Bats have long been known to be beneficial because they eat insects. However, they can be- come a pest when they move into attics, barns and soffit areas of our homes. This article will detail different problems bats create when they roost in or on our buildings and then we will explain the methods of control available to stop these problems.
BAT FACTS
There are many species of bats throughout the world. In fact, bats comprise the largest segment of mammals in the world. It is estimated that over 25% of the worlds mammals are bats. As man infringes upon their natural habitat’s, bats get displaced and sometimes move into our homes and other buildings.
BAT PROBLEMS
The most common entry point for bats in the home is through the gable or attic vents which can be found on most houses. This vent allows hot air to exit the attic and most attics have these vents on either side of the home. Initially, bats will hang from the screening which is behind the louvers.
ROOSTING BATS
The screening provides a secure hanging place and the louvers offer shelter. Over time, the screening will break down and bats will quickly move inside where roost sights abound. Once inside, the bats will hang from the rafters and ceiling boards. Their droppings will begin to accumulate posing a health hazard and making a mess. These droppings have been found to contain many contaminants and should not be allowed to accumulate in the home. Bat guano and urine has a strong pungent odor as well and will creep into the living area in a short period of time. Many times their droppings and urine fall into a remote wall space and can remain undetected. Other times it quickly stains ceilings in living areas giving the residents tell tale evidence that something needs to be done.
HOW TO CLEAN BAT DROPPINGS
If you every find a buildup of guano in your home be sure to act immediately and remove it. There are all types of microorganisms which can flourish in their fecal matter – histoplasmosis being one of better known – which could present a hazard to residents. For this reason alone you should act to keep them out and then to have all excrement removed. For most dropping removal you should wear a RESPIRATOR. Be sure to use one with good filters and charcoal. This will help filter out any noxious gas associated with cleanup. Be sure to wear some old clothes you can preferably throw away but if you intend on keeping and cleaning them, be sure to wash them alone to prevent cross contamination. Once all droppings have been bagged in some type of strong plastic Hefty bag you can go start cleanup. Do this with a product called ROUGH’N READY which is a strong disinfectant. It will kill off all virus and bacteria as well as remove some of the smell. However, if the smell persists one week after cleanup, you will have to apply some NNZ. This material is unique in the breakdown of organic compounds which create the odor. By attacking the source of the odor they are able to prevent it from coming back. Apply the NNZ with a standard PUMP SPRAYER or simply a bucket and sponge. We have some sprayers featured below which will serve you well for doing this job. Be thorough and complete with your efforts if you want to remove the odor altogether. The use of a BLACK LIGHT can really aid in helping to identify just where you need to treat since it will reflect clearly all locations which are contaminated. If the Guano has fallen down into wall voids, the use of a FOAMING TOOL may be needed. This device turns the solution into a foam much like shaving cream. You will need some FOAMING AGENT added as well. When treating wall voids, regular liquid has a tendency to run straight down and miss key parts of where the odor is active. The use of Foam for such applications insures you get good distribution and coverage. By filling the void with the foam you will hit all areas where the odor is living so it can be neutralized completely. Now that you have cleaned up the mess they have made it is just as important to exclude them from the home.
Respirator: http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/safety/wilson-freedom-respirator
Rough’n Ready: http://www.bugspraycart.com/sanitizer/liquid/rough-and-ready
NNz: http://www.bugspraycart.com/sanitizer/liquid/nnz-64-oz
Pump Sprayer: http://www.bugspraycart.com/good/pump-sprayers
Black Light: http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/detectors/black-light-deluxe
Foaming Tool: http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/foamers/solo-2-gal-foamer
Foaming Agent: http://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/liquid/foaming-agent
BAT CONTROL PRODUCTS
There are many products available which will force bats to find another place to live. Although we advocate the conservation of bats, we also understand the problems they present. It is not acceptable to share your home with bats given the mess and health risks associated with their droppings. However, keeping bats out can be accomplished without hurting them. The following products are easy to use and provide options of control methods depending on where the bats are a problem, how hard it is to reach these sights and whether the bats are inside or outside.
BAT SCREENING
If bats are entering the structure through the attic gable vent, soffit vents, cracks or other small entrances, use BAT SCREENING to cover them up. This screening is easy to bend, cut, adhere and it is UV protected so it will last a long time. Use it to screen over gable vents, soffit gaps, seams around facia boards or other entry points created by normal construction gaps and tolerances. Simply staple it to the home. It can be cut with scissors and has been treated to take direct sunlight without breaking down. It will keep bats from entering and can be applied from inside the home as well as on the outside. Use it inside or outside, depending on how easy it is to access such points. If bats are currently living in the areas you want to protect, you will need to do this work after they leave. This is usually at night. Make sure you don’t trap any inside. If you can’t apply it at night and want to be sure that all are out before you seal them in, then attach the screening from the top and sides but leave the bottom loose. The screening will now act as a one way valve as bats will be able to leave but not get back in. They are not the best flyers so they can’t navigate up and under the hanging screen. Although they have strong teeth, they will not use them for chewing through material like the screening. Furthermore, this Screening is rigid and tough. It’s designed to keep it’s shape and to endure some abuse. This insures it won’t break down even if they do come back and land on it over and over attempting to get inside.
Screening: http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/netting/screening-48-x-12
BAT NETTING
If the Screening is too rigid for the area you need to protect, the BAT NETTING might be better suited for the job. This product is not as strong as the screening. However, it is quite flexible and supple allowing you to install it many different ways. Like the screening, it can be installed over siding by just stapling the top above the entrance areas and letting it hang down. The big advantage of the netting is that one can custom fit it to whatever it is you are trying to protect. Since the netting will bend and shape – much like wrapping paper – you can mold it around corners, soffits, gutters and any odd part of the structure which may be allowing bats to enter. The other advantage of the Netting is that it’s not as visible as the Screening. However, the big drawback is that it’s not nearly as strong. Since it’s thinner and frail compared to the Screening, Netting will break down a lot faster and installations are not permanent or as long lasting. Expect to get 6 months to a year from any section installed; doubling or tripling up on the layers installed will help to lengthen this time. Using it this way is definitely suggested when making placements over hard to reach or high areas. One other way to use Netting is to stretch it out over wide spaces of air through which bats are flying and either scaring people or making a mess. Though bats aren’t intending to be a nuisance, they can become one when they establish flight paths under car ports, above patios or over pools. Since bats are very much creatures of habit, once they get these flight paths established, they will use them over and over again. If you have some bats flying around your pool, stretch out some netting on the sides where they are approaching. It’s easy to pull up the Netting with NETTING CLIPS. These special clips attach to the Netting and are slotted to fit cables. Using a couple of hooks and/or pulleys, its easy to configure some Netting which can be put in place quickly or taken down just as fast. Such installations are perfect for creating a “no fly zone”. Bats will detect it’s existence and learn to fly elsewhere. This configuration is excellent when problem bats are flying over pools or other areas in the yard where they are not wanted.
