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No, mothballs do not keep bats away. Not only are mothballs completely ineffective when repelling or removing bats, but using them could be illegal, depending on where you live. Remember, bats are federally protected, and it's illegal to use chemicals during the removal process, and mothballs tend to fall into this category.

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:

• Contact your state wildlife agency to report the finding

• 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.

Depending on the size of your home and accessibility, expect professional pest inspections to take between 30 and 60 minutes. If you have a large property or limited accessibility, pest inspections may take longer. 

Hanging wind chimes or motion-activated speakers near your home may be an effective way to deter woodpeckers, as sudden movement and sound often scare birds away. You could also try using reflective decorative items such as pinwheels or mirrors or placing decoys of large predatory birds in your yard. If these measures don’t deter the woodpeckers, you may need the help of a bird removal pro.