Virginia Bat Removal / Bats in Attics / Bat Removal VA
Bats – Bat Removal, Bat Guano, Bat Bugs. Bats in the Attic of VA Homes
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Effective Strategies for Bat Removal and Control
Introduction
Dealing with bats in and around your property can be a challenging situation. Bats provide valuable ecological services by controlling insect populations, but their presence in confined spaces like attics, vents, and soffits can lead to health and structural issues. This article discusses various methods for bat removal, control, and the importance of addressing associated concerns like bat guano removal.
If you have a bat infestation, professional bat removal is crucial. Do not attempt to remove the bats yourself as this could be both dangerous and illegal. The safest course of action is to contact a qualified pest control service familiar with bat removal methods.
Understanding the Need for Bat Removal and Control
Bats are beneficial creatures that help control insect populations, but when they take up residence in human structures, conflicts can arise. Bats often seek shelter in attics, vents, soffits, and gable vents. While their presence can lead to issues such as noise disturbances, foul odors, and staining from bat guano, there are humane and effective ways to address the problem.
1. Bat Inspection and Assessment
The first step in bat removal and control is a thorough inspection of the affected areas. A professional wildlife removal expert will identify entry points, nesting sites, and assess the extent of the infestation. Understanding the habits and behavior of the specific bat species involved is crucial for devising an effective removal plan.
2. Humane Bat Removal
Bat removal should prioritize humane methods that do not harm these protected animals. One common approach involves the installation of exclusion devices, such as one-way valves, which allow bats to exit their roosts but prevent re-entry. It’s essential to ensure that all bats have left the area before sealing entry points.
3. Sealing and Repairing Entry Points
Once all bats have been safely excluded, it’s crucial to seal and repair entry points to prevent their return. This may involve repairing damaged vents, sealing gaps in soffits, and reinforcing weak areas such as ridge vents. Professional-grade materials and techniques are used to secure the premises effectively.
4. Bat Guano Cleanup
Bat guano can pose health risks due to the potential transmission of diseases like histoplasmosis. Cleanup should be done by professionals wearing proper protective equipment. Thorough removal of guano and contaminated insulation, followed by disinfection, helps ensure a safe living environment.
5. Preventive Measures
To prevent future infestations, consider installing bat vents or bat houses in areas away from living spaces. These structures provide bats with alternative roosting sites while keeping them out of your home. Regular inspections of your property can also catch potential entry points before bats find their way in.
Conclusion
Bat removal and control require a combination of knowledge, expertise, and a humane approach. Professional wildlife removal services can ensure that bats are safely and effectively removed from your property. Remember that these creatures play a vital role in the ecosystem, so efforts should be made to coexist with them outside of living spaces. By addressing concerns such as guano removal and proper sealing, you can create a healthier and more harmonious living environment for both humans and bats.
Bat Eviction
Bat eviction involves the humane removal of bats from a dwelling. Usually, a one-way exit is established to allow bats to leave but not return. This is best done by experts who know the nuances of bat behavior and local regulations.
How to Get Rid of Bats
How to get rid of bats is one of the most common questions we receive from Virginia callers. Don’t bother with a bat repellent, they simply don’t work. Getting rid of bats is our specialty. If you have bats in the attic, bats in the gable end vents of your home, or a bat flying around inside your Virginia house, we can help safely and humanely remove the bats and get rid of them to restore your peace of mind.
Bats are commonly found roosting in gable end vents, under the siding of a home, behind shutters, in attics and in the eaves of homes and businesses. You should never hire any company that offers to trap bats or spray fumigants to remove and control bats. These processes may be harmful to you, your family and the bats that are important to our ecosystem. Bat exterminator pest control is also not a viable option and may be illegal in Virginia. Bat in house removal services is our specialty.
Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services is the ONLY area bat removal and bat control company where all of our employees have received training in NWCOA Bat Standards AND WCT Training Group Bat Management Course.
We perform bat exclusions, the removal of an individual bat, bat colony removals, bat feces identification and removal, and bat guano (bat poop) removal and clean-up services throughout the State of Virginia – including Richmond, Charlottesville, Goochland, Louisa, Fluvanna, Orange, Albemarle, Powhatan, Amelia, Short Pump, Glen Allen, Chesterfield, Chester, Midlothian, Bon Air, Woodlake, Brandermill, Ashland, Mineral, Gordonsville, Earlysville, Keswick, Henrico, and Hanover.
