If you’re a homeowner in Pittsburgh, you may already know that sharing your space with uninvited wildlife is a common challenge—and bats are no exception. With their remarkable ability to squeeze through openings as small as a dime, bats often find their way into attics, creating problems that require prompt attention. 

Whether you’re hearing strange noises in your walls or noticing guano around your property, you’re likely in need of bat removal services. We’ve put together this guide to help you identify issues, understand attic bat infestation solutions, and take steps toward bat-proofing your Pittsburgh home.

Pittsburgh Bat Removal Services

The first step in addressing a problem is understanding its scope. If you’ve spotted bats or found evidence of their presence, hiring professional Pittsburgh bat removal services is essential. Here’s why:

• Health Risks: Bats carry diseases like rabies and histoplasmosis, which can pose serious health threats to humans and pets. Histoplasmosis is particularly concerning as it’s caused by fungal spores in bat guano (droppings), which can become airborne and lead to respiratory infections when inhaled. Improper handling of guano can spread these spores throughout your home.
• Legal Protections for Bats: Did you know that bats are legally protected in Pennsylvania? This means killing them is not an option, nor is it humane. Bats are vital to controlling local insect populations (one bat can eat over 1,000 mosquitoes in an hour!), so removing them requires specialized methods like exclusion.
• Specialized Techniques: Professional services use humane techniques like one-way doors to ensure bats can leave your home but cannot re-enter. They also focus on comprehensive inspections to identify all entry points—a crucial part of ensuring a long-term solution.
• Cost-Effectiveness: While professional removal may have upfront costs, it saves money by preventing expensive damage to insulation and walls caused by guano accumulation. Plus, many companies offer warranties on their work for added peace of mind.

If you’re near PNC Park or anywhere else in Pittsburgh, working with experienced local professionals like us at Skedaddle is your best bet for safe, effective bat removal.  

Attic Bat Infestation Solutions

Finding bats in your attic may feel overwhelming, but there are effective solutions to reclaim your space. Here’s what you can expect in the process of tackling an attic bat infestation:

1. Inspection

A thorough inspection is a must. Experts will look for:

• Guano deposits, which often accumulate on attic floors or within walls.
• Stains or oily marks near potential entry points like soffits, chimneys, or vents.
• Small holes or gaps around the roofline that bats might use as entryways.
• Audible signs like squeaking or scratching noises during the evening hours.

2. Removal via Exclusion

Exclusion is the safest and most effective way to remove bats. Trained technicians will install one-way doors at key entry points. These allow bats to exit your attic to feed but prevent their re-entry. This process ensures humane removal without separating mother bats from their pups (young bats), as removing them during baby season is not only cruel but also illegal.

3. Cleaning and Decontamination

Once bats are gone, it’s critical to clean the attic. Guano removal requires professional-grade protective gear and techniques to mitigate health risks. Experts also disinfect the area to eliminate bacteria and odors that may attract more wildlife.

4. Restoring and Reinsulating

Depending on the extent of the infestation, damaged insulation may need to be replaced. This prevents energy efficiency issues and further contamination.

With these solutions, you can effectively address the issue and restore your home’s safety and comfort.

Bat-Proofing Your Pittsburgh Home

Prevention is key when it comes to avoiding future bat problems. Bat-proofing your Pittsburgh home involves sealing entry points and making your property less inviting to wildlife. Here’s how to get it done:

1. Seal potential entry points by inspecting your home’s exterior, including the roofline, soffits, vents, and chimneys. Close gaps and holes larger than ¼ inch with exclusion sealant or metal mesh. Install chimney caps and repair loose flashing to block hidden entryways. 
2. Install vent covers specifically designed for bat prevention to keep them from slipping into protected spaces. 
3. Maintain landscaping by trimming tree branches that hang too close to your roof, as overhanging branches provide easy access for bats. 
4. Add bat houses to give bats an alternative roosting site, allowing them to continue their beneficial insect control activities without entering your home. 
5. Schedule regular inspections with professionals to ensure there are no new vulnerabilities in your home’s exterior. Prevention should be an ongoing process.

Proper bat-proofing adds a layer of protection and minimizes future risks of infestation.

When to Contact Skedaddle for Bat Removal Services  

The best time to contact Skedaddle for bat removal services is as soon as you notice any signs of bat activity in your home. Early detection is key to minimizing potential damage and ensuring the safety of both your property and the bats. Signs to watch for include unusual noises such as squeaking or rustling within walls or attics, the presence of guano (bat droppings) near entry points, or sightings of bats during dawn or dusk.  

• Act promptly between late summer and early spring, as bats often seek warm, sheltered areas like attics to roost or hibernate.  
• Avoid removing bats during the summer maternity season to prevent leaving behind flightless pups.  
• Skedaddle’s professionals are trained to assess the situation and implement humane, effective removal strategies year-round.

By contacting Skedaddle promptly, you can rest assured that the removal process will be handled with expertise, ensuring your home is properly bat-proofed and the bats are relocated safely and responsibly in compliance with local wildlife regulations.

Why You Should Act Quickly

When it comes to dealing with bats, timing is everything. Summer is often the most common time to notice bats in your attic, as they seek shelter to raise their pups. However, both late summer (after pups are old enough to fly) and fall (before hibernation starts) are ideal times for removal. Delaying action can lead to increased health risks, growing colony sizes, and higher repair costs.

By acting promptly, you not only protect your home but also uphold responsible and humane wildlife practices.

Protect Your Home with Skedaddle

If bats have taken up residence in your attic, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Bats are a common challenge for homeowners in Pittsburgh, and dealing with them requires expertise and care. At Skedaddle, we’ve been helping homeowners across Pennsylvania for over 30 years with humane and reliable solutions.

Our team will work closely with you to ensure every step of the process is handled with detail and precision, from thorough inspections to sealing your home against future issues. With our help, you can rest easy knowing your home—and your family—are in safe hands.

Don’t wait another night to address potential bat activity. Call Skedaddle today to schedule your home evaluation and take the first step toward a bat-free home. We’re here to help!