What Attracts Bats To Our Home?
Most people know that bats are an important part of the ecosystem. They control insect populations and are keystone pollinators. We even value their waste, guano, as fertilizer. Yet, despite their good qualities, can we be honest and admit that we still don't like them?
You know it's true. Bats scare us. They may be mammals, but there is nothing cute about them. They are creepy, malevolent-looking night dwellers with leathery skin, sharp teeth, and beady eyes. There's a reason they've been starring in horror novels and movies for ages; they look like the stuff that nightmares are made of. Let's Face it, Dracula doesn't morph into a canary.
But fictional frights aside, some genuine, not-so-great things about them also validate our dislike. For example, the damage they do. When they enter attics, they can destroy them. Guano might make good plant food, but it is also one of the most corrosive substances. Droppings eat through insulation, wood, metal, and more. Furthermore, they can carry dangerous diseases like Rabies and Histoplasmosis, which are transmissible to humans. They've even been linked to viruses like Ebola and SARS. Having bats inside or even near your home is not a good thing.
Why Bats Are Attracted To Homes And Buildings
Bats need shelter. They seek a comfortable place to roost, raise their young, and hibernate. Caves come to mind, but another place is even more ideal: your attic. Not only is your attic in that perfect not-too-hot, not-too-cold temperature range they like best, but it is also dry, quiet, and free of predators. Plus, it has lots of insulation for nesting, some insects to snack on, and it is easily accessible.
Bats use echolocation for more than just maneuvering around their surroundings. They only need a tiny crack about a quarter-inch wide to squeeze through. And once they're in, they may be there for life. They are also known to return to the same nesting spot yearly.
Bats are intelligent and stealthy invaders. There are some things you can do to try and keep them away. Owls are one of the most common animals that prey on bats, and adding plastic owls can be a deterrent. Installing a bat house is a great way to keep them out while providing a home for them. That being said, there are some signs of infestation to watch for. Plus, if you don't go into your attic, you might not even know they are there.
Signs Of A Bat Invasion
The most obvious sign of an infestation is seeing one. Sometimes they fly in through an open window or door accidentally, but there is a chance that the presence of one could mean that there is more. Another clue is odor. Over time, a musty, ammonia-like smell may become noticeable. Guano builds up, dries, and eventually becomes airborne throughout the house.
Additionally, there could be sounds. Bats are quiet but not completely silent. You might hear faint squeaking noises, especially around dusk and dawn. Other things to look for include droppings and stains around the exterior of your home and what looks like water stains on your ceilings. You should also be aware that bats invade more than just attics. They also nest in basements, garages, sheds, crawlspaces, chimneys, and inside walls.
How To Deal With Bat Issues
Bats are a protected species, and California has specific laws about handling them. They can be dangerous and can bite and scratch when threatened. Plus, breathing in their guano is hazardous to your health, so it is unsafe to enter an infested area without special protective wear. When you have a bat problem, you need the services of a professional. In Grass Valley, trust the experts at Gold Country Wildlife Control.
The Services Of Gold Country Wildlife Control
We specialize in bat removal and do so efficiently and fully comply with state laws. We use special valves that allow them to leave but not return, so an invading colony can be disbursed without harming the animals. We also offer top-notch cleanup and repair services to help restore your home after an infestation.
Additionally, we are experts at exclusion, which is the best way to deal with bat issues and other kinds of wildlife invasions. Exclusion is a professional service and a terrific investment that systematically closes off the possible entry points to prevent animals from returning or getting into your home in the first place. Prevention is best, and exclusion is available to homeowners regardless of whether or not they've had a problem.
Contact us today, and let's talk about how we can help.
