A Homeowner’s Guide to Installing Bat Houses

Bats are very important to us, even if they can also be a nuisance at times. Not only do bats serve an ecological role in our surrounding environment, but they also contribute to the promise of our local economies, and more. There are many ways you can support local bat populations, without ever putting yourself or your property at risk. First, you can be sure to never harm, trap, or kill wild bats. Furthermore, you can install bat houses to give bats a place to rest their tired wings during the day!

Constructing, installing, and maintaining bat houses is a serious hobby since you do not want to hurt bats or put them in a hazardous situation. Also, many bats are protected by the state, or even federally, making it inhumane and illegal to put them in harms’ way. For this reason, you need to be sure you use the proper methods if you want bat houses on your property.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know before getting started on your bat house initiative!

VA Richmond Bat Removal
VA Richmond Bat Removal 804-729-9097

Buying or Building Bat Houses

First, you need a bat house. You can choose to build your own, or you can simply purchase a pre-constructed bat house online or at your local home improvement store. If you choose to craft your own bat house, it is critical that you know how to operate and apply the necessary tool and materials for the project and follow all state laws and best practices for building bat houses. If you decide to build your own, here are some free bat house plans we recommend.

Bat House Installation Tips

Bat houses must be installed in certain areas, and in certain ways, to keep everyone safe, including the bats themselves. Usually, it is recommended to install bat houses on the edge of a property, away from the home, but close to a body of water or small group of trees. When it comes time to mount them, designate a wooden pole or pivot pole. Do not mount bat houses on trees because they will not get enough light, which creates interior warmth. Furthermore, mounting them on trees will make it more difficult for bats to enter and take flight, and makes them more vulnerable to predators.

How to Install a Bat House

Mount your bat house in an area that gets 6 to 8 hours of sun light. This means it should face South or East.

Install your bat house 12 to 20 feet off the ground or above the highest vegetation beneath it.

Keep bat houses at least 20 to 30 feet away from tree branches and other obstructions that can interfere with their flight.

Mount your bat house near a major water source, such as a year-round stream, creek, pond, river, or lake.

Are you having problems with nuisance bats around your house? Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for comprehensive bat removal and control services in Richmond and all surrounding Virginia areas. We serve all of Virginia, including Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and all of their surrounding districts.

You Might Also Read:

The Ecological Importance of Bats
How to Properly Maintain Bat Houses
The Top Three Signs that You Have Bats in the House

Virginia Bat Removal and Control
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

FAQS About Virginia Bat Control

Are bats becoming a bother around your property or business? Have you recently discovered a bat infestation in your house? Do you suspect that you have bats in the attic at this very moment? If so, you are likely filled with all sorts of questions and concerns.  But before you contact a wildlife control specialist, continue reading to review the answers to some of the most common questions people have about bat removal and control. This can help you understand what to expect, and help you make the best decisions regarding your property’s wildlife protection needs.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

FAQS About Nuisance Bats and Bat Removal

Are Bats Blind?

Microchiroptera, or microbats, use echolocation to help hunt their prey and navigate around in the dark; however, they are not blind. In fact, microbats can see quite well (and hear quite well), but they use their Echolocating abilities to navigate their course, as well as dart and dash for prey at a more precise rate. Megabats, or fruit bats, do not have Echo-locating abilities. They have big eyes and great vision, so they have no need for echolocation.

Will a Bat Attack Me or My Pet?

Due to movies and television, many people fear that bats will attack or bite them. The truth is, they CAN if they want to, but most often, they WON’T. Bats are more afraid of us than we are of them, and it is very unlikely for bats to attack a person or other animal. However, there are exceptions. Bats that are ill, injured, mothering, and/or aggravated, may defend themselves upon provocation by biting or scratching. If you have a bat in the house, simply leave it alone to avoid any trouble. If you give it space and let the professionals take it from there, you should not be at risk of a bat bite or attack.

Can I Trap a Bat?

Most states forbid anyone from harming, trapping, or killing bats without the proper permits. Bats are a vital part of our Eco-system; they should never be exterminated unless they are infected with a fatal or infectious disease, or injured beyond the point of rehabilitation. Only licensed wildlife rescue organizations have the resources and permissions to put a sick or injured bat down. Never attempt to touch, trap, harm, or kill bats. Not only is it likely illegal in your state, but it is also highly unethical and inhumane.

What Do I Do if I Find a Bat in the House?