Netting: http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/netting/net-7-x-20-x-34-reg
Netting Clips: http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/netting/net-clip-1-each
BAT REPELLENT GEL
If you have direct access to the entry point, there are other products to use if the screening would be too hard to apply or just unsightly. 4-THE-BIRDS GEL is a product which comes in calking tubes and applied with a calking gun. It is more commonly used on ledges, tree limbs and other roost sights of nuisance birds. The gel is thick and sticky. It adheres well to any surface and lasts a long time. When the bats land on it they will not like the feel of it and quickly leave. This product has been used on louvers of gable vents as well as holes where bats are entering. If you are unable to reach these entry points, 4-THE-BIRDS LIQUID is the same material but in a liquid form. You apply it with a PUMP SPRAYER and can treat hard to reach entrance ways. This product will not hurt the bats as it is not a poison. It simply provides a surface bats will avoid.
4-The-Birds-Gel: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/gel/4-the-birds-gel
4-The-Birds Liquid: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/liquid/4-the-birds
Eliminator: http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/sprayers/eliminator-gallon-sprayer
KEEP BATS OUT BY SEALING ENTRY WAYS
Of course, you can always attempt sealing up as many access points as possible which should lead to 100% elimination. Log homes, older homes which have experienced a lot of settling and designs that have a lot of gaps tend to be structures which offer a lot of entry points for roosting bats. Such structures can be made “bat proof”. This process involves the use of either expanding foam or expanding foam with repellent. Since bats will continue to return to homes they identify as good roost sites, any attempts to seal them out must be done with patience and persistence. It can be done but don’t expect success with the first try. Most jobs will involve one big application followed by 2-3 small spot jobs to finish the job. And the best material for the job is a professional line of products called PUR FOAM SEALENT. These cans are self charged and good for small jobs. If you have a lot of work to do, it would be wise to invest in one of the professional FOAM GUNS and maybe even the 24″ FOAM GUN. These tools will enable you to apply the sealent quickly and precisely without much waste or missed applications. In other words, they will more then pay for themselves. You’ll need the FOAM CANNISTERS for these guns, which easily fit on either applicator, and cover a much larger area then the smaller cans. The better foam for keeping bats out is the FOAM WITH REPELLENT. This cannister comes with expanding foam but includes a strong repellent which insects and animals do not like. It may be just what you need to make sure your bats and other undesirable home invaders aren’t able to find their way inside quite as easily as they have in the past. Be sure to keep your guns clean by using some FOAM GUN CLEANER. This will help keep the gun functioning and ready to go to work when next needed. Bat exclusion will work but if you attempt such work, use the right materials. This line of foam – especially the foam with repellent – will keep bats away once and for all.
Pur Black: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/aerosol/pur-black
Pur Gun: http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/tools/pur-shooter-basic-gun
Pur Gun 24: http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/tools/pur-pageris-24-pro-gun
Foam Repellent: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/aerosol/pur-ipf-foam
Pur Gun Cleaner: http://www.bugspraycart.com/sanitizer/aerosol/pur-cleaner
USE A BAT DETECTOR TO LOCATE ENTRY POINTS
If you are not able to determine the route of entry your bats are using to access your home, you may need to use a BAT DETECTOR. This tool is great for identifying routes of entry/exit through which bats travel. It works by “listening” to the sonar bats use to move about. It has a tiny transducer which is able to receive their signal for up to 200 feet away. The best way to use it is to turn it on while on any one side of your home, preferably around dusk, and listen. The Detector will convert bat sonar to an audible sound and then play the sound on it’s built in speaker. Expect to hear a series of clicks starting slow as bats emerge. These clicks will vary as activity changes. When flying, the clicks will be fairly static and flat but as insects are identified, the clicking will increase up to the point of when the target it consumed. At that point the clicking will stop. This same sequence will occur as bats find other bats and communicate. Since most bats emerging from structures are part of a colony, there will be communication and hence, a lot of clicking. The Bat Detector can be used to find bats as they fly. Since bats rely on their sonar to locate food, communicate amongst themselves and to simply navigate the night skies, if you keep the Detector on pointed at likely flight ways you will hear bats as they fly around. This is a common hobby among bat enthusiasts who are interested in following nighttime fly ways of local populations. The Detector can also be used while in the attic. By pointing it in different directions you will be able to identify which side of the attic is being used for nesting and roosting.
Bat Detector: http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/detectors/bat-sonar-detector
BAT CONTROL REPELLENT
BAT SCAT is a granule which can be spread in the attic or anywhere they are roosting. It releases an odor bats do not like. It is weather resistant and will last about three months per application. Bats do not like it’s smell and will leave treated areas. However, this smell may make it’s way into the home. If you want to use it in the attic, we suggest using a small amount of it to see if it will filter into the living area. This will let you know if it will be a problem getting into the house. Another option is to use some of our GRANULE GUARDS. These are plastic holding containers which are generally used outside to protect liquids or granules from the sun and rain. However, they work well for Bat Scat applications. Add 1/2 lb of Bat Scat per Guard and place them out in areas where the bats have been active. The Guard will allow the odor to permeate as if it were applied loosely but the advantage of applying it this way is that you can easily remove Guards in case the smell gets too strong. Another advantage of using it this way is that you can hang the guards from the rafters allowing you to get the material that much closer to where bats are roosting. You can also use them to chase bats away from gable vents by placing Bat Scat in a Granule Guard and hanging it up inside the attic. This enables you to place it right where the bats are roosting so it will be most effective.
Bat Away: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/granules/bat-away
Granule Guard: http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/stations/granule-liquid-guard
ULTRASOUND BAT REPELLER
Another option you may employ is the use of Ultrasound. This is the use of a high pitched frequency of sound, generally only detectable by animals, which mimics the distress sound of an animal. Ultrasound has been found to work well at repelling birds, rats, mice and bats. The sounds emitted are that of an animal in distress which in turn alarms the nesting or roosting colony. The theory is that the colony should then become wary of the nest sight and move out. However, this doesn’t always work so well in the real world. There are many factors for which prevent them from working well. First, ultrasound has no penetrating capabilities. If the attic is not wide open, the sound will only travel where it can. Protected zones become safe hideaways which existing populations will readily use. Secondly, ultrasound can only reach about 25 feet away from transducers effectively. Though the sound can reach further, it really only has an effective range of 25-30 feet. Once animals are more than 30 feet away they will acknowledge the distress sound but will not generally move away. This effective zone is greatly diminished when the transducers trying to project the sound are made from paper. In order for ultrasound to be most effective, transducers should be constructed of ceramic. This substrate is best suited for the transmission of sound with high frequency. Many of the units being marketed today have paper speakers used to transmit the sound which in turn decrease the effective range even further. You won’t be able to get more than 10 feet of coverage when speakers made of paper are being used. Thirdly, animals which colonize, like bats, are less likely to move away from areas where ultrasound is being used. This is because the area is a known sight for young animals which emit distress sounds all the time. Adult bats expect to hear these sounds. Installing such a device will not work well at chasing existing bats away. However, they do work well when installed either before bats move into a location or when just after they leave for winter. Bats are migratory installing a unit after they leave will insure they won’t use it again. If they do return the following year they will find the sound distressing and simply move on. If you have been having an ongoing problem with bats in a structure such as a home, church or other building where they return year after year, consider installing a unit like our ULTRASOUND QB4. This is a commercial unit which has four transducers insuring complete coverage for an area up to 2500 sq/ft. Just follow our guidelines for proper placement and be sure to keep it inside and you will be able to use one effectively. If you have a small area to protect, consider one of our smaller ULTRA SOUND TRANSONIC units which are more for the average home. These units will “run” non stop and can be placed in sheltered areas where bats are roosting like attics and ceiling spaces. For outside placement, get the YARD GARD.