Have bats in your attic, bats in chimney, bats in your vents or a bats in your house? No Problem. Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services is registered with and recommended by Bat Conservation International as Bat Exclusion Professionals. Our personnel view bats as the beneficial animals that they are, and make every effort to exclude bats from buildings in a safe and effective manner. They are also knowledgeable and experienced with safe bat guano clean-up techniques and procedures. We are constantly striving to advance our education so that we may serve you better.
If you have a bat colony in your attic, call us today to schedule a site visit for bat control in Virginia. We can safely remove the bats from your home, and make sure that the bats do not return. We normally do not perform bat exclusions during the bat birthing period of May through July. There are exceptions, so call us for details.
A bat in your house? First, if possible isolate the bat to one room, then call us and let us remove the bat for you. If the bat has made contact with any person or pet, it will need to be tested by the Virginia Health Department for rabies.
Bat Nest in Attic
If you’ve heard scratching or high-pitched sounds, you may have a bat nest in your attic. Contrary to popular belief, bats don’t build “nests” like birds. However, they may roost in attics, where they can cause damage and create unpleasant smells.
Bat Smell in Attic
Bats in your attic can produce an unpleasant odor due to their droppings, known as guano, and urine. This smell can permeate through ceilings and walls, making it unpleasant for homeowners.
Bats and Moth Balls
Moth balls have been used historically as a home remedy to deter bats, but they are largely ineffective and can be toxic to humans and pets. In many places, using moth balls for this purpose is illegal.
Bats in Attic Smell
The smell of bats in an attic can be overwhelming and a sign of a large colony. This smell is mainly due to accumulated guano and urine, and it requires professional cleaning to remove.
Bat Trap Netting
Bat trap netting is sometimes used to catch and remove bats. However, trapping bats is often illegal without a permit and can harm the bats. Always consult professionals for safe and legal bat removal.
Bat Colony in Attic
A bat colony in an attic can be a significant problem. Bats are protected species in many areas, and a large colony may indicate a more severe infestation that needs professional intervention.
Bat Excluder Mesh
Bat excluder mesh is a net-like material used to prevent bats from entering buildings. This is a humane method often used by professionals to help homeowners deal with bat issues.
Bat Smell in House
If you notice a foul, ammonia-like smell in your house, this could be a sign of bats residing in your attic, chimney, or walls. Call a professional to assess the situation.
Moth Balls Bats
Again, moth balls are ineffective and potentially hazardous as a method for deterring bats. Seek alternative, professional solutions for bat removal.
Bat Problem in House
If you have a bat problem in your house, the first step is to identify the scale of the issue and then contact professionals for removal and cleaning. It’s crucial to act quickly to minimize risks to health and property.
For further information on bat-related concerns, it’s essential to consult experts in your area to ensure that you are following local laws and regulations while addressing the issue in a humane and effective manner.
Bats Species in Virginia – Facts and Information
There are three species of bats in Virginia that are Federally endangered and are therefore protected under the Endangered Species Act which explicitly prohibits anyone from attempting to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct any endangered or threatened species. The three federally endangered species of bat in Virginia are Gray, Indiana, and Virginia Big-Eared. Before implementing any control technique, ensure that your problem bat is not one of these three endangered species of Virginia bats.
There are 17 species of bats in Virginia. Three (Gray Bat, Indiana Bat, and Virginia-Big-eared Bat) are federally endangered. One, the Rafinesque’s Big-eared Bat, is state endangered, and the remaining 12 are non-game protected species in Virginia. The Big Brown Bat, Evening Bat, and Little Brown Bat are the three bat species in Virginia that are most likely to take residence in a building.
To help identify the species of bat you may have, use the county occurrence map for each species found on the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website. The county occurrence maps represent counties that have been documented to contain that particular species. The occurrence maps do not indicate the only areas that a particular species may be found but they are a good way to identify the species that you are likely to have. Pay particular attention to the threatened and endangered species, management options may be limited due to federal and state laws.
In Virginia bats are not considered a game species or a fur-bearing species. This means that a bat may be killed if it is deemed as being a nuisance to a homeowner. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources defines nuisance as species found committing or about to commit depredation upon ornamental or shade trees, agricultural crops, wildlife, livestock or other property or when concentrated in numbers and manners as to constitute a health hazard or other nuisance. However, the term nuisance does not include animals designated as endangered or threatened. The mere presence of a bat does not constitute it as a nuisance.
