Evening bats (Nycticeius humeralis) may be small, but they pack a big punch when it comes to keeping mosquito populations in check. They’re like tiny winged exterminators, gobbling up pesky insects all night long. But while they’re great to have flying around outside, they’re not so great when they decide to move in with you. If they sneak into your attic or walls, you’ve got a whole new set of problems on your hands.

What Are Evening Bats?

Evening bats often get mistaken for other species, but they have their own unique look and habits. Knowing what to watch for can help you spot a problem before it gets out of hand.

1. Tiny but Mighty

Evening bats are about the size of your thumb, covered in rich brown fur with pale bellies that help them blend into tree bark. They grow just 3 to 4 inches long, with a wingspan of about 10 to 11 inches, and weigh less than half an ounce. Despite their small size, they’re lightning-fast in flight, zigzagging through the night sky with expert precision.

2. Nature’s Pest Control

These little bug-chompers feast on beetles, moths, and other flying insects. Using echolocation, they hunt in complete darkness, snatching prey out of the air with incredible accuracy. A single evening bat can devour thousands of insects in one night. That’s great for your backyard but not so great if they’re roosting in your home.

3. Where They Like to Hang Out

Evening bats prefer to roost in hollow trees, under loose bark, or inside abandoned buildings. But when natural shelters are scarce, they won’t hesitate to move into attics, walls, or crawl spaces. Unlike some bat species that form massive colonies, evening bats stick to smaller groups. This makes them trickier to detect—until their presence starts causing problems.

How Do Evening Bats Get Inside Homes?

Evening bats don’t need a grand entrance to sneak inside. They can squeeze through gaps as small as half an inch. If there’s a way in, they’ll find it.

1. Roof and Attic Entry Points

Loose shingles, attic vents, and damaged soffits are all open invitations for bats. Even tiny openings near chimneys, dormers, or along the roofline can be all they need. If storms or critters like squirrels have weakened your roof, bats will take full advantage. Many homeowners don’t even realize they have bats until they hear rustling at night or see them flying out at dusk.

2. Cracks and Gaps in Walls

Tiny cracks in brickwork, siding, or gaps around utility pipes might seem harmless, but to a bat, they’re wide open doors. Homes settle over time, creating narrow openings that bats easily locate. And once they find a good roosting spot, they’ll return year after year unless you block them out for good.

3. Torn Screens and Vents

It’s easy to overlook a small tear in a window or attic vent screen, but for bats, it’s a perfect entrance. Homes near wooded areas or lakes are especially at risk since bats often hunt near these places. Once inside, they might explore different parts of your home before settling in the attic or walls.

Bats are determined little creatures. The best way to avoid infestation is to seal up these weak spots before they move in. and can exploit multiple weak points in your home’s structure. Identifying and sealing these entry points is a crucial step in bat prevention.

Signs You Have a Bat Problem

Spotting a bat infestation in your home isn’t always easy, but there are some clear warning signs to look for.

1. Piles of Bat Droppings (Guano)

Bat droppings tend to pile up near entry points and inside attics. Guano looks like small, dark pellets and crumbles easily. Over time, it gives off a strong ammonia-like smell that only gets worse. It can also stain ceilings and walls, making cleanup a real headache.

2. Strange Noises at Night

Hearing odd chirping, squeaking, or rustling noises coming from your walls or attic? That could be bats. They use these sounds to communicate and navigate, and you’re most likely to hear them at night when they’re active.

3. Greasy Stains Around Entry Points

Bats leave behind dark, greasy smudges where they squeeze in and out. Their fur produces natural oils that rub off on vents, chimneys, and wall cracks. If you see these marks along with guano, chances are you’ve got bats.

4. Bats Flying at Dusk

If you notice bats swooping around your home at sunset—especially near a specific spot—you may have found their entry point. Since evening bats are most active at twilight, this is the best time to spot them.

Catching these signs early can save you from bigger problems down the road.

Why Evening Bats in Homes Are a Big Problem

Evening bats are great for the environment, but having them in your home? Not so much. Here’s why you need to act fast.

