Did you know that Big Brown Bats can consume thousands of insects each night, providing natural pest control? While this makes them helpful in the wild, they become a serious problem when they invade homes or businesses. Learn how to recognize infestations and why professional bat control from companies like Wildout Animal and Pest Removal is the best solution for your property.
What Are Big Brown Bats?
Big Brown Bats, scientifically known as Eptesicus fuscus, are medium-sized bats found across North America. Their wingspan ranges from 11 to 13 inches, and they weigh approximately half an ounce. They have glossy brown fur, dark wings, and rounded ears. These nocturnal mammals are insectivores, feeding primarily on beetles, moths, and other flying insects.
Big Brown Bats are highly adaptable and thrive in various environments, including urban, suburban, and rural areas. They often roost in trees, caves, or man-made structures such as attics and barns. Their ability to coexist with human activity makes them beneficial but can also lead to unwanted infestations.
How Big Brown Bats Get Into Homes
Big Brown Bats are adept at finding entry points into homes and buildings, often using small gaps or cracks. Common entry points include:
1. Roofline Gaps
Roofline gaps, particularly where shingles meet walls or chimneys, are frequent entryways for bats. Although these openings may seem insignificant, bats require only a dime-sized gap to squeeze through. These openings may enlarge over time due to wear, making your home even more vulnerable. Regular roof inspections can identify and help close these gaps, reducing the likelihood of an infestation.
2. Vents and Chimneys
Unscreened vents and open chimneys are popular roosting sites for bats. The warmth and darkness of these areas make them ideal for shelter. Without proper screening, bats can access attics and even wall voids through these entry points. Installing heavy-duty chimney caps and vent covers is an effective way to keep bats from exploiting these vulnerable areas.
3. Cracks in Walls
Bats can exploit even the smallest cracks in walls or siding. These entry points often lead directly to wall voids or attic spaces, providing a safe and secluded roosting area. Over time, unnoticed cracks can allow bats to establish colonies, making infestations harder to control. Sealing cracks with weatherproof materials prevents bats from gaining access and reduces long-term risks.
4. Loose Fascia Boards
Fascia boards that are not securely fastened can leave gaps along roof edges. Bats often target these areas as convenient entry points because they are naturally hidden and accessible. Inspecting and securing fascia boards, especially after storms, can prevent bats and other pests from exploiting these gaps.
Addressing these entry points promptly is key to preventing infestations. Once bats find their way inside, they can quickly establish a roost, leading to more complex problems.
Signs of a Big Brown Bat Infestation
Spotting the signs of a bat infestation early can prevent extensive damage and reduce health risks. Be alert to these indicators:
1. Bat Droppings (Guano)
Bat droppings accumulate near roosting sites, often at the base of walls or in attics. Guano resembles small, dark pellets and has a shiny appearance due to undigested insect parts. Over time, large accumulations of guano can emit a pungent odor and pose health risks. Guano buildup can also attract other pests, such as roaches, creating additional problems. Prompt cleanup and proper disposal are necessary to maintain a safe environment.
2. Noises in Walls or Attics
Scratching, squeaking, or fluttering sounds are often heard at dusk or dawn when bats are most active. These noises can come from walls, attics, or other hidden spaces where bats roost. The sounds may initially be faint but can grow louder as a colony expands. Investigating unusual noises quickly can help confirm the presence of bats and lead to faster removal.
3. Strong Ammonia Odor
The presence of bats often brings a strong ammonia-like smell caused by their urine. This odor becomes more noticeable as droppings and urine accumulate. Over time, the smell can permeate walls and ceilings, creating an unpleasant living environment. Eliminating the source of the odor requires professional cleanup and deodorization services.
4. Stains Around Entry Points
Bats leave oily stains near the cracks or gaps they use to enter and exit a structure. These stains, caused by the oils on their fur, can serve as visual markers of entry points. If these stains are ignored, bats may continue using the same entry points, worsening the infestation. Identifying and sealing these gaps is critical to controlling bat infestations and protecting your home.
5. Sightings at Sunset
Observing bats flying near your property at sunset is another indicator of a possible infestation. Bats are most active during this time as they search for insects to eat. Repeated activity near your home or property suggests they may be roosting nearby. Investigating where they enter and exit can help confirm an infestation and guide removal efforts.
