Exclusion Can Prevent Bat Problems

In the fall of 2019, a high school in Belleview, Florida, was hit with a very unusual pest type: bats. Seen hanging from the tops of several different buildings on Belleview High School, the infestation left a nasty trail of droppings and urine that created an atrocious odor and left the school with thousands of dollars’ worth of damage. The school district ended up paying nearly $50,000 to remove them from their schools and prevent future intrusions. Unfortunately, this type of problem isn't terribly uncommon. Annually, thousands of homes and commercial structures pay for removal services, with the cost fluctuating from between $400 for a single bat to over $10,000 for a colony.

The problem with bats getting inside your home isn't just that they are dirty; it's that the acidity in droppings can soak sheetrock, ruin insulation, and possibly cause an entire structure to collapse in on itself. They also carry dangerous diseases (such as rabies) and can live more than 20 years old, creating a problem that can last for decades.

As with most pests, the best course of action is to prevent them from getting into your home or business in the first place. At Veteran's Pride Wildlife Control, we offer an exclusion service designed to do just that, and it is a more affordable option than removal, cleanup, sanitizing and repairing the damage.

Why Is It So Important to Prevent An Infestation?

While some homeowners don’t call us until they see an actual bat in their home, there are many reasons why that's a bad idea. For starters, if you see one, we may not be legally allowed to remove them from their nests at that time; in some cases, you may have to wait months. For instance, during the summer months, females raise their young and it's against the law to separate them.

Most insurance companies will not pay for damage to your home resulting from an infestation. They generally cover some damage that was sudden and incidental; bat damage is neither. For this reason, we recommend a yearly inspection done by a trained professional to spot areas that pose a risk and see if they are currently living in your home. Even if you aren't aware of their presence, they could be migrating or even setting up a nest in your attic. Our team is experienced in spotting the signs most people can't and can help remove them for you.

What Is Exclusion

If you call our team at Veteran's Pride Wildlife Control to inquire about prevention, we will utilize a technique called exclusion. This process begins with a thorough inspection of your home to identify possible entry points. Bats only need a hole 3/4" of an inch wide to get in, so one of the best ways to keep them out is to provide an extra layer of caulking, weather-stripping, or screens to the cracks you spot in your home. Once these entry points have been identified, our crew can set up devices that prevent them from returning once they fly out. These include nets, one-way doors, and bat cones. 

We'll also walk through your property with you and point out anything you can do to keep your home from being attractive to them in the first place. Bats love freshwater, so ponds or creeks nearby may be alluring, as are plants that bloom in the nighttime, such as French Marigolds and Crabapples. These plants, while beautiful, can also attract a variety of different bugs, which will, in turn, attract bats. Habitat modification is an important step in deterring them from initially setting up a home. Being aware of their potential food sources can help in making key landscaping decisions. 

One attractive option is bat boxes. These tiny homes have proven to be very effective in helping bats stay out of your home after exclusionary devices are installed. Just as important, they provide a home for bats that is comfortable while still allowing them to flourish in the local ecosystem. These can also be installed as a preventive measure. 

Have A Problem? We Can Help!

Before thinking about trying to do this yourself, they are federally protected animals. Some are endangered and killing one can come with a fine of up to $50,000 and imprisonment. Exclusion is surely a more cost-effective option. At Veteran's Pride Wildlife Control, our mission is to help homeowners be free from pests and other unwanted intruders. We'll work with you to set up proper prevention devices and ensure your home is bat-free year-round. We will also take care of the bug issues that may be attracting them. Call us today to set up a free consultation.