How to get rid of bats from your property

Bats are an essential part of our ecosystem, but when they make themselves at home in your office, it can become a bit unsettling (and even hazardous). While beneficial to the environment, bats can leave behind droppings that can harbor harmful bacteria and fungi.  If you suspect bats in your building, Rentokil can help with safe and humane bat removal services. 

Signs bats are roosting in your business

Bats typically inhabit dark and quiet areas that offer protection from predators and harsh weather conditions. Some common places where bats roost include attics, chimneys, and behind shutters. To identify a bat, you can look for some distinctive features, such as wings made of skin, sharp teeth, and small, furry bodies.

Bats are nocturnal creatures, so you might not see them directly, but there are telltale signs of their presence. Here's what to look for:

• Bat droppings: Guano, or bat droppings, accumulate near roosting areas, often found in attics, or behind walls. Look for dark, pebbly droppings near entry points.
• Unusual smells: Bat urine can emit a strong ammonia-like odor.
• Scratching sounds: Bats are nocturnal creatures, so you may hear them squeaking and scratching at night. If you hear these sounds during the day, it could be a sign of a large colony of bats roosting in your building.
• Seeing a bat: If you see bats flying around your building at dusk or dawn, it's a clear indication that they are roosting nearby and may have found their way inside.

Health risks and property damage from bats

While bats don't pose a direct threat, their guano can harbor histoplasmosis, a fungal disease that can cause respiratory problems. Bat guano can also attract other pests like cockroaches and flies. Bats can also damage your property by leaving behind guano, which can deteriorate insulation and building materials. Their urine is also highly acidic and can erode various materials, causing more damage.

Legal considerations for bat control

In many areas, bats are protected by law. Specific laws and regulations surrounding bat removal can vary depending on your location. Most laws may prohibit the removal, trapping, or harming of bats without special licensing. If you suspect that bats are roosting on your property, it's essential to contact a professional bat removal service licensed and experienced in safe and humane bat removal. At Rentokil, our technicians are trained in the proper techniques for bat removal and ensure compliance with local laws.

How the bat removal process works

If you're dealing with a bat infestation in your building, Rentokil is here to help you. At Rentokil, we prioritize humane exclusion techniques to protect your business from bat problems while respecting these beneficial creatures. Our bat exclusion process is designed to safely and humanely remove bats from your business while still preventing their return in the future.

Our technicians will first inspect and identify existing and potential entry points. Next, they will seal all possible entry points except the areas where bats are actively entering and exiting your facility. Your technician may install specialized tools to allow bats to exit your building naturally but prevent them from re-entering. Once all bats have left, the remaining entry points will be sealed. If necessary, our technicians will also clean the affected areas. 

Investing in bat exclusion

Investing in bat exclusion is crucial, especially if you’ve recently had a bat removed. Bats can quickly return through tiny openings without exclusion, leading to repeat infestations and bat removal costs. Exclusion also minimizes the risk of bat guano accumulating and posing health risks to employees and customers. By sealing entry points, you can prevent bats from re-entering and have peace of mind, knowing that your business is protected from bats.

The benefits of trusting professionals

Removing bats on your own can be dangerous and ineffective, so hiring a bat control specialist is always best. Professional bat removal services can provide a long-term solution to bat infestations, preventing damage to property and avoiding potential health risks. While the cost of professional services may vary depending on several factors, it's worth considering the long-term value. Opting for professional bat pest control services may initially seem costly, but it can help you prevent paying multiple times for the same service, not to mention ensuring the safety of your clients and employees.

Mitigating bat encounters: safety and awareness in the workplace

Educating your staff on bat safety and control procedures is crucial in mitigating bat encounters at your workplace. You should establish protocols for both immediate and long-term bat issues to ensure your employees' and customers' safety and health. Immediate protocols should focus on steps to take if a bat is found inside the building, while long-term protocols should be aimed at preventing bat infestations. Staff should also be trained to identify signs of bats and to wear protective gear when cleaning up bat guano. By following these steps, you can help ensure the safety and health of your workplace.

If your business needs bat removal or control services, contact Rentokil today.