The Dangers of Ignoring a Bat Infestation

Richard Neumayer • December 5, 2024

Are bats nesting in your home?
Ignoring the problem could threaten your health and property. You want a safe home and peace of mind, free from possible risks caused by these winged intruders. This post will uncover the hidden dangers of bat infestations, and show why addressing the issue with a bat removal service is urgent.
If you're concerned about bats in your home, keep reading. The answers you need are here.

Why Do Bats Enter Homes?

Bats often seek out quiet, dark spaces to roost. Attics, chimneys, basements and wall voids mimic the caves and trees they prefer in the wild.

Common Entry Points

Cracks in roofing or siding
Gaps around vents or chimneys
Unsealed windows or doors
Crawl Space
Eaves, gable vents, and soffits

A single bat can enter through a gap as small as half an inch. Once inside, these animals multiply quickly, leading to a full-blown infestation.

What Health Risks Do Bats Pose?

Living alongside bats can expose you to serious health concerns.

Their droppings, or guano, can harbor Histoplasma capsulatum, a fungus that causes histoplasmosis, a type of fungal infection in the lungs. Over time, these fungal spores can spread through your home’s ventilation system, including ducts and air conditioning units, putting your family at risk of disease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that bat bites can also transmit rabies, and while rare, exposure to bat-related pathogens is a recognized public health issue in the United States.

Timely intervention can prevent these risks.

How Can Bats Damage Your Property?

Bats don’t chew like rodents, but their presence, and behavior can still cause destruction.

What Parts of Your Home Are Vulnerable?

Insulation: Guano and urine can saturate insulation, reducing energy efficiency.
Wood beams and walls: Moisture from bat feces can lead to rot and mold.
Odor and stains: Persistent smells and discoloration from droppings can ruin living spaces.

Bat guano is also highly acidic, typically with a pH level between 2.1 and 5.6, which is similar to that of lemon juice. Over time, it will be able to corrode metal and damage concrete surfaces, and even affect electrical wiring.

Why Is Professional Bat Removal Urgent?

Bat infestations often grow unnoticed until damage becomes severe. Bat removal should never be attempted without professional assistance due to safety risks and legal protections for many bat species. In Georgia, trapping or hunting bats is illegal, regardless if it's a big brown bat or a little brown bat.

Moreover, three types of bats receive federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. These include the Indiana Bat, Gray Bat, as well as Rafinesque's Big-eared Bat, and the tricolored bat.

How Do Professionals Safely Remove Bats?

Experts use humane exclusion techniques:

Identify entry points.
Install one-way doors allowing bats to exit without returning.
Seal openings after ensuring all bats are out.

Hiring professionals ensures compliance with wildlife laws while protecting your home.

Can Ignoring a Bat Infestation Lead to Long-Term Issues?

The longer bats remain in your home, the greater the risks:

Increased health threats: Larger colonies produce more waste, heightening exposure risks.
Escalating repair costs: Rot, stains, and odor become harder to resolve over time.
Stressful disruptions: Nighttime noises and sightings can affect your well-being.

Are Bats Beneficial to the Ecosystem?

Bats contribute to a healthy ecosystem in many ways: pollination, seed dispersal, pest control, and nutrient cycling. Their fur helps carry pollen between plants, and their wingspan allows them to travel long distances to hunt pests.

Organizations like Bat Conservation International emphasize their role in pest control, especially in areas like gardens and lawns.

However, while these flying mammals are important outdoors, bats don’t belong in your home. Ethical removal ensures these creatures can thrive in their natural habitat without endangering you.

Conclusion

Ignoring a bat infestation exposes your family to health risks and property damage.

Acting quickly prevents escalating problems while ensuring these creatures are handled safely and legally. At Catch A Critter, we understand how unsettling bat infestations can be, which is why we offer full-service bat removal and exclusion.

Our team uses a humane, and eco-friendly approach to safely remove bats from your property, and prevent future infestations. We also ensure to protect your home during the process, while respecting wildlife.

Our bat removal service also includes inspection and assessment, and cleanup and decontamination to remove bat guano, and other health hazards.

If you need bat removal in Cumming, don't hesitate to reach out to us for a safe and effective solution to your bat problem.

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Squirrel Mating Season is Here – What It Means for Your Home

By Richard Neumayer • March 21, 2025

Squirrel mating season peaks in March, increasing the risk of home infestations. Learn how to protect your attic from nesting squirrels and when to seek squirrel removal. Contact us today!