If you discover a lone bat in your house, your first step should be to isolate it from the rest of the family and your pets. This means closing off the room it is in, but leaving open a window for an exit point. For example, if you find a bat in your bathroom, shut the bathroom door so that it cannot move to other areas of the home, but leave the bathroom window open so the bat can let itself out. Wait 12 hours for the bat to leave. If it is still there, contact a licensed bat removal and control company. If you discover a bat colony living in your home, or suspect that you might have bats in the attic, contact a licensed bat removal and control company for professional inspection and service.

How Do I Get Rid of Bats in the Attic?

If you have bats in the attic, you need emergency bat removal service. A state-licensed Virginia bat removal professional will implement proven methodologies and innovative technologies to extract bats and prevent their return. Once you are finished with bat removal and control service, it is important for you to maintain the safety and security of your home or business by keeping it sealed up and protected against animal intrusions. An annual bat control inspection will ensure this for you.

Do you have a nuisance bat problem around your house or building? Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for prompt and professional bat removal and control you can afford. We serve residential and commercial clients.

You Should Also Read:

Common Signs of Bats in the Wall
What To Do If You Find a Bat
Will Bats Attack My Dog?

Virginia Bat Removal and Control
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Why This is the Time of Year to Get a Rabies Vaccine

Richmond Virginia Bat Removal and Control
Richmond Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

It is rabies season, so now is the right time to get your rabies shots. Be sure your loved ones are vaccinated, including your pets!

Wildlife is most active when weather is warm and mild. This means it is Rabies season. Animals like raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks, opossum, fox, and bats are all common carriers of the Rabies virus. And although there are very few reported cases of human exposure every year (1 to 3 cases reported annually, according to the CDC), it is still important to take as much precaution as possible to ensure you and your loved ones are not affected. Keep in mind that curious outdoor pets like cats and dogs are also common targets for Rabies infection, so you’ll need to consider their safety as well.

Don’t Take the Risk – Get Vaccinated for Rabies

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

“The rabies virus is transmitted through saliva or brain/nervous system tissue. You can only get rabies by coming in contact with these specific bodily excretions and tissues.”

It is also 100% treatable so long as medical attention is sought immediately after exposure. Without treatment, rabies is 100% fatal since it causes an acute viral encephalitis. Once symptoms start to become evident, there is no recourse or cure.

Rabies Shots

For humans, the Rabies virus is 100% preventable with the right vaccinations. Because adults in good health are rarely exposed, shots are not necessary unless someone is bitten or exposed. The best course of action adults can take is to adhere to adequate animal vaccination and control standards. Furthermore, children are at a higher risk of contracting Rabies, so be sure they are protected with the proper vaccines if they are ever exposed or likely to be exposed.  

If exposed, a victim would have to start a treatment schedule consisting of one dose of immune globulin and four doses of rabies vaccine, all given over a 14-day period. This regime is known as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

The Rabies vaccine consists of 3 types of cells:

► Human Cells
► Chick Embryo Cells
► Fetal Rhesus Lung Cells

A vaccination program is recommended for those who are at a higher risk of exposure, like veterinarians, animal handlers, laboratory workers, cave spelunkers, and explorers traveling to areas of the world where rabies exposure is likely. These individuals would get a 3-part dose of Rabies immune globulin, starting with an initial vaccine beforehand, a second dose 7 days later, and a final dose 21 to 28 days after the first dose.

Where to Get a Rabies Vaccine

Contact your Primary Care Physician’s (PCP) office for more information on vaccines.

Are you dealing with a population of nuisance bats around your house, which are common carriers of the Rabies virus? Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for affordable and prompt bat removal services in Virginia, including Richmond, Williamsburg, Hampton, and all surrounding areas. We serve residential and commercial clients.

You Should Also Read:

Top 3 Signs That Suggest You Have Bats in Your House
Can Bat Poop Make Me Sick?
Top 3 Most Common Bat Diseases in Virginia

Virginia Bat Removal and Control
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

What You Should and Should Not Do to Get Rid of Bats

When it comes to getting rid of bats, there is a long list of “do’s” and “don’ts.” Fortunately, the majority of these particular guidelines are the responsibility of bat conservationists and wildlife specialists. As for you, all you need to know are the basics of bat removal and control. This makes the list much shorter, and easier to remember.

Continue reading to learn what you SHOULD and SHOULDN’T do if you want to get rid of a nuisance bat problem.