1. Health Risks

Bats can carry rabies, and while not all of them do, any bite or scratch should be taken seriously. Rabies is a fatal disease if left untreated, and handling bats without protection is a huge risk. Even without direct contact, their droppings can grow a dangerous fungus that causes histoplasmosis. Breathing in these spores can lead to severe lung infections, making bat infestations more than just an annoyance—they’re a real health hazard.

2. Structural Damage

Bat urine and guano are highly acidic, which means they can eat away at wood, drywall, and even metal over time. Insulation gets soaked, ceilings become weak, and walls start to smell. Left unchecked, the damage can get so bad that entire sections of your home may need repairs. If bats have been around for a while, the weight of their waste alone can cause serious structural issues.

3. Noisy Night Owls

Because bats are nocturnal, they’re most active when you’re trying to sleep. If they’ve moved into your attic or walls, expect plenty of scratching, squeaking, and fluttering noises. And if it’s mating season, the noise level skyrockets. A single bat might not be too disruptive, but a group of them can turn your quiet home into a nightly circus.

4. Unwanted Pests

Bats don’t come alone—they often bring mites, fleas, and other parasites into your home. These pests can quickly spread beyond the roosting area, finding their way into your living space and causing even more headaches. If you have pets, they’re also at risk of picking up these unwelcome hitchhikers.

If bats have taken up residence, you don’t want to drag your feet—this isn’t the kind of problem that fixes itself. Now that you know the risks, let’s talk about the best way to handle the situation.

Why Professional Bat Removal Is Necessary

Getting rid of bats isn’t as simple as sealing up holes. It takes the right expertise, tools, and an understanding of Florida’s wildlife laws. Professional bat exclusion methods allow bats to leave safely while making sure they can’t return. Wildlife experts use humane techniques that follow state regulations, so you don’t have to worry about legal issues or dealing with bats again. DIY attempts often fail and can even get homeowners into legal trouble, especially during maternity season (April 15th to August 15th). Plus, professionals don’t just remove the bats—they also clean up hazardous guano, making your home safe again

How Wildout Animal and Pest Removal Can Help

At Wildout Animal and Pest Removal, we take a thorough approach to bat removal and prevention. Here’s what we do:

1. Detailed Inspection

We don’t just take a quick look around—we dig deep. Our team inspects every nook and cranny, from rooflines to crawl spaces, to track down exactly where bats are getting in. We also look for signs of damage and potential weak spots that could become future entry points. Every home is different, and our inspections help us tailor a removal plan specifically for your situation.

2. Humane Exclusion

Bats are protected wildlife, and getting rid of them isn’t as simple as chasing them out. We use specialized exclusion devices that let bats leave on their own but block them from getting back in. This method is safe, effective, and ensures that bats aren’t harmed. We also follow all legal guidelines, including respecting bat maternity season, so baby bats aren’t left behind.

3. Sealing Entry Points

Once the bats are out, it’s time to shut the door for good. We don’t just patch up holes—we use durable materials designed to withstand weather and time. Our team makes sure every possible entry point is sealed, from vents to loose soffits, so you don’t have to worry about reinfestation down the road.

4. Professional Cleanup

Getting rid of bats is only half the battle. Their droppings and urine can leave behind strong odors, health risks, and even structural damage. We handle the dirty work for you, safely removing guano, sanitizing affected areas, and restoring your home to a clean, livable state. This step is crucial—not just for your home’s safety, but for your family’s health as well.

Our bat removal service goes beyond just handling the immediate problem. We focus on long-term protection, so you can have peace of mind.

Need Help with Bats in Your Home? Call Wildout!

Don’t let bats take over your space. If you’re hearing strange noises at night, spotting droppings, or seeing bats flying out at dusk, it’s time to take action. The longer they stay, the bigger the problem becomes—and trust us, this isn’t a DIY kind of job. Give us a call today, and let’s get your home back to being yours—bat-free and worry-free!

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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