Imagine watching the home you worked so hard for slip through your fingers. It’s not due to fire, flood, or any disaster most of us fear—but because of bats. This is exactly what happened to Rachelle and Kelly Swan from Spiritwood, Saskatchewan. Their bat removal story is a heartbreaking reminder of how a bat infestation can spiral into a devastating ordeal. It’s also a cautionary tale for homeowners in cities like London, Ontario, where bats are just as likely to sneak into homes in search of a safe roost.

The Swan family’s nightmare started when bats moved into their home just two years after they purchased it. Their presence went far beyond occasional squeaks in the night. The bats turned the house into a place of constant noise, health risks, and mounting problems that no amount of effort or money seemed to resolve. After trying everything, including silicone sealing and one-way bat cones, Rachelle and Kelly made an impossible decision. They handed the keys back to the bank and walked away, leaving not only their home but also their financial stability behind. Their story is a vivid reminder of what can happen when bats take up residence, and a family is displaced by bats. You can read more about their ordeal here.

Stories like this highlight why professional bat removal services are vital. For homeowners in London dealing with a bat infestation, reaching out to experts like us at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control isn’t just a suggestion. It’s essential. Here’s what we can learn from the Swans’ experience and what you should do if bats make themselves at home in your attic, walls, or other parts of your house.

The Risks of a Bat Infestation

Bats might seem harmless flying around outside, but when they settle inside your home, the risks pile up quickly. The Swans’ family home became a health hazard. They were forced to endure the constant fear of rabies exposure, undergoing 47 rabies shots between them. It’s a stark reminder that bats, while vital to the ecosystem, can pose serious human health risks when they invade our spaces.

Here are some of the risks you should be aware of during a bat infestation:

• Health Hazards: Bats carry diseases like histoplasmosis, which comes from a fungus found in bat droppings. The exposure risk increases the longer bats remain in your home. Rabies, although less common, is another serious concern.
• Property Damage: Bat droppings, called guano, accumulate quickly, damaging insulation and creating strong odours that can make your home unpleasant. Over time, guano can even seep through ceilings, causing structural harm.
• Legal Protections for Bats: Much like in Saskatchewan, bats in Ontario are protected by law. They cannot be harmed or killed, making humane exclusion necessary. Professional solutions like the one-way doors we use at Skedaddle allow bats to leave but stop them from returning.

The Swans tried to remove the bats themselves, spending over $5,000 on roof sealing and exclusion efforts, but the infestation continued. Their story is a harsh reminder that DIY methods often fail, especially when dealing with animals as persistent and protected as bats.

How to Spot and Address a Bat Infestation in London

While the Swans lived in a small, rural community, bat problems occur everywhere, including here in London. Homes with ageing structures, gaps in roofs, or vents without proper seals are especially appealing to bats. The good news is there are signs you can watch for before an infestation becomes overwhelming.

Here’s what to look for in your home:

• Noises in the Walls or Attic: High-pitched squeaks, scratching, or the sound of wings fluttering can indicate bats.
• Droppings Near Entry Points: Bat guano is small and crumbly and often builds up near the places where bats enter or exit.
• Stains Around Vents or Rooflines: Bats leave grease and dirt marks on surfaces as they come in and out of a home. Look for discoloration around openings.
• Unusual Odours: A strong, musty smell might mean guano is accumulating in your attic or walls.

If you suspect bats have moved in, don’t wait. Fast action is key to avoiding the kind of heartbreak the Swans went through. Our team can perform a thorough inspection to confirm the issue and plan permanent solutions.

What Makes Professional Removal the Best Choice?

The Swans’ story demonstrates just how frustrating it can be to try to handle a bat infestation on your own. They spent years contacting different contractors and wildlife authorities, only to be left with higher costs, worsening problems, and ultimately no home. That’s why it’s crucial to leave bat removal to professionals with the expertise to handle it right the first time.

At Skedaddle, our bat removal process focuses on effective solutions that prioritize both your safety and the protection of these important creatures:

• One-Way Doors: We install these doors over entry points to allow bats to safely exit your home. Once they’ve left, the doors prevent their return.
• Comprehensive Sealing: Bats are small and can sneak through gaps as tiny as a dime. We locate and seal every potential entry point to keep them out for good.
• Thorough Cleanup and Prevention: Bat guano is dangerous to your health and your home. We carefully remove contaminated materials and restore areas with durable, bat-proof solutions.

Not only do we remove bats humanely, but we also ensure they can’t come back. This approach creates lasting peace of mind and ensures your home remains a safe, welcoming space for your family.

Learn from the Swans’ Story

The Swan family’s ordeal was a lesson filled with pain and frustration. They exhausted every resource available to them, yet nothing worked until it was too late. For homeowners here in London, this story is a chance to learn. Bats are persistent, and controlling them requires more than a quick fix.

Two things stood out in their story:

1. Professionals Matter: Homeowners may try to tackle a bat infestation on their own or hire companies that lack the proper training. Both approaches can make problems worse. Choosing skilled professionals like us means you get experienced technicians who know how to deal with bats and follow the law.
2. Act Quickly: The longer bats remain in your home, the more damage they’ll cause. Don’t wait months (or years!) to take action. Calling a wildlife control service as soon as you suspect a problem can save you from costly repairs and prevent worse issues down the road.

Your Solution for Bat Infestation in London

When a family is displaced by bats, it can be devastating. We understand how stressful a bat infestation can be. It’s not just about the noise or the smell. It’s about feeling like your home is no longer yours. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in London, we make it our mission to help you reclaim your space. Our team will guide you every step of the way, from identifying the problem to ensuring it’s resolved for good.

If bats have taken over part of your home, don’t wait to address the problem. Protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind by reaching out to us. Request an estimate today from Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in London, and we’ll help you keep your home bat-free without the heartbreak.