Acting quickly when you notice these signs can save your home from extensive damage and protect your health.
Risks of Big Brown Bats in Your Home
If bats make their way into your home, they bring more than just noise or inconvenience. The risks of Big Brown Bats extend to your health, home, and overall safety, underscoring the need for swift action.
1. Health Hazards
Bats can carry rabies, a deadly virus that poses a threat to humans and pets through direct contact. Additionally, guano can harbor a fungus that causes histoplasmosis, a serious respiratory condition. These risks are especially concerning when bat droppings accumulate over time in attics or walls. Professional cleanup and removal services are essential to reduce exposure and protect your family.
2. Structural Damage
Accumulated guano and urine degrade insulation, drywall, and wooden structures, weakening your home over time. The acidity in bat droppings accelerates the breakdown of materials, leading to costly repairs. Urine can also seep into walls and ceilings, causing unpleasant odors that are difficult to remove. Addressing the problem early can save money and prevent long-term damage to your property.
3. Parasites and Pests
Bats often carry parasites such as mites, fleas, and ticks, which can spread to other areas of your home. These pests may continue to cause issues even after the bats are removed. A professional inspection and treatment plan can eliminate these secondary infestations and restore your home to a healthy condition.
Understanding these risks demonstrates why taking prompt action is essential when dealing with bats in your home. Swift intervention can prevent serious complications, both for your property and your health.
How Wildout Animal and Pest Removal Can Help
When bats invade your property, professional bat removal services in Florida are essential. Wildout Animal and Pest Removal offers comprehensive, humane solutions to handle infestations effectively. Here’s how we can help:
1. Detailed Inspection
Our team begins with a thorough inspection of your property. We carefully examine the exterior and interior for signs of bat activity, including entry points and roosting areas. This step allows us to determine the severity of the infestation and tailor a removal plan to your specific needs.
2. Humane Bat Removal
We use exclusion devices that allow bats to exit your home but prevent them from returning. These humane techniques comply with Florida’s wildlife laws, which are regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Florida laws protect bats year-round, with additional restrictions during maternity season to prevent harm to mothers and their young. Our approach prioritizes the safety of both your family and the bats while resolving the infestation ethically and effectively.
3. Sealing Entry Points
After removing the bats, we seal all potential entry points with durable materials. This step prevents reentry and protects your home from future wildlife intrusions. Our attention to detail ensures that even the smallest cracks and gaps are properly addressed.
4. Cleanup and Sanitation
Using specialized protective gear such as gloves, respirators, and coveralls, our team safely handles and removes hazardous materials left behind by bats. Bat guano can harbor harmful pathogens, including the fungus that causes histoplasmosis, a respiratory condition that can affect both humans and pets. Our trained professionals take every precaution to minimize exposure during the cleanup process.
We thoroughly clean and sanitize affected areas using professional-grade cleaning agents designed to eliminate bacteria, fungi, and unpleasant odors. This step not only addresses visible contamination but also helps to prevent the growth of mold and other harmful microorganisms. For heavily contaminated areas, we use advanced techniques to ensure the space is fully restored.
5. Preventative Measures
To protect your home in the long term, we offer ongoing prevention programs. These include regular inspections, maintenance, and monitoring to ensure that no new wildlife activity occurs. Our preventative approach gives you confidence that your property will remain bat-free.
Our comprehensive services make Wildout Animal and Pest Removal the trusted choice for homeowners in Central Florida.
Conclusion
Big Brown Bats are a valuable part of Florida’s ecosystem, but they can cause significant problems when they invade your home. From health risks to structural damage, addressing an infestation quickly is crucial. Wildout Animal and Pest Removal offers expert services to handle your bat problem safely and effectively. With our humane removal techniques, thorough cleanup, and preventative measures, you can regain peace of mind knowing your property is protected. Contact us today to schedule an inspection.
Contact Us:
Wildout Animal and Pest Removal
Lakeland
863-315-WILD (315-9453)
Orlando
407-465-WILD (465-9453)
Tampa
813-WILDOUT (945-3688)
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