Learn how to humanely relocate beneficial bats outside where they belong.
What Do Bats Look Like?
Outside, they are most easily detected by the sounds they make.
The Spruce / Ellen Lindner
There are more than 1,400 bat species worldwide and more than 40 species of bats throughout the United States.
This bat could be rabid and/or sickly.
Call your local animal control or wildlife removal specialist to help the animal.
Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus Fuscus)Michael Viard / Getty Images
The bat is likely young and did not mean to put in your living space.
Bat droppings are commonly confused with rodent droppings.
Bat and mouse droppings are small.
Littls Brown Bats (Myotis lucifugus)Joe McDonald / Getty Images
Squish the dropping between your fingertips and if it crumbles, it is a bat dropping.
If the drooping squishes flat like a pancake, it likely belongs to a mouse or juvenile rat.
How to Get Rid of Bats in a House
Bats are an important part of our environment.
Mexican Free-Tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis)milehightraveler / Getty Images
They are especially good at controlling unmanageable exterior insect issues.
Watch for them leaving from your roof, attic, or eaves.
Use peppermint, cinnamon, or eucalyptus essential oils to deter bats from staying in your home.
Axel Bueckert/GettyImages
Combine the essential oil of your choice with water and heavily spray the area where the bats are nesting.
Bats also do not like bright lights or items that reflect light, like foil or mylar balloons.
However, if you see one bat, there are likely many more, since they live in colonies.
This bats will be forced to look elsewhere for shelter.
Bat removal by exclusion is typically done between certain fall and winter months.
Call your local wildlife resources department to ask about your state or town’s bat exclusion regulations.
check that all vents, flashing, and the areas around your chimney are sealed.
Repellent solutions can be hit or miss.
Know that these solutions can involve a lot of work and money with varied results.
Reduce Exterior Sources
Reduce exterior food and water sources that are very close to your home.
Bats love to eat insects.
double-check your exterior lights are off at night to help reduce the surrounding insect population and bat activity.
Bats are also attracted to bird nectar feeders and standing water they can use to get a drink.
for your bat friends.
They hate certain smells, like eucalyptus, bright lights, and annoying, loud sounds.
The only way to effectively, legally, and humanely get rid of bats is through the exclusion method.
They will leave their sleeping or hiding spot at dusk.
Bats may be deterred by strong essential oils, including eucalyptus and peppermint.
The smell of mothballs may also keep them away.
Health Hazards Associated with Bird and Bat Droppings.
Illinois Department of Public Health.
Human Rabies Prevention Program.
668674, 2018. doi:/10.1093/jmammal/gyy044
Bats in Buildings.Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Acceptable Management Practices for Bat Control Activities in Structures A Guide for Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators.U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service.
Living With Bats.Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