Transonic: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-transonic-tx-pro
Yard Guard: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-acbatt-yard-gard-49
QB4: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-qb4-bb
BAT HOUSES
If you are like many homeowners who have a bat invasion but have lived with it too long be- cause you knew the bats were keeping the mosquito population down, there is a way to get the bats out but also to keep them. First identify where the bats are coming in and out of the home. Next, install the bat screening we talked about above using it as a one way valve. At the same time, install a BAT HOUSE alongside this entry point. The bats will have no place to roost so they will utilize whatever roost sight they can find. In some cases, placing some of their guano on the house landing pad will enable them to find it quicker. Once they move into their new home, you can relocate it where you want. Try to keep it where it will have a similar temperature and sun exposure as it did when it was hanging on your home. In general, the less the change when relocating the bat house increases the odds that the bats will stay.
Bat Houses: http://www.bugspraycart.com/yard/houses/bat-house-cedar-small-18-x-7-x-6
CONTACT US
Give us a call if you need further help. Our toll free is 1-800-877-7290 and we’re open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. On Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and on Saturday, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time).
Email questions here: http://www.bugspray.com/about-us/contact-us
Order online and get a 5% discount! We ship fast with 99.9% of all orders shipping within 1 business day!!
Print 
PDF
Comments on BAT CONTROL
SUSAN FEDORCHAK @ 1:42 pm
I HAVE AN AREA WITH CEDAR AND STUCKO AND A BAT THAT HAS ESTABLISHED RESIDENCY THERE. UNFORTUNATELY IT IS ABOVE THE DECK AREA. WHAT WOULD BE BEST?
Tech Support @ 3:21 pm
I’d go with either the 4-The-Birds Gel or an Ultra Sound device. If the area where the bat is roosting is a small limited area, a gel treatment would be easy and effective. Just understand that you’ll have to get as much of the area as he might want to use so if it’s possible for him to avoid the gel and still be safe and comfortable, he’ll do just that and this won’t work. Basically you’ll just push him around and he’ll figure out how to avoid it. But if it’s a small ledge he’s using, you might be able to cover it all and force him to leave.
4-The-Birds-Gel: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/gel/4-the-birds-gel
Alternatively, an Ultra Sound device that runs all the time could be set up and pointed to this area. Hooking the unit up to a switch controlled outlet will let you turn it off and on as you want so this way you can shut it down when you want to go outside around the unit. Alternatively, if no one is out there, you can turn it on with a flick of a switch or by plugging it in. If the unit can be protected from the rain, you can go with this unit:
Transonic: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-transonic-tx-pro
If the area is out in the open and the unit will be subject to rain and moisture, go with the water proof unit:
Yard Guard: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-acbatt-yard-gard-49
Diane Richard @ 2:21 am
Hi..we live in our 5th wheel camper for my hubby’s work..we thought we had mice in the walls and roof..but after hearing them flutter about..we have determined its bats,…I hear nothing all day..but come dusk…theres a party going on..please help…Diane
Tech Support @ 8:26 am
Since the 5th wheel is usually a small structure with a limited amount of access points on top, I believe you could easily “exclude” the bats from having access. In most cases where bats are using such spaces to live, they’ll migrate inside the space around dawn and spend the day inside shielded from the sunshine. As night arrives, they’ll migrate out into the darkness. My guess is the “party” you hear every evening is them leaving.
To get control of the problem, you should position yourself outside the 5th wheel in the evening, at a vantage point where you can see the entire top, and watch to see just where they are exiting. This will reveal valuable information on where they’re roosting. It will also insure what you have is in fact bats. And once they are gone, you can either seal the holes with Pur Foam, Screening or Bat Netting.
Foam Repellent: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/aerosol/pur-ipf-foam
Screening: http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/netting/screening-48-x-12
Netting: http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/netting/net-7-x-20-x-34-reg
Just be sure to install any of the above after they leave the 5th wheel to prevent them from getting stuck inside. In most cases, the act of excluding them will cause them to migrate elsewhere in search of a new roost site.
nick bath @ 1:00 pm
Bats are roosting in and ruining light fixtures in a covered area next to our basement. They are pulling down and going under the metal ring of the light fixture. Nets or caulking would not work – do you recommend the foam spray along the outside edge? Is there a spray repellent or pellets that we could use inside the light enclosure (75 watt incandescent bulbs) that is not a fire hazard? Thanks for any advice.
Tech Support @ 2:40 pm
My first thought is to seal the entry ways after you know they’ve gone out for the evening. But I suspect you must have thought of this option already and for some reason, not employed it. If that’s true, then consider Ultra Sound.
Installing just one unit pointed to the access points after the bats leave for the night should be enough to repel them from coming back. And if they do come back, the sound should be intolerable enough so they won’t want to stick around.
The best unit for the job would be the Yard Gard. It can be configured to run non-stop and I would suggest you run it continuously whenever possible till you know they’ve moved away.
Yard Guard: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-acbatt-yard-gard-49
Kevin Osborne @ 6:44 pm
I have 1 bat that has decided to “roost” on the brick wall in the back corner of my carport. Any advice on how to make him leave?
Tech Support @ 8:11 pm
This is an easy one. If you review our article, you’ll see a lot of options but really, the easiest to deploy and the most flexible overall for your problem would be one of the ultra sound devices. Just plug it in, point it up at the bat and he’ll leave and stay away. I’d run the unit continuously for a few weeks to insure he doesn’t return and if any others come around after him, just pull it out and set it back up again.
I mention to watch for others because once one comes around, the area can get “scented” which will lead to more and more so it’s best to nip this as early as possible.
The good news is either unit listed below should last many years and since they would be used under a carport, the weather shouldn’t be a big concern meaning they’ll last even longer than normal.
Yard Guard: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-acbatt-yard-gard-49
Transonic: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-transonic-tx-pro
Norma @ 8:58 pm
We have just found out we have bats. We have 5 different louvers on our house, and they are sleeping and pooping from them all. My question is does the screen that people put over the louvers make the house look ugly? I want the bats gone but I don’t want my house looking tacky.
Tech Support @ 7:27 am
When applied carefully, the screening can be put up discreetly and be barely noticeable. But we have had customers use excessive amounts making it easy to spot so clearly this is a personal choice as to how much is used and how carefully it’s installed. In the end, it’s up to user as to how much they use but to have enough there and working does not mean the install should impact the look of the home.