Virginia Bat Removal Company 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal Company 804-729-9097

The Do’s and Don’t of Bat Control

What You SHOULD NOT Do

The most important tip is to protect yourself and your loved ones at all times. Bats are known carriers of several infectious and contagious diseases. Some are highly dangerous and fatal, while others are just gross and obnoxious. Either way, it is vital that you ensure the protection of those around you if you are dealing with a bat in the house. Here’s how to do that:

Never attempt to provoke, touch, trap, harm, or kill a bat. Bats are more scare of you than you are of them, which means they will react erratically and unpredictably if you try to tamper with them. More importantly, bats are incredibly important mammals that have a vital role in our surrounding Eco-system.

They require and deserve protection, preservation, and appreciation. Furthermore, laws prohibit interactions with bats without the proper licenses and training. Even wildlife specialists have to follow strict rules and guidelines when extracting and transporting bats.

What You SHOULD Do

If you have bats in the attic, in the house, or around the outside of your property, you definitely need some form of intervention. Just be sure that intervention is not implemented by you or anyone you know. Under no circumstances should you ever try to take care of a bat problem on your own. Instead, as soon as you know bats are an issue for your home, contact a local and licensed Virginia bat removal company for safe and humane service you can trust.

Do you think you might have bats in the attic in your house? Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for affordable and prompt bat removal services in Virginia, including Richmond, Fredericksburg, Manassas, and all surrounding areas. We serve residential and commercial clients.

You Might Also Enjoy:

Can I Get Rid of Bats Myself?
A List of Household Spices to Keep Bats Away
FAQS About Bats in the House

Virginia Bat Removal and Control
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Facts About Megabats and Microbats

Did you know there are two main species of bats in the world? It’s true! All bats can be put into one of two categories: Microchiroptera or Megachiroptera. These are colloquially known as “megabats” and “microbats.” Continue reading to learn the main differences and distinctions between them, including their appearance, diet, habitat, and more!

Virginia Bat Removal Service Company 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal Service Company 804-729-9097

Microchiroptera Vs. Megachiroptera Bats

Microbats

The above image are two Brown Long-Eared Bats, which is a type of microbat species. Microchiroptera, or microbats, are small in size and have large ears. Most range between 3 and 16 inches in length, and many are small enough to fit through a gap as tiny as 3/8th of an inch. They are echolocating mammals, meaning they use a built-in, biological sonar system, which emits ultrasonic sounds that bounce of nearby objects and return to the bat. Micros are not blind, but echolocation helps them dart and dive for prey more accurately at night.

As for diet, micros primarily eat insects; but some larger species eat small fish, rodents, birds, and amphibians. Three particular species consumes the blood of other animals, mainly livestock and birds. These include Common Vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus), hairy-legged vampire bats (Diphylla ecaudata), and white-winged vampire bats. But do not worry; they do not drink human blood!

When it comes to habitat, microbats live in moderate climates, and typically roost in hollowed trees, abandoned mines, caves, and even in residential and commercial buildings (especially attics!). 

Megabats

Gray-Headed Flying Fox Bat
The Gray-Headed Flying Fox Bat is a Megabat!

Megachiroptera are much larger in size, and are also known as “Flying Foxes”, “Fruit Bats”, and “Old World Fruit Bats.” This is mainly due to their frugivorous and nectarivorous diets, which mainly consists of fruit, nectar, and pollen. Some species are known to eat some insects, but their diet primarily consists of the nectar and pollen of fruit and flowers. Because of this, this suborder of bats do not use nor retain echolocating abilities. They do, however, have a keen sense of smell that helps them locate food sources, as well as, adapted teeth that are strong enough to bite through fruit rinds.

As for appearance, it is easy to differentiate a mega from a micro. Not only do fruit bats have large eyes and visual cortexes, they also lack a tail. However, Microbats lack the claw at the second finger of the forelimb that megabats do have. Megabats live in hot, tropical, and subtropical regions of the world. You are not likely to see wild fruit bats living in the forests of the U.S. Midwest. They prefer hot, humid, damp environments, such as rain forests and shorelines, and they generally make their roost in trees, shrubs, and caves.

Do you need to get rid of bats in the attic or around your house? Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for prompt and professional bat removal and control services in Virginia, including Alexandria, Chesapeake, Fredericksburg, Manassas, Norfolk, and all surrounding areas.