Other legal aspects that the homeowner needs to know is that it is illegal to poison any animal (including bats) with the exception of mice and rats found in a dwelling (4VAC15-40-50). It is also illegal to transport any bat species therefore making it illegal to relocate any species of bat other than on the property on which it was caught (4VAC15-30-50).
If a bat is found indoors with people, the Virginia Department of Health recommends having the bat captured and having it tested for rabies. While less than ½ of 1% of all bats actually carry rabies, this is a time for caution. Heavy leather work gloves should be worn if you must handle the bat in any way.
Bats and their droppings (bat guano or bat excrement) should only be removed by a licensed, trained and Virginia State Certified Bat Control Company. If you have an area with a large buildup of bat guano (droppings) and you must be in the contaminated space, immediately put on gloves and something to cover your nose and mouth. Bat droppings can harbor histoplasmosis fungi spores and should be cleaned up by a professional Wildlife Removal and Animal Control Company in Virginia.
Bats are great neighbors to have around the house. One little brown bat has been documented eating upwards of 600 mosquitoes in one hour! Imagine what several individuals flying around in your yard could do!
There are seventeen species of bats in Virginia. The bats in Virginia are divided into two categories: cave bats and tree bats. Cave bats hibernate in caves, while tree bats hibernate in leaf clusters, under decaying logs, in hollow trees, or sometimes in abandoned mines or old buildings.
Virginia’s Cave Bats include:
Tri-Colored Bat (Also known as the Eastern Pipistrelle Bat)
Virginia’s Tree Bats include:
There has also been an occurrence of the Brazilian Free-tailed Bat in Southeastern Virginia.
Bat Damage and Bat Damage Identification in Virginia
Bats often fly about swimming pools, from which they drink or catch insects. White light (with an ultraviolet component), commonly used for porch lights, building illumination, street and parking-lot lights, may attract flying insects, which in turn attract bats. Unfortunately, the mere presence of a bat outdoors is sometimes beyond the tolerance of some uninformed people. Information is a good remedy for such situations.
Bats commonly enter buildings through openings associated with the roof edge and valleys, eaves, apex of the gable, chimney, attic or roof vent, dormers, and siding. Other openings may be found under loose fitting doors, around windows, gaps around various conduits (wiring, plumbing, air conditioning) that pass through walls, and through utility vents. Log cabins are another type of home commonly inhabited by unwelcome bat colonies. Often times the chinking in log cabins has fallen out leaving inviting entry points for bats looking for a new home. Give us a call if you need to have new chinking materials installed
Bats are able to squeeze through narrow slits and cracks. For purposes of bat management, one should pay attention to any gap of approximately 1/4 x 1 1/2 inches (0.6 x 3.8 cm) or a hole 5/8 x 7/8 inch (1.6 x 2.2 cm). Such openings must be considered potential entries for at least the smaller species, such as the little brown bat. The smaller species require an opening no wider than 3/8 inch (0.95 cm), that is, a hole the diameter of a US 10-cent coin (Greenhall 1982). Openings of these dimensions are not uncommon in older wood frame structures where boards have shrunk, warped, or otherwise become loosened. Log cabins are also favorite roosting sites for bats looking for safe harborage. Because of their design, log cabins have many gaps and openings that allow for easy entry for bats. Sometime these log cabins have missing chinking or the entire log cabin may need to be re-chinked using only the best chinking materials available. We can help, our bat experts can bat proof your log cabin, home or business so that bats cannot reenter the structure.
The discovery of one or two bats in a house is a frequent problem. In the Northeast, big brown bats probably account for most sudden appearances. Common in urban areas, they often enter homes through open windows or unscreened fireplaces. If unused chimneys are selected for summer roosts, bats may fall or crawl through the open damper into the house. Sometimes bats may appear in a room, then disappear by crawling under a door to another room, hallway, or closet. They may also disappear behind curtains, wall hangings, bookcases, under beds, into waste baskets, and so forth. Locating and removing individual bats from living quarters can be laborious but is important. If all else fails, wait until dusk when the bat may appear once again as it attempts to find an exit. Since big brown bats may hibernate in the cooler recesses of heated buildings, they may suddenly appear (flying indoors or outdoors) in midwinter during a warm spell or a cold snap as they move about to adjust to the temperature shift. (Source: Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage — 1994)
Health Concerns Associated With Bats in Virginia
Rabies – Bats are distinct from most vertebrate pests that inhabit human dwellings because of the potential for transmitting rabies — a viral infection of mammals that is usually transmitted via the bite of an infected animal. Rabies does not respond to antibiotic therapy and is nearly always fatal once symptoms occur. However, because of the long incubation period (from 2 weeks to many months), prompt vaccination following exposure can prevent the disease in humans. Dogs, cats, and livestock also can be protected by periodic vaccinations.