Screening: http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/netting/screening-48-x-12
Netting: http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/netting/net-7-x-20-x-34-reg
Now if you want to avoid having to spend time installing the screening along the possibility of not being happy with it’s cosmetic look, go with an Ultra Sound device. If you position one under the louver, pointing up and running all the time, the bats will surely leave.
Yard Guard: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-acbatt-yard-gard-49
Dorothy @ 7:44 pm
We have cedar shakes and bats set up house many years ago under them. We have replaced the shakes but the bats came back. There are just too many entry points in these thick shakes. Now I find there is an odor in the stairwell so I presume this is from the bats. There is no attic in the house — it is a post and beam type home. Do I need to put the bat netting all over the roof? This would be a huge job. Help!
Tech Support @ 11:30 pm
Once a house gets marked with bat pheromones, it will continue to attract more and more bats until you set up some kind of repellent barrier to keep them out. At this point, it would appear they are roosting under the shakes big time. And the smell you detect is most likely due to their guano (droppings). This product is a known health hazard so you need to take corrective measures ASAP since you are detecting the odor inside the home.
So at this point, it’s imperative that you isolate as many entry points as you can find. These can then be covered with the Bat Screening after you spook the bats out or if you know they’ve left for the evening. Since bats are active at night, you could wait till the evening to do the work and when they’re gone, seal the entry points with the screening.
Screening: http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/netting/screening-48-x-12
Next, if you install Ultra Sound devices on the outside of the home pointing up at these routes of entry, they won’t be able to come back and gain access to inside the home again. It may take several units installed to get the entire area covered but it can be done.
Yard Guard: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-acbatt-yard-gard-49
Lastly, the NNZ should be sprayed into any spaces where the bats may be roosting to help neutralize the smell. NNZ will break it down and if you can get these voids and spaces sprayed, you should be able to eliminate the odor.
NNz: http://www.bugspraycart.com/sanitizer/liquid/nnz-64-oz
Heather @ 4:54 pm
I have several bats that join us for a dusk swim. They fly by so close I can touch them. There are no bugs in the pool but I believe they showed up when I had tadpoles on the cover. They making swimming impossible at night. How do I get them away from the pool?
Tech Support @ 5:01 pm
We have been selling Ultra Sound devices that repel bats and the units that can withstand the elements will handle this job fine. Basically what you want to do is position the units around the pool but have them point outward and away from the pool water. These units can be set to run continuously and most swimmers with this problem will employ the units when they want to swim and then turn them off afterward. Since the sound is usually not noticeable by people and is not harmful in any way, using them when swimming is fine.
Yard Guard: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-acbatt-yard-gard-49
In cases where the pool is in an open area with bats coming from every direction, you’ll probably have to install at least 3 units to cover enough air space for them to be effective. But if you have a lot of protective trees on 1-2 sides of the pool or if you notice the bats only use one flight path in and out of the area, you could get by with just 1 unit.
Now if you try to use just one unit and find the bats avoiding the area the one unit is protecting but going elsewhere in the yard where no sound is present, then get more installed.
L.Nelson @ 12:34 pm
I have a 12 year old log home and bats started to appear last year. I’ve been locating and filling up the cracks as they fly out each evening, but they seem to find another way in. It’s been a battle. There’s still a lot up in the rafters (which I cannot access). The smell is getting stronger and am sweeping up droppings daily.
I will try the “NNZ” to neutralize the smell to the extent that I can place it. I think I’ve isolated their escape route through a section of the roof vent…finally. I am trying to climb up there and place a weighted sheet over the area after they leave at night, and then remove it mid-day, and then repeat the process. I’m getting the feeling that only part of them are leaving each night, while the non-hungry ones remain. Is this true ? Where might I be able to get a bat trap that will allow them to leave but not re-enter?
Tech Support @ 2:49 pm
In fact bat colonies won’t send all members out every evening. And if they have young pups, they tend to stay at home too more often than not.
As for a one way system; our Screening works well for this approach. It can be seen above and can be installed “permanently” compared to what you’re doing now. And what I mean by permanent is that you can set it up and keep in there for as long as the bats remain active and still occupy your home. But once you see they’ve all gone you can remove it.
Screening: http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/netting/screening-48-x-12
As for the smell; the NNZ would no doubt be the way to go. Apply it from above spraying it into any crack or crevice you can find as that will usually do the trick. If done right, the spray should funnel down into all the areas the guano would naturally flow. And in the process, the NNZ will diffuse the odor.
NNz: http://www.bugspraycart.com/sanitizer/liquid/nnz-64-oz
Lastly, once you’re sure they’re all out and gone, install some Ultra Sound Repellers around the home to repel any new bats from roosting.
Yard Guard: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-acbatt-yard-gard-49
Jeremy @ 3:09 pm
While in my attic today I saw 1 bat. It had not made its way through the vent screen. With there only being 1 should I be concerned? I know my neighbors had a severe bat problem about 6 months to a year ago but I have been checking and this is the first one I saw. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
Tech Support @ 3:29 pm
A single bat is a good clue others will like your home too and once he starts scenting your home, more will surely come. Could be in a week, a month or maybe next year but once they start, it’s inevitable. I suggest you install an Ultra Sound Device to start repelling them from the area. If you set it out in the attic pointed right at the screening, you can chase this single away right now and in the future, power the unit on as needed in case others come around.
The Transonic will work well for this need and you can configure it to power on during the day, the night, you can use it on a timer as our instructional video shows, etc. so it’s ideal for this application.
Transonic: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-transonic-tx-pro
Donald Haney @ 11:24 am
I have heard bat noise in a fireplace which has a Buck wood stove insert in it. Had to take the damper out to install the stove, so I assume that the bats could actually be in the fireplace with the stove, but it sounds like they are on the shelf in the smoke chamber above the damper. I need help.
Tech Support @ 8:45 pm
This is an easy one. Get our Ultra Sound unit that emits high frequency sound waves. Bats hate it and will stay away from where it’s deployed.
Next, set it up in the stove and close the fireplace door. Now keep it on continuously. This will no doubt drive them out and keep them out.
Now if you notice the sound and don’t like it (some people can hear it), run the unit on a timer or during times when you’re not present. If you keep it active throughout the summer and into the fall, there won’t be any bats in the system when it gets cold enough to start burning again.
Transonic: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-transonic-tx-pro
Brad @ 10:31 am
I have a house that has approximately 100 bats flying around at dusk. A couple of them have found there way in and we have gone through this big house to seal it up and still getting one or two in the house. But why would so many be flying around the house at dusk? What can I do? Thanks..
Tech Support @ 5:27 pm
First, homes that have bat activity around them are indicative of an air space that must be full of flying pests like mosquitoes and gnats. I’m guessing you have plenty of these because bats love them and will come to land where either is present. That’s because bats eat these bugs.
