Summer is a time to relax and enjoy the long, warm evenings. But for many Niagara homeowners, summer can also bring an unwelcome guest into their homes—bats. These animals are excellent at finding small openings to sneak inside, and once they’re in, they can cause serious problems. If you’re wondering how to keep your home free from bats this summer, the answer is simple. You need to bat-proof your home with proper maintenance, repairs, and the right professional help.
Bat-proofing your home means taking key steps to seal off entry points and make your house less appealing to bats. Summer bat prevention starts with careful inspections of your home and making sure that no cracks, gaps, or holes are left unattended. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Niagara, we understand how stressful dealing with bats can be. That’s why our team uses safe and effective solutions like one-way doors to make sure they leave your home and can’t find their way back.
Below, we’ll walk you through actionable ways to keep bats out in summer. From inspecting your property to learning why professional help is essential, you’ll know exactly how to protect your home from these flying visitors.
Start With a Home Inspection
The first step to keeping bats out of your home is conducting a thorough inspection of your property. They can squeeze into incredibly small spaces, often as slim as a pencil. These tiny entry points are usually found in areas such as:
- Rooflines and soffits
- Attic vents
- Chimneys
- Gaps around doors or windows
- Loose or missing shingles
Summer bat prevention starts by carefully checking these areas. Look for any cracks, holes, or even warped materials that could give bats access to your home. It’s also a good idea to inspect your home at dusk, as this is when these animals are most active. You might spot them coming or going near potential entry points.
Seal Entry Points
Once you’ve identified gaps or holes, the next step is sealing them. This is a key part of bat-proofing your home. Common materials used to block these entryways include caulking, metal mesh, and weatherproof sealants. For larger gaps, you might need durable materials, such as steel sheeting.
It’s important to seal off all entry points except one. This allows bats to exit your home safely while ensuring they don’t accidentally get trapped indoors. We use specially designed one-way doors to guide them out without letting them back in. This humane approach removes bats from your home safely and efficiently.
DIY efforts to seal entry points can often fall short. Missing even a single opening means bats could just find another way in. That’s why calling in professionals like our team is your best option for complete protection.
Keep Your Attic Unappealing
Bats are typically drawn to attics because they mimic the conditions of natural caves. Warm, dark, and quiet, these spaces are an ideal place for them to roost. To discourage bats from settling in your attic, try these tips:
- Install bright lights in the attic, as bats avoid well-lit areas.
- Use a fan to keep air circulating; bats prefer still air.
- Reduce clutter, as empty spaces are less appealing for roosting.
Taking these steps can lower the chances of bats finding your attic a suitable home.
Trim Trees Near Your Home
Bats often use trees to land on before finding their way into homes. If branches are too close to your house, they can act as a pathway for them to access your roof or vents.
Trim any large branches that hang over your roof, making it tougher for bats to approach. This also helps with general home maintenance and reduces the chances of other wildlife finding entry into your attic.
Use Bat Deterrents
Another strategy for summer bat prevention is using deterrents to make your home less attractive to these animals. Some easy options include:
Ultrasonic Sound Devices: These emit noises that are unpleasant to bats but can’t be heard by humans. These devices work best when placed near known entry points, making the areas less inviting. While they may not work on their own, pairing them with sealing and other methods can improve their effectiveness.
You can also try hanging strips of aluminum foil near potential bat entry points. The shiny surfaces and movement can scare them away.
It’s important to note that while deterrents may help, they aren’t enough to bat-proof your home fully. Combining them with proper sealing and professional help creates the best defence.
Avoid Peak Seasons
Timing matters when planning to bat-proof your home. The summer months are when bats are raising their young, and trying to remove them during this period could endanger bat pups. Sometimes bats are also protected by law, so it’s essential to avoid disturbing them during maternity season, which usually lasts from late spring to early summer.
We make sure that all removal work is done safely and according to regulations. By timing your prevention efforts correctly, you’ll keep both your home and local wildlife safe.
Why Professionals Are Key
Taking care of bats effectively is no small task. With their ability to find even the smallest openings, DIY approaches often fall short. That’s why it’s essential to work with professionals like Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control.
Our team in Niagara specializes in humane bat control. We use one-way doors to ensure bats can exit safely but can’t return. Once the bats are gone, we inspect your home again to fix any remaining vulnerabilities. This ensures that your bat problem is solved for good.
Trying to handle bats yourself can also lead to potential risks. They can carry diseases like rabies, and their droppings (called guano) pose health hazards if left untreated. By choosing a professional service, you not only bat-proof your home but also protect your family’s health.
Benefits of Bat-Proofing
There are many reasons to invest in bat-proofing your home this summer. It’s not just about preventing noise or droppings in your attic. Proper proofing also helps protect your home’s structure, keeps your family safe from health risks, and ensures bats don’t cause unwanted stress in your living space.
If you stay proactive, these animals won’t have a chance to disrupt your summer plans. Using preventative steps and professional help makes it easier to focus on enjoying your home with peace of mind.
Take the First Step Toward a Bat-Free Summer
Don’t wait for a bat problem to get worse. Bat-proof your home with the expert team at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Niagara. We’ve solved these issues for countless homeowners, and our safe, humane methods make all the difference.
Request an estimate today to learn more about Skedaddle’s bat-proofing solutions and enjoy a comfortable, wildlife-free summer. We’re here to help!