Bats

Bat

Identification

Depending on the species, the adults are anywhere from 2 to 8 inches long. They have a wingspan up to 12 to 16 inches. They are brown to black and have large ears. Their bodies are covered with hair. They have web feet that can hold them to almost anything for long periods of time upside down. The most common bats found in the United States are the Big Brown Bat, the Little Brown Bat, and the Mexican Free Tailed Bat.

Biology

Bats are generally found inside of structures. They can produce one to two babies born from early spring to late spring. The young hang within the roost and are carried by the female. They are weaned from the female within a month and leave the roost by the end of August. The average life span of most bats is 4 to 10 years. Some are able to live as long as 20 to 40 years. They are found throughout North America and the southern United States. Over 30 different species are found in the United States.

Habits

Bats will consume thousands of insects per night. They are feared by humans because of their superstition. They are also a potential health threat due to rabies and histoplasmosis. This generally occurs when people are dealing with bat infestations in structures. Bat urine and feces build up in their nesting places that can cause bacteria and viruses. In most colonies only a small percentage of the population is infected with rabies. Bats tend to avoid contact with humans and most animals so the human exposure to bat rabies is low. Histoplasmosis occurs when bat droppings accumulate in the roost. So exposure should be limited when dealing with a bat roost.

Bat Droppings

Typically bats will leave their roost at dusk in order to feed and continue to do so until just before dawn. Different species of bats feed on different things. Bats can feed on fruit, nectar, insects, and small animals like rats, mice, fish, and frogs. They will visit ponds and streams to drink before their nightly feeding frenzy. Mexican free-tailed bats which form the larger of the colonies will migrate to Mexico the majority of the time, leaving behind some to roost within structures locally. They generally are noticed flying around street lights and commercial structures at dusk. They are also discovered by their squeaking noises when roosting in attics and eaves of buildings.

Bats like to nest under facia boards high off the ground

A thorough inspection to determine where the bats are entering the structure should be conducted approximately one half hour before dusk to one hour later. Bats usually enter structures well above ground level. You should look for gaps around soffits, eaves, roof lines, and fascia boards. Look for bat droppings and urine marks down the siding or exterior bricks. Attics need to be inspected to determine the size of the colony, other points of entry and the amount of droppings accumulated. Once this is determined then a plan of removal and disinfection is developed.

Control

In some states some species of bats are protected by law. Be sure you check with the regulatory agencies in your state or city. The Department of Agriculture, Fish and Wildlife Services, and the Parks and Wildlife are excellent agencies to contact.

A complete inspection is necessary to determine all entry points the bats are making into the home/structure. Once the entry points are identified you must find a way to get the bats out before you seal up the entry points. Again most bats are protected there is not a chemical or fumigate on the market for the control of bats.

Exclusion is the best long term control for bat infestations. Once an inspection is performed then a plan is developed to allow the roost to leave a structure and sealing of openings and holes is designed. This sometimes will take as long as 3 to 5 days depending on the size of the colony. First, netting of the openings to allow the bats to leave the roost is needed. Then several follow up inspections are performed to make sure there aren't any bats left behind. All entry points 3/8 of an inch or greater are sealed. Generally all but a few of the openings are sealed to allow the bats to adjust, and then the remaining holes are sealed after the rest of the nest has emerged. This is usually done using netting, hardware cloth, sheet metal and or foam. Use of moth balls and other deterrents is limited because the bats will relocate within the structure. Ultrasonic devices are also ineffective. If a stray bat enters the interior of a structure it usually can be encouraged to leave through an open window or door. Never handle a live bat! Always call us.

Once the bats have been removed and the entry points have been sealed then comes the clean up. This needs to be done by a professional with the right clothing, gloves, and respirators. If you have any questions are would like for us to inspect the situation and provide you with our opinion on control and exclusion just call us at RP Lee Termite & Pest Control for all your bat needs.