So the first thing you can do to stop the bats from flying around your land so much is to fog the area as explained in our Mosquito Control article. This will take away their food which in turn will cause them to forage elsewhere.
Mosquito Control: http://www.mosquitoes.net/mosquito-control
The second thing you can do is set out some Ultra Sound devices around your home to help repel the unwanted behavior as well as help stop roosting bats from entering your home. Most homes will need 2-3 units set out pointing at where bats are active and once turned on, they’ll send out sound waves bats don’t like. This in turn will keep them away from the areas where the sound is active. For outside locations, use the Yard Gard.
Yard Guard: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-acbatt-yard-gard-49
For inside the home, set out Transonics in your attic to accomplish the same thing.
Transonic: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-transonic-tx-pro
Both units should be kept on a timer and run at the “continuous” setting at night only since bats are nocturnal. Now once you’ve had the units running for a few nights, all the bats will disappear and from that point on, you’ll only need to turn them on as needed.
Norma @ 8:45 pm
Just a note; we did put SCREENING over all five of our louvers, and it does not look bad. The bats are gone. We had our attic checked for a month, no bats. I’m so happy!
tom @ 10:22 pm
Hi,
We have a pool and at night we have all of a sudden started to see an increase in bats diving into the pool. Our neighbor has a bat house on his property. Although I heard that the chance of getting hit by a bat is almost impossible, I’m still uncomfortable being in the water with them dive bombing. I have read about the ultrasonic equipment, but I have two dogs and wonder if it will bother them? Can I just run the ultrasonic when were in the pool at night?
Thanks,
Tom
Tech Support @ 9:08 am
First, the Ultra Sound doesn’t injure any animal. It merely sends sound waves which the targeted animals will interpret as stressful or dangerous. In turn, they’ll leave the area. But this won’t affect pets this way because the area you’re treating is their home so if they hear the sound, they’ll be inquisitive at first wondering what is making the sound but once they find out it’s a plastic box and not another animal, they’ll forget about it altogether.
Second, you can definitely run the units at specific times so if you want to activate them at night only, that’s fine too. For bats it’s really the only time you need to have them on outside anyway because this is the only time bats will be out and about anyway. Now if you were trying to keep them out of your attic, running the units during the day would be wise.
So at this time I would deploy at least 2 units pointing to the main locations they’re using to enter your air space. In some cases more are needed – especially if you have a wide open area with various entry points. But you’ll soon figure it out once the units are deployed. Since some species of bats hate this sound so much you can sometimes get positive results even when you’re not able to cover every bit of their flight paths. Good luck!
Yard Guard: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-acbatt-yard-gard-49
Debbie @ 4:53 pm
My parents live in a small houseboat outside Portland, OR…metal roofing and all cedar shakes on the siding. They have tried caulking the entry points to the attic and bat houses but no success. We are considering the USD Transonic TX Pro in the attic but are concerned about its effect on their cat.
Tech Support @ 9:05 am
If you review the information we have listed on the Transonic product page, you’ll learn that even though pets like dogs and cats can hear the ultra sound if they’re in the same room, it cannot injure them. Ultra sound needs to be specific to be effective so once the Transonic is dialed in to work on bats, the sound won’t affect dogs or cats. Additionally, if the unit is deployed in an attic space, very little if any will leak into the living space.
Transonic: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-transonic-tx-pro
Danny @ 12:42 pm
We have recently noticed what we believe to be bat droppings on our front porch. Our home is only two years old and I cannot find any areas where they might be entering but it seems that they have found a pleasant place to roost each night on our exterior rock under our front porch eves. What should we look for and do to discourage this?
Tech Support @ 9:23 pm
It’s most likely that the droppings you’re finding will lead you to where they’re roosting. So if you’re finding the droppings in the same area all the time, just look above and you should be able to find the exact location where they’re hiding.
Now if you have multiple locations with droppings, you no doubt have multiple bats. I’ve seen where they’ll move into the cracks and crevices rock veneers can create so what you have happening is quite normal. And in my experience, the best way to solve the problem is to install a few Ultra Sound devices pointed to the areas. In most cases the bats will move away within a day or two and not return.
Yard Guard: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-acbatt-yard-gard-49
Be sure to keep the units running for at least two weeks straight and don’t rely on the motion detector setting; make them run all the time. Eventually you’ll be able to turn them off but running them once or twice a week after the bats are gone is a smart way to insure no new bats come around.
Chris @ 11:38 am
We have had a bat removal company come to our house and try to seal all of the potential entrances into our house. It seemed to work but I have noticed more bat dropping in our attic. The attic is large; what should I do to prevent the bats from getting into my attics? If a bat removal company can’t do it is there a way? I have 2 little kids and 2 pets. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Tech Support @ 12:07 pm
It sounds like the services the bat removal company provided have at least made it more difficult for bats to get into your home. That being said, once a home is marked with bat pheromones and guano, any resident bats will be reluctant to leave for good. Additionally, any free roam bats in the region will smell the old scents that are no doubt still active. And once they notice the smells, they’ll try to get inside seeking to discover any member of the old colony. Now since you’re currently finding more droppings, it would appear that one of the following two scenarios have played out.
To solve this recent problem, I suggest setting out some Ultra Sound devices. These are highly effective and should be used in conjunction with a good “seal” job like you just had done. I would say at least two of these units set out in the attic, pointed to the sections where you have had or seen activity, should chase them out for good. I also recommend setting at least one outside the home pointed at the area where you suspect the bats might be entering. Once in place, the outside unit should keep away any “new” curious bats coming around that smell the old scent.
Yard Guard: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-acbatt-yard-gard-49
Lastly, you should also spray down the attic and roofing with NNZ. This is a powerful odor neutralizer and will remove and “descent” your home. This alone will make it more difficult if not impossible for bats to notice your home and when combined with Ultra Sound, should be more than enough to keep the structure bat free.
NNz: http://www.bugspraycart.com/sanitizer/liquid/nnz-64-oz
Rita zalucki @ 4:12 pm
I live in a 2nd floor apartment in an older house. About 7 years ago we had a bat get in at night. I found it in the morning sleeping or whatever on a wall away from the light. My landlady took it outside and let it go. I never had another one come in until last year. My son heard it in the middle of the night, I heard the shade flapping and it found its way out because we never found it. This year I had another one come in and my cat was chasing it back and forth and it woke me up. Again, the woman downstairs got it in a net and took it outside. I have 3 big windows in front of the house and I’m thinking it came in around a window air conditioner. It’s always happened when it was off and windows opened. I’m paranoid as I’m now living by myself, don’t want my cats to get ahold of one and I’m just creeped out at night trying to sleep! If I put an Ultrasound in the open window at night will that keep them away? Thanks for any information you can give me.
Tech Support @ 8:22 am
No doubt the inside Transonic unit could be deployed at the window (keeping the unit inside since it’s not weatherproof) and if that’s where they’re entering, it will keep them out.