You Might Also Like:

The Difference Between a Wild Bat and a Nuisance Bat
4 Reasons Why You Should Never Ignore a Nuisance Bat Problem
Which Bats are Native to the State of Virginia?

Virginia Bat Removal and Control
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Why Bats are Actually Important to Us

Bats have to be one of the most misunderstood wild animal species around the world. They are perceived to be scary, flying rodents, when in fact, they are one of the most interesting mammals on earth. That’s right; bats are mammals, not rodents, and they are the only mammal on the planet capable of true flight! Although some animals might float, drift, glide, or hover, bats can actually fly just like a bird. Their ability to fly is a major factor in why bats are so important.

Continue reading to learn how bats play a vital role in our surrounding ecosystems, and what you can do to continue the national initiative to conserve and protect these valuable mammals.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

The Role Bats Play in the Supporting Our Local Ecosystems

Bats are nocturnal mammals that come out at night to hunt for their prey. They use their bio-sonar abilities, called echolocation, to better dive and dart for their meals. As insectivores, microbats commonly dine on all sorts of bugs, including gnats, flies, moths, beetles, and their favorite, mosquitoes. This is one of the main reasons why they are so ecologically important. Bats play an integral role in pest management.

You see, just one bat can consume more than 1,000 insects in a single night. And since bats are not solitary mammals, there is always dozens, sometimes hundreds, of bats hunting for insects in a particular area.  With so much insect control, people are safer from transmissible diseases that can be spread by biting insects, as well as potential anaphylactic reactions from stings. Furthermore, our backyards and outdoor areas are more comfortable since there are not as many bugs bothering us.

Bats and the Economy

Bats also play an integral role in the local economies as a result of their insect control skills. Farmers and gardeners see better value in their crops and yields because there are less pests eating away at their produce. Farmed lands are better protected against pest destruction and tampering when bats are around. Better crops mean better business for everyone; it also means healthier, tastier food for consumers.

Managing Nuisance Bats

If you have a bat problem in your vicinity, do not take it out on the bats. They are innocent creatures just doing what they can to survive in nature. Land over-development, pollution, and more, sometimes drives bats out of their natural habitat and into ours. When bats are a bother on your property, call in licensed professionals for safe and humane abatement service.

Do you need to get rid of bats in or around your house? Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for licensed bat removal and control services you can trust. We serve residential and commercial clients all of Virginia, including Richmond, Virginia Beach, Midlothian, Roanoke, and more.

You Should Also Read:

Fantastic Bat Facts for Kids
Get to Know Our State Bat!
How to Properly Maintain Bat Houses

Midlothian, Virginia Bat Removal and Control
Midlothian, Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Installation Tips for Bat Houses

Spring is near, so many homeowners are preparing their properties for the onset of wildlife within the local Virginia borders. If you too are a nature lover, and enjoy watching and accommodating the surrounding wildlife around your home, you should consider installing a bat house or two. Not sure if you have a bat population, locally? Well, if you have never seen a bat flying around your house around the time of dusk, or just after the sun sets, then you might not. On the other hand, if you have seen a bat before, you can safely assume there is a thriving population in your area.

But as it is with all wildlife practices around your property, it is important to know what you are doing for the purpose of safety. The same applies to installing and managing bat houses. It is necessary to adhere to certain guidelines in order to protect bats, yourself, and your home from potential bat intrusions.

Continue reading to learn the top installation tips for bat houses, as well as what you should do if you think bats are a nuisance around your home.

Virginia Bat Removal Company 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal Company 804-729-9097

Bat House Construction

You can choose to buy a manufactured bat house, or you can construct your own. If you choose to make your own bat house, be sure you know what you are doing, and use a certified blueprint. Bat houses must be built in a certain fashion to ensure that safety of the bat, and the overall function of the bat house. If you wish to purchase a prefabricated bat house, look at your local garden or home improvement store, or search online at related retailers. You can expect them to come in an array of designs and sizes, and range in price between $12 and $100.

Bat House Location

You cannot place a bat house just anywhere on your property; you must choose a safe and suitable location. Bat houses should be installed on wooden or metal poles, or on the side of a building, like a barn or shed. You should never install bat houses on trees because there is not enough sunlight to adequately warm the house, and it puts bats directly in the path of their predators. Branches and leaves can also cause entrance obstructions, forcing bats to find another place to roost.

