Finding a dead bat in your home can be frightening, even during spooky season. The United States Department of Interior states that if you find a dead bat, take these steps:
Photograph the bat safely to help the wildlife agency determine the species
Use disposable gloves to place the bat into a plastic bag, making sure to spray with disinfectant and close the bag securely
Thoroughly clean your hands and any clothing that came into contact with the bat
If you see one dead bat, you might have a large bat infestation that needs to be treated immediately. Call a local pest control company to properly inspect your home for other bats.
Legal considerations include adherence to local and federal wildlife protection laws, particularly for species that might be protected or endangered.
Hawks might seem like fearless predators, but these smart birds do know what other animals to be cautious around. Hawks are naturally wary of humans and predators that see them or their eggs as a potential meal or threat. This list includes owls, crows, eagles, and even snakes or raccoons.
Yes, predator decoys work to keep birds away, at least temporarily. However, if the decoy remains motionless in the same spot for a long enough time, the birds will eventually wise up and realize it's a fake. Keep changing the location of the predator decoy to ensure that the birds keep their guard up and maintain their distance.
It can be difficult to know what type of animal is in your attic until you see it. But several clues can help you narrow down the suspects:
Sounds: Smaller animals like rats and mice make scurrying and tapping/gnawing sounds. Larger animals like raccoons and opossums make louder clambering noises. Also, note when animals are noisy: Squirrels are active during the day, while rats are busiest at night.
Droppings: Rats and mice leave small, rice-shaped droppings (the rat’s version is significantly larger). Bigger droppings belong to larger critters like raccoons. As long as you’re not squeamish, an image search can help you identify what you’re seeing in your attic.
When in doubt, take photos of damage or other evidence and show them to an experienced pest control pro.
The Condon, OR homeowners’ guide to bird control services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Sometimes birds nest in unwelcome places. Find out how much bird nest removal will cost based on factors like location, bird species, and preventative measures.
