If you’ve noticed strange noises and unpleasant odours coming from your attic or walls, you may have a bat infestation in your home. The thought of bats nesting in your living space can be alarming, but fortunately, there are solutions available to remove them safely and humanely. Skedaddle can help you identify the signs of bat nests in a house and work with you to develop a plan to remove them.

It’s important to act quickly, as bat infestations can pose health risks to humans and pets. With the right expertise and equipment, Skedaddle professionals can help you protect your home and family from these unwanted visitors, providing you with peace of mind and a clean and healthy living environment. In this blog article, our Skedaddle experts explore the various places these creatures may nest in your home and provide tips on how to humanely and effectively get rid of bats.

Demystifying Bat Habits: The Where and Why of Nesting 

Bats, contrary to popular belief, won’t go looking for a cozy corner in your bedroom to settle down. They are, however, attracted to quieter, darker, and more insulated areas, such as an attic or unused chimney. Understanding where they make their nests can help you decipher the best course of action to make your home free of intrusion. 

Attics: The Preferred Space for Nesting 

Bats have a particular fondness for attics. The combination of ample space, silence, and low traffic make these spots ideal for them to roost and breed. Many homeowners may not venture into their attics frequently, allowing for colonies to reside undisturbed for extended periods. 

Walls and Vents 

Walls are another common nesting site, especially if there are gaps or cracks for them to crawl through. These slim creatures can squeeze into surprisingly small spaces, hiding their presence from an unsuspecting host. Similarly, vents provide another suitable spot for them to sneak in and establish a roost in your home. 

Barns and Sheds 

Don’t forget to inspect your outdoor structures like sheds and barns. These buildings are often less frequently visited than the main house, providing a perfect refuge. Paying attention to such areas can save you from discovering a thriving population when you come around to preparing your gardening tools for spring. 

Understanding where bats may roost in your home is the first step towards keeping them out. Always remember that different species of bats have their own unique preferences and habits, requiring a tailored approach in each case. 

Identifying Signs of Bat Nesting in Your Home 

Identifying bats in your home can be a tricky affair due to their camouflage and silent nature. However, there are signs that could indicate the presence of these silent guests. Some of the most common signs include: 

• Strange Noises: Bats are typically quiet, but they might produce clicking or squeaking noises. If you start hearing strange noises emanating from your walls, attic, or vents, especially during dusk or dawn, you might have a bat infestation.
• Foul Odours: They produce a certain distinct musky aroma. Over time, this scent can permeate into your living spaces and cause an unpleasant smell. If you notice a strong, unexplainable odour in your home, you should check for the possibility of an infestation.
• Visible Droppings: Bat droppings, or guano, look very similar to mouse droppings but are typically found in piles. If you spot this, it’s time to take action and call a professional.
• Scratch Marks or Stains: Bats can often leave scratch marks or oily stains around entry points in your home. If you see these signs, they may have been entering your space.

Remember, these animals are experts at hiding, so they may reside in your home unnoticed for a long period of time. If you observe any of these signs, seek professional advice immediately. 

Preventive Measures: Strategies to Deter Bats from Entering Your Home 

Prevention is always better than cure, and this is certainly true when it comes to wildlife. By implementing some strategic measures in and around your home, you can significantly reduce the chance of bats making your home their own. Here are a few useful strategies that can deter bats from settling in your living space. 

Maintaining Your Property 

Regular inspection and maintenance of your property can go a long way in preventing infestations. Pay particular attention to any cracks or holes in your walls or roof, and seal them immediately. Remember, bats can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces, so don’t dismiss any gaps as too small. 

Install Bat-Proofing Devices 

To protect your home, you could consider installing devices that allow bats to leave but prevent them from re-entering. These one-way exclusion devices are a humane and effective solution to infestations. However, they should only be installed by professionals, as improper installation can lead to animals getting trapped inside your home. 

Consider Lighting 

Bats like darkness, so the judicious use of lighting can deter them. An illuminated exterior facilitates a less attractive environment for them to roost or settle in. Try using outdoor house lights or garden lights near potential roosting sites to discourage their return. 

Using Bat Houses 

Another strategy is to install bat houses on your property. These provide alternative roosting sites, diverting them away from your home. It’s a solution that supports the local ecosystem while protecting your space. 

Remember, each of these strategies should be implemented with care to ensure that bats are deterred in a safe and humane manner. If an infestation has already set in, we recommend contacting professionals to deal with the issue. 

When to Contact Skedaddle for Bat Removal in Toronto 

At Skedaddle, we’re committed to ensuring your home remains a safe and wildlife-free sanctuary. When it comes to identifying when you should reach out for professional assistance, there are a few key indicators to look for. It’s essential to act diligently if you’ve identified signs of an infestation in your home or property. But how do you know when it’s the right time to call in the experts? 

Spotting Signs of Infestation 

The first and most clear-cut indication of a bat infestation is spotting any signs like strange sounds, unusual odours, or even bat droppings around your home. If you observe any of these signs, it’s imperative to take action straight away. Dealing with bats isn’t a job for well-meaning homeowners to tackle alone. It requires a professional touch to ensure that all bats are removed humanely and that your home is protected from future invasions. 

Recurring Bat Sightings 

If you’ve seen bats around your home or property on a continual basis, especially during nighttime, there’s likely a roost nearby. Where there are bats outside, there’s always a chance they could find their way inside. If you find bats returning frequently, it’s time to have a professional inspection. 

Unsuccessful DIY Attempts 

Some homeowners may opt for DIY solutions initially. However, often non-professional efforts to remove bats or prevent future intrusions might not yield the desired results. If you’ve noticed that your efforts aren’t working and the signs of infestation persist, it’s time to call in the professionals at Skedaddle. 

Call Us Today

If you’re experiencing any of these scenarios, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Skedaddle. Our trained and certified technicians are experienced in all facets of bat removal, ensuring a safe and efficient process for both the homeowner and the animals. We are dedicated to providing humane and effective solutions to bat troubles and also offer prevention techniques to keep your home bat-free.