Bats are not asymptomatic carriers of rabies. After an incubation period of 2 weeks to 6 months, they become ill with the disease for as long as 10 days. During this latter period, a rabid bat’s behavior is generally not normal—it may be found active during the daytime or on the ground incapable of flying. Most human exposures are the result of accidental or careless handling of grounded bats. Even less frequently, bats in this stage of illness may be involved in unprovoked attacks on people or pets (Brass, pers. commun.; Trimarchi et al. 1979). It is during this stage that the rabid bat is capable of transmitting the disease by biting another mammal. As the disease progresses the bat becomes increasingly paralyzed and dies as a result of the infection. The virus in the carcass is reported to remain infectious until decomposition is well advanced.
Rabies is the most important public health hazard associated with bats. Infection with rabies has been confirmed in all 40 North American species of bats that have been adequately sampled in all of the contiguous United States and in most provinces of Canada.
Bats rank third (behind raccoons and skunks) in incidence of wildlife rabies in the United States (Krebs et al. 1992). In the last 20 years, however, there have been more human rabies cases of bat origin in the United States than of any other wildlife group. Furthermore, the disease in bats is more widely distributed (in all 48 contiguous states in 1989) than in any other species. In Canada, bats also rank third (behind foxes and skunks) in the incidence of wildlife rabies. Therefore, every bat bite or contact must be considered a potential exposure to rabies. While aerosol transmission of the rabies virus from bats in caves to humans and some other mammals has been reported, this is not a likely route of infection for humans entering bat roosts in buildings in temperate North America.
Histoplasmosis – Histoplasmosis is a very common lung disease of worldwide distribution caused by a microscopic fungus, Histoplasma capsulatum. Histoplasma exists in nature as a saprophytic mold that grows in soil with high nitrogen content, generally associated with the guano and debris of birds (particularly starlings, Sturnus vulgaris, and chickens) and bats. Wind is probably the main agent of dispersal, but the fungus can survive and be transmitted from one site to another in the intestinal contents of bats, and also in the dermal appendages of both bats and birds. The disease can be acquired by the casual inhalation of windblown spores, but infections are more likely to result from visits to point sources of growth of the fungus. Relative to bats, such sources include bat roosts in caves, barns, attics, and belfries, and soil enriched with bat guano or bat excrement.
Numerous wild and domestic animals are susceptible to histoplasmosis, but bats (and perhaps the armadillo) are the only important animal vectors. Unlike bats, birds do not appear to become infected with the fungus. Both the presence of guano and particular environmental conditions are necessary for H. capsulatum to proliferate. In avian habitats, the organism apparently grows best where the guano is in large deposits, rotting and mixed with soil rather than in nests or in fresh deposits. Specific requirements regarding bats have not been described, though bat roosts with long-term infestation are often mentioned in the literature.
While histoplasmosis in the United States is particularly endemic to the Ohio-Mississippi Valley region (which is also an area with the greatest starling concentration) and areas along the Appalachian Mountains, it is also found in the lake and river valleys of other states. Outside areas with “appropriate” environmental conditions, there also occur scattered foci with high infection rates usually associated with caves inhabited by bats or birds.
When soil or guano containing H. capsulatum is physically disturbed, the spores become airborne. Persons at particular risk of histoplasmosis of bat origin include spelunkers, bat biologists, pest control technicians, people who clean out or work in areas where bats have habitually roosted, and people in contact with guano enriched soil — such as around the foundation of a building where guano has sifted down through the walls.
Infection occurs upon inhalation of spores and can result in a variety of clinical manifestations; severity partially depends on the quantity of spores inhaled. The infection may remain localized in the lungs where it may resolve uneventfully; this is the case for about 95% of the 500,000 infections occurring annually in the United States. Such infections are identified only by the presence of a positive histoplasmin skin test and/or calcified lesions on routine radiographs. Other individuals may have chronic or progressive lung disease requiring treatment. Less severe forms of these infections may be accompanied by fever, cough, and generalized symptoms similar to a prolonged influenza. Resolution of the disease confers a degree of immunity to reinfection. In addition, resolution confers varying degrees of hypersensitivity to H. capsulatum; as a consequence, massive reinfection in highly sensitized lungs may result in a fatal acute allergic reaction.
