Bats

Bats roost in areas that are warm and dark, sometimes within buildings. They rarely cause damage to property. They do, however, leave droppings in roosting areas. Don’t worry, bats indigenous to the United States do not feed on blood, and they rarely transmit rabies.

Bats should, however, be handled carefully. Use thick gloves, a thick towel, or a jar to capture bats trapped inside your home. Free bats in a safe, outdoor place.Prevent bats from roosting in your home by making it inaccessible and unattractive to bats.

• Seal any holes accessible to bats, including holes smaller than an inch in diameter. Do this after bats exit your home at night.

   

  Place a flexible mesh over openings (plastic strips or bird netting will do). Allow bats to exit through the bottom by leaving the mesh loose (this opening should allow bats to exit but keep them from coming back).

   

  Brightly light any area occupied by bats. Nocturnal animals dislike light, and this should make your home an undesirable place for roosting.

   

  Decrease the temperature of your attic and crawl spaces by using fans or other cooling methods.

   

• Bats consume large quantities of mosquitoes and other insects. Benefit from their voracious appetites by constructing bat houses or other roosting sites.