Transonic: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-transonic-tx-pro
But my instinct says there is a good chance you’re missing something else around the home. In other words, I suspect there is a location or two where bats are roosting on the home and ideally, you should try to find out if any such place exists. I say this because in my experience, it’s rare that a bat finds it’s way into a home by mistake and to have it happen more than once? That generally means there is some roosting going on.
So with that being said, I’d spend some time outside, around dusk, to see if I could spot any bats coming or leaving the structure. Look around attic vents, roofing, gutters, etc. Basically anywhere there could be a crack or void is where bats will focus. And if you identify any such area with 1 or more bats active, you’ll need to take more corrective action for any kind of long term control. But for now, the ultrasound would be a reasonable way to start.
Marilyn Whetstone @ 9:46 pm
We have had 3 creatures flying around in our home in the last few weeks. My husband thought they were birds that had gotten in when the dogs go in and out. Tonight I was sitting in our sunroom reading and heard a noise and then saw something flying around… turns out it was a bat! My husband chased it outside but now I am concerned more will come back. I don’t know how they are getting in. Could they squeeze in through an air conditioner vent or at the point where the sunroom was added to the house, there isn’t any attic in that room as it was a late addition to the house.
Please help, I hate bats!!!
Tech Support @ 9:59 am
First, bats are smart and would not “randomly” forage into any home. The reason you’re finding them inside is because they are no doubt roosting on and probably “in” your house somewhere. And when they are leaving this “somewhere” space of your home, they are no doubt funneling through some port (by mistake) which ends up causing them to get into your living space.
Second, you need to understand bats living on a house is usually not good and if they’re “in” the house, it’s even worse. Their guano will harbor all kinds of bacteria and virus (not to mention the smell) and since bats can transmit rabies, they’re not something you want active in your home.
The bottom line is you need these guys gone. As beneficial as bats are, they cannot be allowed to live in close proximity to people.
Now at this time you need to decide if you want to handle resolving this matter yourself or if you want to call in a professional. If you need help finding a service company, send us an email and we can refer someone. But if you’re inclined to resolve it yourself, first read the article above and then take an active approach to try and locate where they might be entering.
So if this was my home, I’d start by inspecting the outside area looking for likely spaces they may be entering. I would also see if there was a pattern in the home where they’re appearing. And if you’re able to locate where they’re roosting, you should be able to choose one of the methods listed above as a way to both expel them and keep them out.
Now if you need further assistance, give us a call toll free at 1-800-877-7290. But I suggest you take a proactive stance to eliminate this problem because I’m fairly sure there are bats living in your home.
Stephanie @ 10:28 pm
We are having a problem with bats flying around our horses and goats at dusk. It is impossible to feed and take care of my horses because the bats keep dive bombing my head. I hit one with a muck rake (I was trying to clean stalls) and it just kept coming back at me. I know people who’s horses and gotten rabies from a bat bite. How do I keep them away from me and the horses? With the ultrasound bother the horses and my goats?
Tech Support @ 1:25 pm
In the wild, bats and birds serve animals by feeding on parasites and other predatory insects. No doubt that’s what you have happening here. Remember, the only reason the bats are coming around is because there must be a bounty of food around your animals. Bats feed on mosquitoes, biting flies, gnats and basically most anything that flies and wants to feed on blood. And once you understand this, you’ll understand the way to get rid of the bats is to remove their food supply.
So in this case, reducing the flying pests around your horses and goats will cause the bats to stay away. And to accomplish this goal, we recommend fogging. If you read our Gnat Control article, you’ll find a wide range of treatment options listed. No doubt the best option for large areas is the use of a fogger and a concentrate. On farms, the Essentria IC is an ideal concentrate to spray and it can be applied via an electric or portable fogger. It’s made from food grade actives and therefore safe enough to apply to farm animals directly so you can even spray the horses and goats with it. By fogging the areas where the animals stay, you can effectively remove the food the bats want and in doing so, remove the bats.
Essentria IC3: http://www.bugspraycart.com/exempt/liquid/eco-excempt-gal
FM 6208: http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/foggers/fogmaster-6208-trijet-120-v
Back Pack Mister: http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/foggers/solo-mistblower-backpack
Gnats: http://www.bugspray.com/article/gnats.html
Now if the area where the bats are bothering you the most is somewhere inside a covered area like an open barn or stable, installing Ultra Sound devices at the entry ways can help by keeping putting in place a sound barrier. This barrier can be configured to be large enough that the bats will not want to fly through it.
To accomplish this goal, you’ll need to position the units pointing outwards and toward the area where the bats will be coming from. Now will the ultra sound be strong enough to chase them away without first reducing the amount of insects around your horses and goats? Probably not. Food is a strong attractant and in general, repellents alone won’t be strong enough to deter any animal that’s focused on a good food supply. But no doubt using Ultrasound in conjunction with a good flying insect program will solve this problem for good.
Transonic: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-transonic-tx-pro
lisa @ 10:15 am
I had bats for years and only lately heard of the foam spray. I can’t wait to try it.
Tech Support @ 10:59 am
No doubt the expanding Pur Foam is ideal for filling voids, cracks and spaces where bats (and other animals) like to roost. Just make sure any currently hanging around leave the building first so you don’t get them trapped inside.
Foam Repellent: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/aerosol/pur-ipf-foam
Mahlon Pringle @ 5:26 pm
I have a a wood sided house with a good sized open foyer above the front door. I have a persistent problem with bats resting up there and leaving droppings on the side of the house as well as on our walkway and step up to the front door. I have recently noticed a sticky substance which resembles sap on the brick step but the wood of the foyer roof is dry and not dripping anything. Where this stuff is dropping from is directly in front of our door and below where the bats are resting. I have numerous spots the bats are resting and have done several things to discourage them from hanging around. I have placed metal flashing where they rest and have hung garlands and flagging tape to the rafters. The garlands and flagging tape worked for a while but now they are not bothered by the movement. I am talking about a distance of 15′ along the roof line which is not straight. I have thought about installing a large ceiling fan on a timer, maybe the constant movement and air flow might discourage them. I am willing to try an electronic device, but most information I have found indicates they are not effective. How would I install one as it would have to be directed straight up to reach where the bats are resting?
Tech Support @ 6:05 pm
A light coating of some 4-The-Birds gel or liquid would stop them but you’d have to get it applied right where they’re roosting and this could be a challenge. Also, it tends to accumulate dirt and dust which can make it unsightly if the area is visible. This usually takes a few months to happen and if the area is small enough (15 feet sounds small enough), we have had people wait till it gets dirty then remove it and reapply more as is needed so this would be an option.
4-The-Birds Liquid: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/liquid/4-the-birds
4-The-Birds-Gel: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/gel/4-the-birds-gel
Another option would be to suspend some screening or netting over the area they’re targeting. Again, this might not be cosmetically acceptable but I’m sure it would work if you cover the areas they’re targeting so consider this as a fix too.
Bat Screening: http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/netting/screening-48-x-12
Netting: http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/netting/net-7-x-20-x-34-reg
Lastly, we’re sure the Ultra Sound unit we recommend will do the job. We’ve had many customers use these for this exact purpose and either the Transonic or yard Gard would do the job.