In a small percentage of chronic histoplasmosis cases, the fungus disseminates to involve multiple organ systems and may be fatal. This form is usually seen in young children (1 year or older) and in immunocompromised adults. In recent years, systemic infections have been increasing in frequency globally as an opportunistic infection of AIDS patients. (Source: Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage — 1994)
Because of the possibility of contracting histoplasmosis, the clean-up of all bat feces should be left to trained professionals who have the expertise and equipment necessary to remove bat dung safely. Read our article on Bat Guano Removal & Disposal.
What is Bat Feces Called? Defining Guano
Bat feces, commonly known as bat guano, is the accumulation of excrement produced by bats. Guano is rich in nutrients and has historically been used as a valuable fertilizer due to its high levels of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Beyond its agricultural significance, guano is also important in various ecosystems as a nutrient source for cave-dwelling organisms and plants. However, due to potential health risks associated with guano, particularly in enclosed spaces, it’s important to handle and manage it carefully.
Bat Guano Smell: Exploring the Pungent Aroma
The distinctive smell of bat guano can be quite overpowering, often described as a mixture of ammonia and mustiness. This odor arises from the accumulation of urine and feces produced by bats as they roost in various habitats such as caves, attics, and abandoned buildings. The intensity of the smell can vary depending on factors like the size of the bat colony, the duration of their habitation, and the overall ventilation of the space.
What Does Bat Guano Smell Like? Decoding the Aroma
The smell of bat guano is often likened to a combination of ammonia and earthiness, with an underlying note of muskiness. Imagine the scent of a mixture between a farmyard and a damp, musty cave. This odor results from the breakdown of organic matter in the guano, releasing compounds that contribute to the distinctive smell. The intensity of the odor can vary, ranging from mildly unpleasant to quite strong, especially in areas with significant bat populations.
Bat Guano Toxicity: Understanding the Risks
Bat guano itself is not inherently toxic, but it can pose health risks due to its potential to harbor harmful microorganisms. Guano can contain fungal spores such as Histoplasma capsulatum, which can cause a respiratory illness known as histoplasmosis when inhaled. Prolonged exposure to these spores, especially in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation, increases the risk of contracting the disease. Therefore, it’s crucial to handle bat guano with care and take necessary precautions when cleaning up areas where bats have inhabited.
Do Bats Carry Fleas? Exploring Bat Parasites
Yes, bats can carry fleas, along with other parasites like mites and ticks. These parasites often infest bat colonies, using them as hosts for blood-feeding. While bat fleas might not typically target humans as their preferred hosts, there is a potential risk of these parasites transferring to humans if they come into close contact with an infested bat or their habitat. However, the likelihood of bat fleas affecting humans directly is relatively low.
Bat Sounds in a Chimney: Identifying Noises
If you’re hearing scratching, squeaking, or fluttering sounds coming from your chimney, there’s a possibility that bats might have taken up residence. Bats are nocturnal creatures, so these sounds are often more prominent during the evening and night. They can sometimes become trapped in chimneys while seeking shelter or roosting spots. If you suspect bats are in your chimney, it’s recommended to contact wildlife professionals who can safely and humanely remove them.
Bat Bugs Versus Bed Bugs
Q. I have bats in my attic and they are causing me to have bedbugs in my home. How do I get rid of bedbugs?
A. People with bat infestations often think that the small reddish or mahogany colored bugs they are seeing are bedbugs. They start to panic and anxiously search the internet for solutions on getting rid of bedbugs. The truth is you probably don’t need to know how to get rid of bedbugs. The bugs you are seeing in all likelihood are bat bugs. Bat bugs are parasitic bugs that live on and around places occupied by bats. Once bats are removed from your home, we can treat the affected areas to get rid of the bat bugs too.
Q. We have noticed Bats in our attic, and have Bed Bugs too. Could the two problems be related?
A. Yes, these two problems are related, but chances are you have Bat Bugs instead of Bed Bugs. Bat Bugs are a ectoparasite that be found on Bats, in guano, areas where there has been bat colonies, or around roosting areas where bats congregate. They look exactly like bed bugs, and only the trained eye can distinguish the two. Infestations can be very minor to very major problems. Once bats are removed or happen to take up a roost elsewhere, ectoparasites like bat bugs can start searching throughout the home for a new host. If you notice activity like this call one of our Virginia Bat Removal Control specialists immediately.
