Q: How can I keep bats out of my house?

• <div>If you&rsquo;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. <ul><li>Seal entry points, such as where your chimney meets your house, or other gaps or holes exist.</li><li>Use bat deterrents like bright lights or ultrasonic devices to force them away from your home. </li><li>Reduce bat attractions like standing water and bird nectar feeders inviting bats into your yard. </li></ul></div>

Question 1

How do I keep birds from pooping on my porch rails?

Accepted Answer

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When it comes to keeping birds from doing their business on your porch rails, you have several DIY options and home remedies you can try:

Tie a fishing line from one end of the deck post to the other. Birds won’t be able to see the line across the railing, so they can’t land on it.
Hang wind chimes close by, which may scare birds away.
Apply a bird gel repellent to the railings, which contains smells that birds generally don’t like. Or, similarly, you can apply citronella or lemon oil around the railings, since birds don’t like strong smells.

Question 2

Can I do pest control myself?

Accepted Answer

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There are DIY methods and store-bought pesticides available for the public to use. However, these pesticides also come with a risk, and you need to follow the directions correctly and take precautionary measures to prevent exposure to these chemicals. These methods may be an option for small pest problems, but you should call in a pest control specialist for persistent pests and infestations.

Question 3

How can I keep bats out of my house?

Accepted Answer

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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.

Question 4

Which animals build nests in attics?

Accepted Answer

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Many different types of animals like to build nests in attics. The types may vary depending on your home’s condition and location and you can prevent them by sealing off entry points and eliminating food sources. The most common critters that like to build nests in your attic include:

Raccoons
Bats
Squirrels
Mice
Rats

Raccoons
Bats
Squirrels
Mice
Rats

Question 5

Is there a scent that repels woodpeckers?

Accepted Answer

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Strong scents like peppermint, rosemary, lavender, citronella, and others can repel woodpeckers—as pungent smells can overpower their senses. For that reason, you might consider making a homemade spray with one or a combination of these scents to spritz around areas of your home where woodpeckers frequent.