How Do Bats Get In Your House?

Posted on October 7, 2021

Have you spotted bats inside your home? Hearing sounds inside the walls? You might be dealing with a bat infestation. While Wildside Wildlife Removal can help take care of your bat problem, it’s important to know how they got inside your home to prevent future infestations.

In this article, we go over some of the most common ways bats end up inside your house, like getting lost on their way from the basement or attic. We also cover how you can secure these entry points against bats coming in.

Bat Problem Basics

If you’re facing a bat problem, two specific species tend to be the culprits: little brown bats and big brown bats.

Little Brown Bats nest in homes and barns in the early months, before retreating to caves during hibernation season. They usually travel in a bat colony, so when they roost, they immediately threaten to infest.

Unfortunately, singular infestations are becoming more common due to White Nose Syndrome. White Nose Syndrome is a fungal infection that has killed millions of little brown bats. As a result, they are classified as an endangered species; if you’re facing an infestation, contact a humane bat removal company to remove bats without harming them.

Big Brown Bats, meanwhile, are not affected by the disease and usually nest alone. Unlike their smaller counterparts, once they find a suitable living space (like your home), they nest year-round. Big Brown Bats are quite sensitive to temperature variations, so their preferred living location is inside walls. Walls maintain a stable temperature quite comfortably, so if you hear strange sounds behind them, it’s time to start searching for signs of infestation.

Signs Of Bat Infestation

Mice and raccoons that have snuck into your home make a lot of noise – and bats are no exclusion! When bats fly outside, they are typically very quiet. But, in a room or your home, the noise can sound louder. It is also possible that bats could be flying into the walls or other objects in your attic or worse – a bat could be trapped in a wall of your home.

Bats are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are only active at dawn and dusk. But, if your attic is closed off from the rest of your home and there are no windows, it is possible that a bat stuck in your house could be active during the day as well as at night. Keep an ear out for any noises from your attic!

You Are Finding Bat Guano (Bat Droppings)

If you come home to a single bat flying around your living room, this isn’t necessarily a sign of infestation. It may have flown in through an open door or window while searching for tasty bugs. At the same time, it’s always worthwhile to give your home a once-over.

Inspect Your Attic & Walls

Many bats find homes in rural attics or barns during the summer months, in search of a suitable temperature for raising young. They generally reside in two locations: attic eaves and rafters, or behind walls where all the pipes have left gaps. These are the best places to start looking for bats, but they’re very easy to miss, even with a thorough search.

Search For Bat Droppings

The best way to spot an infestation is by looking for bat guano. Bat guano looks like little dark pellets, resembling mouse droppings. If you spot built-up piles on your window sills, or under your attic rafters, you’re likely facing an infestation.

Bats Flying Inside

Bats living in your home use their senses to hunt and follow air currents to fly outside. However, cool air flowing from living areas may confuse them (young bats and baby bats especially), and they can get lost inside your house. If bats are showing up inside your living quarters for extended periods of time, you’re probably facing an infestation.

How To Bat Proof Your Home

Bats tend to get into your house through small gaps since they can squeeze through an entry point as small as 3/8 of an inch. Common bat entry points include a cracked mortar joint, insecure air ducts or vent covers, loose chimney caps, gaps in rotting siding, and slightly open windows. You can prevent bats from roosting by filling these gaps with caulk or PVC, or by placing a tight net behind their main location of entry.

Another option is to set up a bat box in your local area. Bats love dark spaces at stable temperatures; bat boxes can provide a safe environment at a comfortable temperature, which will attract bats away from your house.

If you are facing an infestation, make sure all bats have left before sealing any gaps. Make it easier for them to get outside by dimming your attic lights, and by leaving an open window near their living area. Remember to never touch bats or bat droppings with your bare hands; even brief contact with bats poses a slight chance of catching nasty diseases.

Robert Liam Donnell

Robert Liam Donnell, owner of Wildside Wildlife Removal and Prevention LTD, is a renowned figure in the wildlife removal industry with over eight years of experience. His company, celebrated for its ethical approach, is highly rated on platforms like threebestrated.com. Starting his career at 22, Robert has grown his business into a trusted brand, known for honest and effective wildlife solutions. He has also contributed to public awareness through a radio interview on AM900, discussing wildlife management nuances. An avid skier, golfer, and nature enthusiast, Robert’s personal interests complement his professional dedication. His achievements include high Google ratings for his new business, reflecting his commitment to customer satisfaction and ethical practices. Robert’s advice for success in this field includes persistence, honesty, and prioritizing customer needs. Discover more about his work at Wildside Wildlife Removal, where his passion for wildlife and customer care is evident in every service.