How to Get Rid of Bats in Attic

Are there bats in your attic?

Here’s how to get rid of them.

Have you heard scratching, squeaking, or fluttering in your attic? It could be bats. It is not uncommon in Ann Arbor to hear these flying mammals hiding in your attic during the night.

How do you know if you have bats in your attic?

In order to get bats out of your attic, you first need to determine if it’s really bats you’re dealing with, or another critter. The signs of bat activity are similar to other rodents, so the easiest way to know is by physically seeing them. Bats will nest indoors in areas that are dark, undisturbed, and have easy access to the outdoors at night. If you don’t visually see a bat, here are some other signs you may notice.

Signs you may have a bat in your attic:

You see:

Piles of droppings in one corner of your attic or near an entry point
Droppings on the attic insulation
Stains on attic walls

You smell:

A strong smell of ammonia, which is caused by excrement

You hear:

Squeaking or chirping
Scratching
Fluttering

Here is more information about the types of bats found in Ann Arbor and Michigan.

How did bats get into my attic? Bat entry point

Bats often find shelter in Ann Arbor homes during winter to escape the cold weather or to give birth to their young. Bats are able to easily enter attics through small openings or narrow gaps high on your house. They may also enter under loose-fitting doors, around windows and through gaps around conduits and utility vents. Bats only need an entry hole the size of a dime. Bats prefer attics over closets or living rooms because it is similar to their native shelter (trees, caves, and crevices).

I have bats, how do I get them out?

Leave it to the professionals.

Bat removal can be a dangerous task to take on by yourself. You can put yourself at risk of getting bit and infecting yourself with rabies. You could also injure yourself or the bats. Many of the bats found in Ann Arbor are on the threatened or endangered list and are protected when removing them from your property.

It’s best if you leave it to our highly experienced technicians that know the laws of dealing with bat problems. Our technicians are trained specifically for bat removal and are ready to help you. Call Critter Control of Ann Arbor today at 734.333.7349.

How do I keep them from coming back?

Now that we have safely and successfully removed the bats from your attic, it is important that you put measures into place to keep them from coming back. Bats are creatures of habit and will keep returning to the same spot year after year if measures aren’t put in place to keep them out.

Seal up any holes

The easiest way to prevent bats from returning is to seal up the holes they entered from. Remember that bats can get through holes the size of a dime, so be diligent when sealing up holes.

Clean up any mess

While wearing protective gear (gloves, masks, easy to clean clothes) collect any loose droppings or debris and dispose of them. Disinfect the area and dispose of any contaminated insulation or damaged wood.

Keep your house clean and cleared

Get rid of unnecessary items and clutter in your attic. This will discourage bats from viewing your clutter as nesting potential or protection from the elements.