of any left-behind guano.
Annual monitoring monitoring
We also offer optional annual monitoring services to ensure that your business remains protected from bats.
The importance of exclusion for bat control
Exclusion is an important method for preventing future bat infestations. Exclusion involves closing off any potential entry points that bats could use to access your business. It's a long‐term solution that can save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs and health hazards associated with bat infestations.
Legal considerations
Bats are protected by law in many states, and it is illegal to kill them. Seasonal restrictions can also limit the time of year for removing bats to help protect them during their breeding season. Bat removal must be done humanely and safely, following strict guidelines that vary depending on the species and location.
At Terminix, we recognize and abide by these laws and regulations. Our wildlife removal technicians have the necessary training and expertise to identify the species of bats on your property and determine the appropriate course of action.
Leave it to the professionals
Hiring a bat control professional is the best option for bat removal for several reasons. Wildlife removal professionals have the necessary training, equipment, and expertise to remove bats from your business without harming them. They offer long‐term value and can save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs and health hazards associated with bat infestations. Contact us today to learn more about our bat removal and control services.