Q. How do I get rid of bat bugs?
A. In most cases bat bugs will die off once their bat hosts (the bats in your attic and walls) have been removed from your property. In cases with severe bat bug infestations our trained bat bug experts can treat the affected areas to expedite and kill off any remaining bat bug pests that may be looking to “feed” on unsuspecting human hosts. Let us rid your property of these parasitic pests. Want to know how to get rid of bat bugs? Give us a call, we can help.
For Additional Information On Bat Bugs
Bat Removal – Questions and Answers
We receive dozens of calls each week from potential customers who have questions about bats and the removal process in Virginia. Some of the questions asked include: Do we do bat eradication? How do you go about removing bats in my attic? Is there a process involved with removing bats from attic? Is it expensive getting rid of bats in attic? How to get rid of bats in your house? Is it serious if you have bats in your house? Within this website we have tried to answer these questions and many more. We hope that you have found the information on helpful.
Q. What does it cost to remove bats from attics?
A. One of the first questions we get asked by potential customers is, What does it cost to remove bats from the attic of my Virginia home. The truth is, no two bat jobs are the same, so the cost can vary significantly from one job to the next. We often tell callers that any company that gives you a cost for bat removal without first conducting a site visit or assessment has not a clue what they are doing. You should stay away from these so called “bat experts” and remember Buyer Beware.
Q. What is the normal bat removal cost?
A. Because there are so many variables in bat remediation, the cost for a complete bat job including sealing entry points and repairs necessary to keep bats out can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
Q. DIY bat removal – How do I do it yourself?
A. Bat removal in Virginia requires a great deal of expertise. We do not recommend that amateurs attempt to remove bats. We also do not recommend hiring a pest control company to remove bats. The process should only be performed by Wildlife Removal companies who have professionals on staff that are trained in bat biology and behaviors, and understand the correct procedures and processes for humane bat removal, bat proofing, and bat exclusion.
Q. What is a good bat deterrent?
A. There is nothing that has been proven effective as a bat deterrent.
Q. Are bat traps effective?
A. Years ago some bat removal companies actually used bat traps. With the spread of White Noise Syndrome (WNS), a fungus lethal to bats, this practice has all but been abandoned by reputable companies. You should stay far away from anyone who suggests using a bat trap.
Q. Bat repellents – do they work?
A. Bat repellent sprays, bat repellent devices, bat repellent sounds, and natural bat repellents are a waste of money. There are no know bat repellents on the market that have been proven effective in repelling bats from attics or other places in your home. Be careful of gimmicks whose sole purpose is to separate you from your hard earned money. Bat repellent spray and other bat repellent formulations simply do not work.
Q. What Do Bats Sound Like in a Chimney
A. Bats in a chimney can make scratching, squeaking, or chirping noises. They may also create flapping sounds as they move around.
Q. Do Bats Smell
A. Yes, bats do produce a smell through their excrement and urine, especially when in large colonies.
Q. Can Bats Smell
A. Bats have a sense of smell, but it’s not as developed as in some other animals. They primarily rely on echolocation to navigate.
Q. Do Bats Like Moth Balls
A. There is no evidence to suggest that bats are either attracted to or deterred by moth balls. Using moth balls to remove bats is not recommended.
Q. Do Bats Like Mothballs
A. As with moth balls, mothballs are also not effective for bat control and can be harmful to humans and pets.
Q. Is Bat Guano Toxic
A. Bat guano can be hazardous to human health. It may contain fungi that can lead to diseases like histoplasmosis. Always use protective gear when handling bat guano and consider hiring professionals for removal.
Q. What Does Bat Guano Smell Like
A. Bat guano has a strong, ammonia-like smell. The scent can be pungent and is often the first indicator of a bat infestation.
Q. Do bats bite?
A. Yes they do! The two most common species of bats in homes is the Little Brown Bat and the Big Brown Bat. Both species have a lot of sharp, tiny teeth. If you try to handle them there is a good chance that you will be bitten.
Q. What does a bat nest look like?
A. Bats do not have nests. They are very social animals and usually live in colony groups.
Q. How do I keep bats out of my home?
A. The best way to keep bats out of your house is my closing off all entry points 3/8″ or greater. Bat proofing homes is an important part of the bat extermination process. (We don’t really exterminate bats, they’re great for our eco-system).
Q. What are some bats in attic signs?
A. Some of the signs of bats in an attic include the presence of bat guano (bat feces), a dark brown staining near the bats entry point, the presence of bat urine, the sounds of bats (bat noises), and the presence of bat bugs (similar in appearance to bed bugs).