Bat House Installation

When mounting your bat house, be sure you choose a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of ample sunlight. Select a spot that faces East or South for best results. This will ensure that the house stays warm enough at night for the bats.

Mount bat houses at least 12 to 20 feet above the ground, or the tallest vegetation or tree. Also, be sure your bat houses are mounted at least 30 feet from your home, nearby tree branches, and power lines. This will help divert bats away from your house, and prevent bat infestations and intrusions. It will also help protect them from potential predators.

Do your best to mount your bat house near a natural body of water, like a stream, creek, pond, or river. This will ensure a thriving bat population, year round.

Nuisance Bat Control Tips

If bats are becoming a problem around your property, or you find a bat in the house, immediately separate yourself and your loved ones (including pets) from the vicinity of the bat’s location. Under no circumstance should you attempt to touch or trap a bat. Your next step is to contact a licensed Virginia bat removal company for bat removal and control service.

Got bats in the attic? Found a bat in the house? Need to get rid of bats? Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for prompt and professional bat removal and control services you can afford. We serve all of Old Dominion, including Richmond, Roanoke, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and more.

You Might Also Enjoy:

The Ecological Importance of Bats
Which Bats are Native to the State of Virginia?
Do You Have Bats in the Attic?

Virginia Bat Removal and Control
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

How to Check if You Have Bats in the Attic

Bats are the only mammal in the world that can actually fly. Plus, they happen to be very tiny, and can fit into the smallest crevice or opening. For these reasons and more, bats are a common pest found roosting in attics, and they do a lot of damage. Bats will defecate and urinate all over the attic floorboards and walls, which can leak into the living quarters of a home and stain walls and ceilings. They will also rip through attic insulation, and pose health risks in the form of lung infections, parasites, and even deadly viruses.

If you are concerned that bats are living in your home, it is best to keep your eyes open for the common signs of a bat infestation. Continue reading to learn how to tell if you have bats in the attic, and what to do about it.

Get Rid of Bats in the Attic - Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Get Rid of Bats in the Attic – Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Common Signs of Bats in the Attic

When bats are roosting in attics, they are often there for quite sometime before they are discovered because they can be virtually silent during the day when we are awake and active. But if you take a stroll around your property just after dusk, you might see or hear a different story. Bats have tell-tale sounds they make when they communicate, fly, and shuffle around, plus they leave behind a trail of destruction that can be seen and smelled. Be sure to conduct your inspection inside and outside, as bats in the attic can be detected from both points of interest.

Here is how to tell if you have bats in the attic:

► Squeaking/Chattering Noises
► Hearing Flapping and Shuffling Inside Walls
► Yellow-Brown Stains on Walls or Ceilings
► Foul/Lingering Odors
► Visible Guano Around Window Ledges and Doors
► Scratch Marks on Walls
► Stains Around Gaps or Openings

How to Best Confirm Your Bat Infestation Suspicions

When it comes to looking for signs of a bat infestation, it is best to trust the expert knowledge and skills of a licensed Virginia bat removal and control specialists for accurate information and service. Regardless of birds or bats, a nuisance wildlife infestation needs to be addressed immediately. Be sure to act fast as soon as you think you might have pests in the house!

Virginia Bat Removal and Clean Up for Bats in the Attic

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for the most trusted and affordable bat removal services for bats in the attic in Virginia. Our licensed bat removal specialists offer a wide range of residential and commercial bat extraction and exclusion services, including cleanup and restoration for bat infestations. We also offer 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, free advice, and more! Request a free estimate, today. We serve all of Virginia, including Richmond, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Midlothian, Virginia Beach, and all of their surrounding areas.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Top 3 Most Common Bat Diseases in Virginia

Bats can be dangerous to pets and humans.  One of the main reasons why this is true has to do with the illnesses and infections that bats can pass along.  Bats should be avoided at all costs in order to prevent becoming infected with a harmful disease.  Although bats are known carriers of several transmissible diseases and illnesses, the top three most common bat diseases here in Virginia are what you should be concerned about.

Continue reading to learn more about the Rabies Virus, Histoplasmosis, and bat parasites, as well as what to do if you pose a threat of bat encounters on your property.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
A Typical Bat Mite (Cimex Hemipterus)

Rabies Virus

This disease is the most common illness associated with bats, especially in Virginia.  Not all bats carry rabies, but it is very common for them to be carriers of the disease.  This means, no matter what, assume all bats have rabies in the wild.  It is never a good idea to take a chance.  Rabies has to be treated with a series of shots and injections to prevent further harm.  Pets are common victims of bat bites and attacks, and should be given rabies vaccinations at the time of adoption.

