If you live in Chesapeake Beach, you’re likely no stranger to bats. These creatures are common throughout the region, and while they play an important role in our ecosystem, they can also pose a risk to our homes and health. Many homeowners wonder – can bats damage your house? The answer is yes -they are capable of causing significant structural damage, as well as creating a health hazard through their droppings and guano.

However, there are steps you can take to prevent damage to your home. In this blog post, the experts at Skedaddle will explore the risks of damage and how to keep bats away from your property. Whether you’re dealing with an existing infestation or hoping to prevent one in the future, we’ve got you covered for bat removal in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland.

Understanding the Dangers of Bat Damage 

While they play a key role in our ecosystem by controlling insects and contributing to pollination, an infestation can pose risks to your health and property. Besides causing structural damage, they can also be carriers of diseases, some of which can be harmful to humans. The most common risks include: 

1. Rabies: They are known carriers of the rabies virus. While not all of them are infected, it’s risky to handle one barehanded as bites or scratches can transmit the disease.
2. Guano: Also known as bat droppings, guano can lead to the growth of the Histoplasma Capsulatum fungus, which causes Histoplasmosis, a respiratory disease in humans.
3. Property Damage: They can leave stains and odors, chew on structures, and their droppings can accumulate, leading to structural damage.

Reducing these risks should be an integral part of every homeowner’s wildlife control strategy. As they typically seek shelter in the attic or basement of your home, regular inspections and maintenance of these areas can help spot any signs of damage early. 

Maintaining a detailed picture of the health of your houses’ sanctuaries is essential in preventing damage. But, if these damages are already present, it’s time to seriously consider reaching out to Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. 

Recognizing Signs of an Infestation  

When it comes to detecting signs of damage, a proactive approach is essential. Nightly sounds of movement within your walls, and unexplained droppings or stains, can all serve as your first signs of an infestation. Remember, early detection is key to preventing long term damage. Luckily, there are several signs you can look out for to determine if they are present in your home. 

• Chirping Noises: If you hear chirping noises, especially at dusk or dawn, this could be a sign that you have bats. They use echolocation to navigate their surroundings and find their food, which can result in high pitched chirping sounds.
• Droppings: Keep an eye out for droppings around your property. Guano resembles mouse droppings but tends to be much larger and can often be found in piles around the area where they roost.
• Sightings: If you see them flying around your premises at night, it’s possible you have an infestation. They typically occupy the same roosting site annually, so if you see one, there are likely more.

If you observe any of the above signs, it’s essential to call a professional. Infestations should be handled by trained professionals to mitigate potential health risks and ensure the proper exclusion methods are used. Not only can experts help remove them from your property, they can also guide you through the necessary steps to prevent future infestations. 

Preventing Damage: How to Keep Bats Away from Your Home  

Now that we know what to watch for, it’s time to delve into the effective steps you can take to ward them off. While they play a crucial role in the ecosystem, they’re definitely not the house guests you want. Here are some preventative measures you can implement to keep them away from your residence. 

Seal Entry Points 

The first line of defense in protecting your home is sealing all potential entry points. They are capable of squeezing into surprisingly small spaces, as small as 3/8 inch. Do a thorough inspection of your property, paying attention to your attic, walls, and basement, and seal any cracks or holes that could serve as entry points. Use hardware cloth, caulk, or other suitable materials to ensure your home is protected. Skedaddle can help you perform this task with the proper tools and expertise. 

Install Bat Houses 

An alternative to driving them out entirely is to offer them a friendly dwelling away from your home. Bat houses provide a safe and beneficial habitat. This can reduce their likelihood of roosting in unsuitable places like your attic or chimney. These houses mimic the spaces they would naturally seek out for their roosting site. Installing a bat house will help to maintain the ecological balance while saving your home from infestation. 

Use Repellents 

Some homeowners opt for repellents to discourage bats from roosting on their property. However, it’s vital to remember that not all repellents are created equal. Be cautious of those that emit high-pitched sounds or lights claiming to scare them away. These can potentially harm them as well as other neighborhood wildlife. 

The preferred method is using natural deterrents, for example, essential oils such as mint or eucalyptus have been reported to be somewhat effective. Even so, the use of repellents alone is not a guarantee to keep them away. It should always be used in conjunction with other preventive strategies. 

Professional Inspection and Maintenance 

As with any wildlife concern the best way to ensure your home remains protected is through regular inspections by a professional. Engaging the service of a professional wildlife control company such as Skedaddle can provide peace of mind. Their trained and experienced staff understand behavior, habits and the local regulations related to bat control. They will inspect your home thoroughly, seal potential entrances and provide a comprehensive solution to keep your home safe and protected. 

Bats play an essential role in our local ecosystem, but our homes are not the best place for them. Effectively curtailing a problem involves recognizing the signs of an infestation, understanding the potential health threats, and taking preventive actions to deter them from your space. When in doubt, always seek professional assistance to deal with them ethically and humanely. 

Ensuring Ethical and Humane Removal Practices with Skedaddle 

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we believe in using humane and ethical methods for wildlife removal. We understand the importance of bats in maintaining our ecosystem, and approach removal needs with respect and care for these fascinating creatures. 

Our team is trained and equipped to handle them in a professional and humane manner. Each step of our process – from inspection to exclusion and prevention – is designed with safety and well-being in mind. Let’s dive into our approach: 

Humane Removal 

The cornerstone of our control process is our humane removal practice. Unlike traditional extermination methods, we use techniques that allow bats to leave your property without causing them harm. This is done by installing one-way doors at the entry points. Once they exit through these devices to forage for food at night, they are unable to re-enter your home. This humane method ensures that they are not harmed and can go on to find suitable locations in the wild where they can roost safely. 

Post-Removal Cleanup

Once all the bats are safely removed, the next step involves cleanup and sanitization. They can leave behind significant amounts of guano and urine which potentially contain harmful pathogens. Our team will thoroughly clean the affected area, eliminating any remnants of guano or urine, and sanitize the area to eliminate any pathogens that may pose a risk to your health. 

Preventive Measures and Maintenance

In addition to removing them from your home, we also take measures to prevent them from returning. This involves sealing all entry points, small holes, and cracks that they could use to gain access to your home. We conduct periodic inspections to ensure that these preventive measures are holding up and also provide tips and education to homeowners on ways to maintain a bat-free residence. 

Don’t let bat infestations become an overwhelming issue. Connect with Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control today. Click here to schedule your inspection, and take a step towards a safer, bat-free home. It’s time to create a win-win situation for both you and the wildlife!