Q. Bat removal devices – what are the most common types?
A. The types of devices used for removal and control vary. Some devices can be used in many different situations, while others have very limited uses.
Q. Do you perform residential removal?
A. Yes, our bat technicians are experts at residential, commercial and industrial bat removal. We perform bat removal and bat control services throughout Virginia.
Q. How do you catch a bat inside a house?
A. People often want to know how to catch a bat that has gotten into the living space of a home. The following procedures work best in catching bats. First, watch the bat, and wait for it to land, then drape a towel over it and bunch it up in the towel, then call your local animal control officer to have it picked up and tested for rabies. Secondly, if the bat lands on an unobstructed wall or floor, place a plastic container over the bat, then slide paper under the container to trap it. Lastly, open windows and doors and wait for it to fly out (might not work very well, but worth a try). This is generally not recommended because you lose the ability to test the bat for rabies and it will probably reenter the home at its normal entry point.
Q. Removal products – what are the most common?
A. There are many different types of products available to professional bat removal companies. They include bat nets, bat pipes, bat venting devices, one way valves, and other bat exclusion tools and equipment. Many people think that we actually catch the bats. We are many things, but a bat catcher we are not.
Q. Can you remove bats during the wintertime?
A. Bats cannot be removed during the winter. Click here to find out why.
Q. How do bats find (locate) my house year-after-year?
A. We are often asked, How do bats find places? The animals recognize places by remembering how they sound, a new study suggests.
How bats navigate at night while foraging is pretty well understood. They use echolocation, emitting high-pitched sounds and then using the return echoes to perceive objects mapped out in their midst — from trees to boulders to tasty insects.
But the ability to follow a route — say to a roosting spot or favorite feeding site — requires recognition of places along the way, and what’s not so well understood is how bats use echolocation to manage that feat.
Researchers from the University of Bristol and the University of Antwerp thought bats might be using a kind of template-based system for navigation, in which places were remembered by specific echo signatures instead of 3-D echolocation layouts, so they set out to test the idea.
How do you test whether bats likely use echo signatures as place templates? The scientists in this study built their own bat, one complete with ultrasonic microphone “ears,” speaker “mouth” and computer brain to store measurement data.
The researchers collected calls and echoes their artificial bat made over different types of terrain and then analyzed what kind of sonic templates might emerge.
It turned out that the echoes returned from each place to their fake bat were indeed unique enough to be considered templates that represented specific locations.
“Importantly, our method used the echoes without inferring the location or identity of objects, such as plants and trees, at each site,” noted study co-author Dieter Vanderelst, of the University of Antwerp, in a statement.
“In other words,” he said, “the data support our hypothesis that bats can recognize places by remembering how they sound, rather than how they appear through the animals’ 3-D sonar imaging.”
The types of terrain over which their artificial bat “flew” varied between lush, leafy parks and gardens in the UK and stony, more spacious lands of a park in Israel.
The different terrain setups helped the scientists observe that stronger, more recognizable features, such as boulders in the park in Israel, returned more recognizable echo signatures and that such features could serve as landmarks for the animals on their journeys.
“With these new insights in mind,” said Vanderelst, “our aim is to try and piece together the entire puzzle of the navigation tendencies and capabilities in bats.”
Source: seeker.com
Q. I need bat removal and bat prevention services in Virginia. What should I do?
A. First, never try to remove bats yourself. Too many things can go wrong. Secondly, NEVER hire a pest control company to perform bat removal. Pest control companies are experts in bug control, not bats. Lastly, when looking to hire a bat removal company in Virginia, make sure they have received advanced training and are NWCOA Bat Standards Compliant. Removing bats from a home or attic is not like trying to trap a squirrel, it requires a thorough knowledge of bats and their behaviors. We understand the importance of education, training and experience when in comes to dealing with bats. That’s why all of our bat removal technicians are double certified, having successfully completed bat training from two separate bat training entities – NWCOA AND WCT Training Group.
Q. We are often asked, Can bats be removed from homes or businesses in the Winter?
A. The short answer is no. You should not try to remove bats during the Winter. We’ve written a great blog post on Wintertime bat removal. Read our opinion on Wintertime Bat Removal and why it’s not a good idea.
Q. What type of bat colony do I have in my home?
A. To find out what type of bat colony you have in your home or business please read our article – Bats in Homes. We’ll help you identify the type of bat infestation you have and recommend solutions to solve the problem.