Bat Mites

Much less serious than rabies, but still extremely unpleasant, are bat mites, which can carry their own dangerous and infectious diseases themselves. Many people often mistake a case of bat mites for a case of bed bugs. Both infestations produce the same symptoms, itching, rash, small surface bumps. These mites are tiny little parasites that feed on bats.  Treatments include aerosol bombs, insecticide treatments, and professional bat exclusion services. 

Histoplasmosis

This is a lung disease caused by a fungus named Histoplasma Capsulatum. Bats serve as the host of this fungus, which grows on bat droppings. Overtime, the spores become airborne and travel through the home or building’s ventilation systems. Upon inhalation, the spores can cause serious eye, lung, and other respiratory infections. If you suspect that your home or property has a bat infestation, you may have a Histoplasmosis problem as well. Have the entire vicinity inspected by a professional who retains proper equipment and training to accurately identify bat threats. Cryptococcosis is another possible bat disease that is similar to Histoplasmosis, but more often found in bird droppings.

Where to Get Professional Virginia Bat Removal Service You Can Count On

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 to get rid of bats, or for emergency bat removal in Richmond, VA and all surrounding townships. In fact, our licensed and insured bat control specialists maintain a broad service area to keep up with the continuous demand for reputable bat abatement, and serve all areas of Old Dominion, including Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and much more. We are happy to find the right solutions for your nuisance bat problems that fit your budget. We also perform insurance claim work for attic restorations and cleanup needed after bat damages or an infestation. Request a free quote or bat control advice, anytime.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

How to Tell if You Need Winter Bat Removal Service in Virginia

Bats are incredible mammals capable of true flight, but they are also incredibly destructive, dirty, and potentially harmful. This is the time of year when most bat infestations begin because this is the time of year when bats are looking for a place to roost, or nest. Once bats infest an area, the destruction instantly begins with their droppings and urine, and continues without interruption with many other types of structural damage to their surroundings.

If you suspect that you might have a bat infestation or a bat problem around your home, you might want to review some helpful tips for winter bat problems. Continue below to do just that!

Get Rid of Bats in the Attic in Virginia 804-729-9097
Get Rid of Bats in the Attic in Virginia 804-729-9097

Why Bat Removal and Control is Important

Most bats begin their hibernation period in late October, remaining dormant until spring. During this time, the most important priority for bats is safety. For this reason, they target dark, cozy spots for winter roosting. One of the most common places for bats to roost in the winter are attics of homes and buildings. Bats can enter into these areas through the tiniest of crevice, including roof shingles, underlayment, soffits, attic vents, chimneys, and more. If bats do access these areas, they will make their nests and settle in for the season, eager to wake and mate in the spring.

All of this is bad news for a property owner because bats can cause an extreme amount of structural damage. In addition to costly and invasive repairs, a property must also be decontaminated and sanitized to eliminate urine, droppings, parasites, disease, and more. It is vital that you have your home or commercial property inspected at least once per year to confirm and remediate the presence of wildlife infestations. Read our blog, “Do You Have Bats in the Attic?” to learn which signs to keep an eye out for.

Common Areas Bats Choose for Their Roosts

When bats get inside a home or building, they will look for the darkest, most secluded space to make their own. Common areas where bats are found roosting in the winter include attics, sheds, garages, barns, rafters, roofs, underneath siding, crawl spaces, and within wall voids. Although it is rare, bats are sometimes found roosting in basements as well. The average bat in the Virginia region can squeeze through an opening as tiny as the width of a nickel! They can get through crumbling mortar, dry rotting wood, attic vents, exterior cracks, and more.

So, it is crucial that your property is inspected for vulnerabilities like gaps and cracks in order to prevent bat infestations. If you live near bedrock, forests, woods, or a moderate body of water, you are more at risk of experiencing winter bat problems. During your annual or bi-annual inspection performed by a local Virginia bat removal company, be sure to opt for bat-proofing and preventative maintenance services to keep bats out.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control Near You

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 when you need prompt and professional Virginia bat removal and control you can afford. We offer 24 hour bat removal, bat control, and even restoration and repair services for damages caused by bats. We serve all of Virginia, including Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and all of their surrounding areas.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097