Bat removal is a challenging task that requires professional and humane intervention. If you reside in Anne Arundel County, you may encounter them in your home, yard or attic. These tiny creatures may seem harmless at first, but they can cause serious health problems to you and your family by transmitting diseases like rabies. While some people may be tempted to deal with an infestation by themselves, this could put their health and that of the animals at risk. But how do you know who to call for bat removal?
This is where Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control comes in. We offer professional bat removal services in Maryland, using humane methods that ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife. If you need proven wildlife removal services, don’t hesitate to contact us. We have the experience and expertise to handle any infestation safely, thoroughly and effectively, so that you can go back to enjoying your home without any worries.
Common Misconceptions About Bats
Many people, when they think about bats, fall prey to harmful misconceptions. Let’s take the time to debunk a few of those. To begin with, not all species are bloodsuckers. In fact, amongst over 1300 types worldwide, only three feed on blood, and none of them reside in Anne Arundel County.
Another misconception is that bats are rabies carriers. While it’s true that they can contract rabies, not all of them have the disease. Statistics show that less than 1% are infected. However, this doesn’t mean rabies isn’t a risk, and it’s one of the reasons why removal should be left to professionals like Skedaddle.
The eco-Importance of Bats
Bats often are viewed negatively, but they play valuable roles in our environment. They are excellent pest controllers, consuming large numbers of insects that can be harmful to crops. By doing their part in pest control, bats can reduce the use of chemical pesticides, contributing to a healthier environment. Some types also help in pollinating plants, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem.
At Skedaddle, we remove bats by striking a balance between safeguarding your well-being and preserving these fascinating creatures that are important to our ecosystem.
Identifying the Presence of Bats in Your Home
Identifying the presence of bats in your home might not be as straightforward as you would think, especially given their tendency to be active during night hours and their discretion when it comes to hiding spots. However, there are key signs you can look for that can hint at a possible infestation.
One of the most obvious signs is droppings or guano. Unlike rodents, bats tend to leave their droppings in a single location – a behavior known as a latrine behavior – leading to a pile-up of droppings in a specific area. If you notice small, dry and dark droppings around your house, especially near potential entry points or in attics and basements, there might be bats present in your home.
Noises can also be a clear indication of their presence. Since bats are nocturnal creatures, you might hear high-pitched sounds, scratching or flapping sounds coming from your attic or walls primarily during the night.
If you observe any of these signs, it’s time to act. Attempting to remove them yourself can be dangerous due to potential disease transmission, possible heavy infestations and the legality of harming the animals. Therefore, it’s recommended that removal is a task best left to professionals.
Preventing Bat Encounters: Tips and Tricks
The best way to avoid bats in your home is to prevent them from entering in the first place. Here, we bring you some Skedaddle-recommended tips and tricks:
- Seal Entry Points: Bats are adept at finding small crevices or holes to enter your home. Routinely inspect your home, particularly the roof, attics and basements, for any openings and seal them appropriately. Ensure that windows and doors fit snugly and close properly. Don’t forget to check for loose siding or cracks in the foundations. Remember, even a hole of just half an inch is enough for one to slip in!
- Install Chimney Caps and Covers: Chimneys and vents provide easy access for bats into your home. Placing caps or screens on chimneys and vents can prevent them from entering your home. Ensure that these caps and covers are durable and robust enough to resist incursions.
- Keep Your Yard Clean: A tidy yard with less clutter reduces the chance of bats finding a place to roost near your home. Piles of wood, unattended sheds, or any other potential sheltering locations should be appropriately managed.
- Use Outdoor Lights: Bats are nocturnal creatures, and they prefer dark areas. Putting lights in the dark corners of your yard could discourage them from settling around your property.
Remember, bat-proofing your home may be a time-consuming process but it’s far better to prevent an infestation than having to deal with one.
When to Call Skedaddle for Bat Removal
Identifying an infestation and trying to implement preventive measures can be a daunting task. It is not something that you should tackle all on your own. Professional intervention is crucial to ensure the safety of you, your family, and the animals. If you notice signs of a potential infestation or have continuously seen bats around your property, it’s time to seek professional help.
At Skedaddle, we have a specialized team that is trained to handle infestations efficiently and humanely. Not just removal, our experts are well-equipped to clean the infected areas and disinfect your home after the animals have been safely removed. We ensure no signs of activity remain, preventing future infestations.
Critical Situations for Immediate Bat Removal
Any bat in your home should be removed, but there are critical situations where professional intervention is immediately required:
- Bat encountered indoors: If one is found indoors, there is a risk of physical contact, which raises potential health concerns. Bats in indoor living spaces require immediate removal by professionals.
- Bat infestation in the attic or walls: In an enclosed space like an attic or within your walls, a colony can multiply quickly, leading to an infestation that presents serious health risks and poses structural damage to your property. Immediate expert help should be sought to remove the animals and decontaminate the area.
- Presence of pups: Colonies often include pups that are unable to fly. Their presence complicates the eviction process, as it needs to ensure their safety along with their mothers’. If pups are present, a bat removal expert must intervene.
The Skedaddle Approach to Removal
At Skedaddle, our removal process is a meticulously planned and insightful approach aimed at ensuring the safety of both the homeowners and the animals. We not only focus on removing them from the premises but also take comprehensive steps to prevent future invasions.
Our Proactive Inspection
Our wildlife control experts commence any bat removal operation with an in-depth inspection. Our goal is to analyze the situation accurately and identify the entry point(s). This step aids in developing a practical and efficient removal plan.
The Exclusion Process
We utilize an exclusion technique, which is a humane and non-intrusive method of removing bats from your home. This method involves installing one-way doors or tubes at the entry points, allowing them to safely exit your home but preventing them from re-entering.
Ensuring Safety and Sanitation
Once they have been effectively excluded, we then proceed with cleaning and decontaminating the affected areas. Droppings, or guano, can pose significant health risks if left untreated, so our team carefully cleans and sanitizes these areas, ensuring your house is safe and clean.
Preventing Future Infestations
After the cleaning and decontamination process, we take measures to prevent future invasions. This often involves sealing all potential entry points and providing recommendations on maintaining a bat-free environment in your home. At Skedaddle, we are your partners in combating intrusions.
Because Skedaddle always puts the safety and well-being of wildlife and homeowners first, we take pride in our humane, effective, and environmentally friendly approach. If you have bat issues, you can confidently rely on Skedaddle’s exceptional wildlife control solutions.
Bats are important, yet sensitive creatures. Our professionals at Skedaddle are well-trained in handling them with the care they deserve while ensuring your home returns to being a safe, bat-free space as soon as possible. Remember, if bats interrupt your peace of mind, do not hesitate to call our Anne Arundel County team for immediate assistance.