NWCOA Bat Standards & Code of Ethics
As much as it pains me to say so there are a lot of unscrupulous people out here proclaiming that they provide exceptional bat removal services. Unfortunately, that is just not true. At the present time, the Commonwealth of Virginia does not even require special training or licensing to perform bat work – they should. And hiring a pest control company to perform bat removal services is generally never a good idea.
Did you know that throughout the entire United States, only about 400 people attend the National Wildlife Control Operators Association annual training conference? And in Virginia, only about 25 people attend the annual Virginia training conference? Sad, but true. Not to worry though. As far as I know we are the only Bat Removal Company in Central Virginia where all of our technicians are Bat Standards Certified. Read the articles on NWCOA Bat Standards and Code of Ethics and Why We Should Have Bat Standards to find out why this is important.
We are considered one of Virginia’s best bat removal companies. We provide bat removal, bat control & bat management services throughout Virginia in these VA counties, cities and towns:
Afton, Albemarle County, Alexandria, Amelia County, Annandale, Arlington, Ashburn, Ashland, Barboursville, Bellwood, Belmont, Bensley, Bermuda Hundred, Bon Air, Boyd Tavern, Brandermill, Bumpass, Burke, Central VA, Centreville, Chamberlain, Charlottesville, Chesapeake, Chester, Chesterfield County, Colonial Heights, Crozet, Cuckoo, CVille, Dale City, Doswell, Dumbarton, Earlysville, East Highland Park, Enon, Ettrick, Fairfax, Fair Oaks, Ferncliff, Fluvanna County, Fredericksburg, Genito, Glen Allen, Glenora, Goochland County, Gordonsville, Gum Spring, Hadensville, Hampton, Hampton Park, Hanover County, Harrisonburg, Harrogate, Hening, Henrico County, Highland Springs, Hopewell, Innsbrook, Jefferson Davis, Kents Store, Keswick, Lake Anna, Lake Monticello, Lake Ridge, Lakeside, Laurel, Leesburg, Lewiston, Lignum, Locust Grove, Louisa County, Maidens, Manakin, Manakin-Sabot, Manassas, Manchester, McLean, Montrose, Motoaca, Meadowbrook, Mechanicsville, Midlothian,, Mineral, Moseley, Newport News, Norfolk, North Courthouse, North Garden, Oilville, Orange County, Palmyra, Pantops, Petersburg, Portsmouth, Powhatan County, Reams, Reston, Richmond City, Richmond County, Robious, Rockville, Rockwood, RVA, Salisbury, Sandston, Sandy Hook, Scottsville, Shannon Hill, Short Pump, South Rockwood, Spring Run, Staunton, Stoney Point, Suffolk, Tidewater, Troy, Tuckahoe, Va, Varina, Virginia, Virginia Beach, Waynesboro, Winchester, Winterpock, Woodlake, Wyndham, and the surrounding areas of Virginia.
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- Bats (Little Brown Bat, Big Brown Bat, Others)
Bats are such an important part of our ecosystem in Virginia. If you want to help preserve bats and increase their chance for survival, building a bat house is a good start. We also do bat house installations. NOTE: The Little Brown Bat is on the verge of being listed as an endangered bat species in Virginia. To help protect this bat it is important to hire a bat company that is properly trained in identifying and protecting the Little Brown Bat which is so important to our ecosystem.
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Our wildlife experts also provide animal control services in Henrico VA. For Henrico animal control, bat removal, raccoon control, chipmunk removal, raccoon problems, trapping skunks, trapping squirrels, getting rid of squirrels in the attic, or mole removal services in Virginia contact our Richmond office at (804) 729-0046 or toll-free at (888) 824-7383. We only use safe and humane animal traps and methods for wildlife removal.
Check out information on Richmond Bat Removal, Richmond Animal Removal, Richmond Animal Control and Richmond Pest Control.
Our local bat experts provide bat removal and exclusion services in most areas of Central Virginia including Henrico, Glen Allen, Short Pump, Richmond, Midlothian and Charlottesville. Have bats in your attic? We safely and humanely remove bats in and other nuisance wildlife.
If you have bats in your house and need to get rid of the bats, give us a call. We are the areas best bat exterminator in Virginia (we don’t really exterminate bats, they’re important to our ecosystem). We also provide other Virginia animal control services including skunk removal, snake removal, squirrel removal, raccoon removal, bird control and more.
