Chirping noises, droppings, scratches on the walls, and stains at entries and exits are all signs that you have bats in your house or, more specifically, your attic. Because bats are nocturnal, there’s a chance that bats have already infested your home before you start to see warning signs, so don’t delay if you notice anything. If you see a bat or two at sunrise or sunset near your property, that’s another telltale sign that they could be setting up shop inside your space.

Generally, spring is the best time to hire a pest control service, but it also depends on when you notice the infestation. Insect pest numbers are lower in spring before they hatch, making the extermination and prevention process more manageable as nests and eggs of future pests are eliminated. However, don’t hesitate to hire a pest control specialist when you spot signs of a problem.

If you’ve had a prior bat infestation or simply want to avoid having bats invade your home in the first place, there are a few steps you can take without the need for a pro. 

• Seal entry points, such as where your chimney meets your house, or other gaps or holes exist.

• Use bat deterrents like bright lights or ultrasonic devices to force them away from your home. 

• Reduce bat attractions like standing water and bird nectar feeders inviting bats into your yard.

Yes, bats can cause quite a bit of damage to the attic. Their weight and movement from flying around can damage insulation, and they can chew through wiring and the walls. As if this isn’t enough, they leave their droppings throughout, which carry harmful bacteria and is dangerous for humans to breathe in, not to mention the extremely foul-smelling odor.