The Yard Gard is more suited for outside applications and has a back plate that will accept screw heads so you can “hang” it on screws. One place to mount it would be an opposite wall; alternatively mounting it on a stake at ground level pointed up can work too. Personally I’ve used them on wood stakes with the stake driven into the ground and the unit on the top side facing up toward the area you want to protect and this has worked fine when the are is within 40 feet.
Both units can be configured to be on all the time, on a timer or a simple “on/off” switch. Our video’s go over various setups but if you need further help, give us a call toll free at 1-800-877-7290.
Yard Guard: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-acbatt-yard-gard-49
Transonic: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-transonic-tx-pro
One more thing. As mentioned above, bats are mostly attracted to areas because of scents left there by previous bats. My guess is you have strong pheromones that are helping new bats find the area and only when you neutralize these odors will you get better results. The NNZ is the best product for this cause. It works great on bat guano and should be applied to the areas in question prior to anything else being applied.
NNz: http://www.bugspraycart.com/sanitizer/liquid/nnz-64-oz
Patrick Hanby @ 12:31 pm
My wife and I reside in Memphis, TN. After returning from a week-long vacation, we had found that a number of bats (several dozen, it seems) had begun “hanging out” in a bamboo patch in our back yard. They only seem to be there for a couple of hours; approximately 7-9pm.
While we are aware of the benefits of bats, they are causing our two dogs to become very agitated/excited and they have begun jumping our fence to find ways to get to the bats. Additionally, they give my wife the super-creepies (I think they are pretty cool). Is this likely a temporary situation? What would you recommend to encourage them to move on to a different spot? Thanks for your help.
Tech Support @ 4:11 pm
What you’re reporting we do see from time to time. But in general, this happens during the summer and usually not this early in the year. I’m wondering if the bats know something we don’t? Maybe an early spring is about to arrive?
Regardless, it’s not possible to tell if they’ll stick around long or be gone in a few days. Now what usually happens is that once they find a spot like this, they’ll use it periodically and over time, this use of the spot will tend to increase. So if I was to guess what will happen; I’d say there is a good chance you might not have them around continuously but that over time (1-2 years), it’s highly likely they’ll come back more and more and bring more and more bats with them when they arrive. The good news is if you want them gone, you can easily chase them off.
Basically all you need to is to install a Yard Gard pointing at the area and keep it running all the time. Now since you say they’re not there all the time, you could opt to put the unit on a timer so it only goes on from say 6-10 PM. This way you’ll definitely have the unit powered on during the time frame you know they seem to arrive.
Yard Guard: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-acbatt-yard-gard-49
Alternatively you could simply plug the unit in daily when you want it on. This would require a little daily effort, someone being around during this time frame and obviously, remembering to turn it on. But either set up would suffice.
So regardless of how you decide to control the sound, it will no doubt drive them away instantly. And after 1-2 experiences hearing the ultra sound, they’ll most likely move away and never return.
Now just so you understand, there is apparently something special about this bamboo that attracted them so my guess is if you stop using the Yard Gard, eventually more will come around. But again, even if they do, it won’t be hard to chase them off once you’ve got a Yard Gard in your possession. And since ultra sound can’t injure your pets or the bats, it’s a great way to chase them off and keep everyone happy. Good luck!
Ivy @ 3:29 am
I moved to Iowa about 6 mo ago and last week I noticed a brown spot on the brick wall of my fireplace in my living room/family room where I spend most of my time with my 3 small children. 2 or 3 days had gone by and I forgot to tell my husband to see what it was when I went to grab my daughter I noticed the spot was still there and told my husband to look and see what it was. Lo and behold it was a small ( about palm size ) bat hanging from the brick of the fireplace. My oldest son grabbed some tongs, grabbed the bat and threw him outside in the yard. Should I be concerned that more bats will come or are already in my home?
Tech Support @ 9:16 am
Absolutely. Though the bat itself does not represent a direct danger, their droppings do. As explained in our article above, there are all kinds of bacteria and disease associated with bat guano (not even considering the smell and/or visual mess they will leave) which is why you should not allow them access to your home.
At this time I suggest someone go up into your attic space and do a thorough investigation. If there are bats roosting, I would expect them to be focused around an attic vent or the rafters hanging onto rough and exposed wood. Expect them to be focused around one another. Grouping up is what they’ll do during the winter to stay warm.
You see, bats hibernate and love using attics for over wintering so it would not be a surprise to find some utilizing this space. And since there are many ways into the main living space of the home once they get into your attic, it would explain why this lone bat was found inside.
I say this because it’s still way too cold outside for bats to be active and flying around. Therefore it’s not possible this lone bat came from somewhere out in the yard. No doubt it (and quite possibly many more) have been using your home for their home and as many will do during this time, this lone bat was simply foraging to a warmer spot in the house, got separated from his colony and ultimately ended up inside your living room.
Unfortunately the act of capturing him and then letting him go outside would probably not resolve the issue. You see, bats are smart and my guess is he would have flown right back through the entry way they’ve been using and from there, probably got back to the main colony which is most likely up in your attic space somewhere.
Now once you locate their main nest site, you’ll have a few ways to resolve the matter depending on how large it is, where it’s located, etc.
If the colony is small (5 bats or less) and they haven’t created much of a mess, you might choose to wait another month or two before you did anything. This way when did you expel them, they’ll have a good chance of living.
Now if you choose to chase them out now, chances are high they’ll die. It’s just too cold and with no food around, they won’t stand much of a chance surviving. In general, bats are good to have around. In fact, we sell BAT HOUSES for people to place out in their home all for the sake of attracting bats. You can see our complete line of houses here:
Bat Houses: http://www.bats-house.com/bat-houses
The reason people do this is because bats eat all kinds of insects. So if you have them living in your yard the hope is that they’ll naturally remove unwanted pests like mosquitoes, gnats, moths, etc.
So if you do find a colony and want to expel them from the attic, the best way to go about this process would be to first try and locate the area where they’re entering. This is usually around an attic vent, soffit vent, where a rain gutter is attached to the home or maybe just someplace where a hole has developed in the roof. This can easily happen with any home as it gets older and settles.
Chances are high the bats are roosting close to their entry way and if you inspect the attic on a bright sunny day, you will probably see some sunshine coming through that will reveal a weak spot that needs repair. Now in some cases they find their way through a broken screen so maybe the home is structurally fine. Bats are small and agile once they land (unlike birds) so any crack or crevice can be utilized and instinctively they seek such locations for shelter.
Now once you see how they’re most likely getting inside the attic, you can proceed.
The first thing to do would be to set up a Transonic Ultra Sound device. These are small sound emitting devices that can be used to repel unwanted wildlife. Point one in the direction of where they’re roosting and try to get it as close to them as possible. Wait till dusk and turn it on. Bats do not like the sound of these units and will quickly leave the attic space where one is sounding off.