Humane Methods to Permanently Remove Squirrels from Attics

By Richard Neumayer • February 20, 2025

Discover humane methods to remove squirrels from attics permanently. Learn effective, safe strategies to protect your home. Call today for expert help!

A squirrel is looking out of a wooden box in the snow.

Winter Squirrel Problems? Protect Your Home This January

By Richard Neumayer • January 29, 2025

Winter months bring more than just chilly weather. They can also bring squirrels seeking warmth into your home. If you're tired of dealing with noisy critters in your attic or walls, you're not alone. Many homeowners face this challenge in January, but don't worry, there are humane ways to handle squirrel removal . This post covers everything you need to know about keeping your home safe and squirrel-free this winter. Why Do Squirrels Invade Homes in Winter? When the temperature drops, squirrels search for cozy spaces to nest - spaces such as attics, crawl spaces, and wall cavities make perfect shelters. They’re looking for: Warmth: Squirrels can’t tolerate freezing temperatures and need a place to stay warm. Food Storage: They often bring nuts and seeds into their nesting areas. Safety: Indoor spaces protect them from predators. Unfortunately, their presence can lead to damage like chewed wires, insulation destruction, and unpleasant odors. Signs You Have a Squirrel Problem If squirrels have moved in, you’ll likely notice these signs: Scratching Sounds: Especially in the early morning or late evening. Droppings: Found near nesting or feeding spots. Chewed Entry Points: Damaged vents, soffits, or roof edges. Nesting Materials: Shredded insulation, leaves, or fabric. How to Protect Your Home from Squirrels This January Follow these tips to protect your home: 1. Seal Entry Points Inspect your home for openings where squirrels can sneak in. Focus on: Gaps in roofing or siding. Open chimneys (install caps for extra protection). Damaged vents or screens. A small gap the size of a quarter is enough for a squirrel to squeeze through. Use durable materials like wire mesh or metal flashing to cover these areas. 2. Keep Your Yard Tidy Squirrels are drawn to cluttered yards that provide food and shelter. To make your yard less appealing: Trim tree branches away from your roof. Rake fallen nuts and fruits. Store firewood at least 20 feet from your house. This not only discourages squirrels but also other critters looking for a home. 3. Remove Food Sources Squirrels often invade homes in search of food. Take these precautions: Use sealed containers for pet food and birdseed. Avoid leaving food scraps outdoors. Keep garbage bins tightly closed. These simple steps can make your home far less attractive to wildlife. 4. Install Deterrents There are humane ways to discourage squirrels from settling near your home: Ultrasonic Devices: These emit sounds that are unpleasant to squirrels but safe for humans and pets. Natural Repellents: Use scents like peppermint oil near entry points. Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These can scare squirrels away from your yard. Why Humane Squirrel Removal Matters It’s tempting to resort to harmful methods, but they’re not necessary. Humane squirrel removal in Cumming , focuses on relocating squirrels without causing harm and preventing their return through exclusion techniques. This approach respects wildlife while protecting your property. According to the Humane Society, methods like one-way doors allow squirrels to exit safely but block re-entry. This minimizes stress on the animal and avoids unnecessary harm. When to Call for Professional Help Sometimes, DIY methods aren’t enough. If squirrels persist despite your efforts, it’s time to consider professional squirrel removal . A licensed wildlife removal service can: Safely trap and relocate squirrels. Repair damage and seal entry points. Provide advice on long-term prevention. Catch A Critter , with its eco-conscious and humane practices, is a trusted option for homeowners dealing with squirrel issues. FAQs About Squirrel Removal Can I Remove Squirrels Myself? You can try, but it’s tricky and may not be legal in some areas. Always check local regulations and prioritize humane methods. Do Squirrels Cause Fire Hazards? Yes. Squirrels often chew on electrical wiring, which increases the risk of fires. This is one of the top reasons to address the issue quickly. How Long Does Squirrel Removal Take? It depends on the size of the infestation. Professionals often resolve the issue within a week. Why Choose Catch A Critter for Squirrel Removal At Catch A Critter , we understand how frustrating and overwhelming squirrel problems can be. That’s why we prioritize humane removal techniques that are effective and eco-friendly. Our team is passionate about protecting your home and wildlife, giving you peace of mind without harming the environment. Conclusion Winter squirrel problems don’t have to ruin the start of your year. From sealing entry points to calling a trusted wildlife removal service like Catch A Critter , there are many ways to protect your home. Squirrels can cause significant damage, but with the right steps, you can keep your property safe and cozy this winter. If you’re ready to take action, contact Catch A Critter today for compassionate, effective squirrel removal solutions.