Transonic: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-transonic-tx-pro
Now it’s important to leave the unit on continuously, all night long, for it to have a positive impact. In most cases they’ll be uncomfortable and move away from the sound. Eventually they’ll figure out they cannot escape the noise unless the leave and with any luck, they will probably be gone by the next day.
Once they’re gone, you can go about sealing the hole. If some wood will do the job, fine. Alternatively you can install some Bat Screening over the area which will keep them out too. In extreme cases, sealing long gaps commonly found with some forms of exterior siding might be needed and for this, the Pur Foam listed above in our article can be quite helpful.
But if there is just 1-2 small entry ways visible, the screening alone can usually do the job. It’s ideal for covering small holes and reinforcing metal attic vents from inside the home. Just staple it in place and they won’t be able to get back inside.
Screening: http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/netting/screening-48-x-12
Again, waiting till the spring would insure the bats have a chance of surviving since it’s still cold outside. And if you only find a few in your attic, this would be a viable option. But if you uncover a massive colony with a large mess, waiting would not be an option due to the hazard they present. Give us a call if you have further questions or concerns. Our toll free is 1-800-877-7290.
J. Wall @ 5:19 pm
We have a 2-story house with hinged shutters (they do not lay flat against the house). Bats made their home behind some of the shutters last Spring/Summer. They left for the winter, and we’ve recently had them cleaned and repainted. What can we use to keep them from coming back? We were looking at your netting products and wondered if that might be attached somehow to the backs of the shutters? This is on the front of our house above the front door, so aesthetics matter – don’t want an unsightly solution. We would appreciate any advice you can give! Thank you.
Tech Support @ 6:17 pm
In my experience there have been a few times where I’ve seen this problem and each case required a slightly different mechanical fix.
In one case the shutters were fairly tight against the home, which was stucco, so we sealed the gap and that resolved the problem. Obviously this won’t work for your situation based on the fact there is a significant space between the shutters and your home.
So for cases where this space is significant, a good fix is to set out Ultra Sound Devices on the ground underneath. You’ll need to set them in such a way that their sound is pointed up at the shutters. Basically they’ll look like the kind of lights you place out to add accent lighting to the home. But instead of light, they’ll be sending ultra sound up the side of the house which will keep the bats away for sure.
Yard Guard: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-acbatt-yard-gard-49
In this scenario, the key is to get as much coverage per device. Generally it will take 3-4 units to get complete coverage and ultimately, having them hard wired in place by adding in ground electric lines and a timer can make using them really easy. Alternatively you can power them on/off manually every evening and morning; just don’t forget to turn them on because the bats will return if you don’t use them throughout most of the year.
Lastly, I have also used screening and 4-The-Birds Gel to keep them off the backside of shutters. Basically the screening was first attached to the back side of the shutter using liquid nails. However, this alone didn’t work because the bats started to hang on the screening.
So then we then added the gel by squeezing some onto the screening and wiping it over the entire side lightly. Once in place, this proved effective. And after the initial setup, the homeowner only had to renew the gel once a year to make sure it was still sticky and doing it’s job. Since the initial installation, the bats never returned.
Screening: http://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/netting/screening-48-x-12
4-The-Birds-Gel: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/gel/4-the-birds-gel
Either of the options will work and should keep them off the home for good.
D. Rime @ 10:39 pm
Hi,
We are planning on having a graduation party in a farm machine shed in early June. The problem is we have bats roosting and flying around inside. They seem to find enclosed areas in the rafters to nest. I was wondering what the best way to drive them out might be? The doors stay open on this building most of the time. Can I use bat away? Should I shine lights on the rafters where I see them roosting? I don’t know how many places they are nesting!
Help!
David
Tech Support @ 11:13 pm
I don’t think the Bat Away would be a good option. It has a strong odor and though it might chase away the bats, it will probably chase away any people too.
But what would be a viable option is the use of Ultra Sound. Bats hate these sounds and I’m sure if you get the areas covered by a blanket of ultra sound, the bats will leave and stay away for good.
Now which unit you’ll need will vary depending on the ceiling type, how open it is, the total square footage of the area, etc. So if the ceiling is flat and open, you could get success with just one QB4.
QB4: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-qb4-bb
But if there are numerous beams obstructing the sound waves or if there are multiple height ceilings (meaning you don’t have a flat uniform ceiling), setting up 2-3 Yard Gards might be the way to go.
Yard Guard: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-acbatt-yard-gard-49
Whichever one you decide to install, just be sure to run them continuously. If installed correctly, all bats will leave the area within 1-2 days and will stay away as long as the units are turned on and running. After a week or two, they will have found another place to live and if you want, you could turn them off at that time but if it was my shed, I’d keep the units running up to the day of the wedding. This way I’d be sure no bats will be crashing the ceremony :)
teri @ 11:18 am
Our home is built into the hillside in the middle of the woods. We expect to have to share this space with nature. Our siding is ship lap wood. We definitely have bats living somewhere on our back porch. We can’t seem to find them. We have never seen them, just their droppings. This is an area we like to use often and have now been unable to. We have caulked all the seams on the porch, light fixture area and door frames. We thought this would stop them from coming but it has not. How can we eliminate them from this area? We also have dogs and small children and want something safe. Thank you.
Tech Support @ 12:14 pm
In cases like this where the unwanted roosting is outside on a structure and you don’t actually see the bats, the best way to chase them off is using Ultra Sound.
So if you were to carefully set 1-2 devices down around ground level and have them pointed straight up, you should be able to fill the air space alongside the structure with ultra sound.
Since bats don’t like ultra sound, they’ll avoid the area and should move away within a day of the units being installed. Just be sure to have the units running 24 hours a day by using the included ac power adaptor for power.
Now after the first a couple of weeks, you can start shutting them off when you go outside if anyone finds the sound annoying. Just remember that ultra sound doesn’t hurt animals or people and in many cases people and pets won’t mind hearing it if they’re in the area. But no doubt some people don’t like it and if by chance someone finds it annoying, you can simply turn it off when you want to use the area and back on when no one will be around.
Yard Guard: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-acbatt-yard-gard-49
arun g @ 1:33 pm
I have 2 acres of land with lot of trees. All the trees are covered with bats. Their noises are insufferable and their droppings are very smelly. What should I do to get rid of from them?
Tech Support @ 1:53 pm
Trying to get coverage for such a large area of anything that might work is tough. The only option I can think of that will work is the 4 Speaker Ultra Sound device.
This unit features detachable speakers and if you set up them up pointed at the trees you want bat free, you’ll be able to chase them off. However, you’ll need several units to accomplish the task.
I can’t say for sure how many you’ll need but if you get one and set it out at full power, you should be able to see the extent of it’s impact and based on how large of an area it clears out, figure out how many more you’ll need to get enough of the trees cleared. No doubt these will chase them away. It’s just not possible to say how large of an area each unit will cover because it’s largely affected by the density of the foliage, local vegetation, etc.
Ultra Sonic 4 Speaker: http://www.bugspraycart.com/repellents/sound/usd-bird-rep-4-s