Why Have Bat Standards in Virginia?

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Bat removal isn’t just “getting bats out.” Done incorrectly, it can lead to trapped bats, dead bats in walls, strong odor issues, bat bugs, and repeat infestations because the real entry points weren’t sealed correctly.

That’s why bat standards matter.

The NWCOA Bat Standards were created to define a minimum standard of practice for wildlife control operators performing bat work. These standards help protect:

  • Homeowners (better results, fewer repeat problems, safer processes)
  • Bats (humane removal and proper exclusion timing)
  • Properties (correct seal-out and repair practices)
  • Public health (risk reduction and proper cleanup recommendations)

What the NWCOA Bat Standards Are (and Why They Exist)

The purpose of the NWCOA Bat Standards is to establish a clear baseline for professional bat work so that bat conflicts are handled the right way—especially in residential and commercial structures.

In simple terms, bat standards exist to ensure the job is done correctly, including:

  • Proper inspection and species-aware planning
  • Proper exclusion methods (not harmful “repellents” or shortcuts)
  • Correct timing (to avoid trapping flightless pups)
  • Durable seal-out and repairs to prevent re-entry
  • Clear guidance on guano, sanitation, and follow-up

For more about humane exclusion, see Bat Removal in Virginia.

The Real Problem: Bat Work Has Traditionally Been “Unstandardized”

Bat work is one of the most misunderstood services in wildlife control. Many homeowners assume all bat removal is the same—until they experience:

  • Bats trapped inside (leading to bats in living areas)
  • Incomplete seal-out (bats return the next week or next season)
  • Messy or unsafe materials used in repairs
  • Exclusion devices installed incorrectly
  • Work done during the wrong season

This is why standards and training matter—because details are what determine whether the problem is solved permanently.

What “Bat Standards Compliant” Means for You

When a company follows recognized bat standards, the homeowner typically gets:

A better inspection

A real bat inspection finds entry points, roost zones, and construction vulnerabilities that other companies miss.

Humane bat exclusion (the right way)

Bats are removed using exclusion methods that allow them to exit safely—without harming bats and without trapping them inside.

Correct seal-out and repair work

A bat job is only as good as the seal-out. If the structure isn’t sealed with animal-resistant materials and correct methods, bats often return.

For long-term structural prevention, see Virginia Animal Exclusion & Damage Repairs.

Less risk of repeat calls

Standards-based work reduces the chance of:

  • re-entry
  • odor events
  • bat bugs migrating
  • “mystery bats” reappearing in living spaces

If insect issues are part of the problem, see Bat Bug Control.

For more information about our professional commitments, see our Bat Standards Code of Ethics.

The photo gallery below includes real examples from bat inspections we’ve performed on Virginia homes and buildings.

These photos are not meant to insult another contractor or company. In many cases, people were doing the best they could with the knowledge they had.

This gallery exists to show homeowners something important: there is a difference between basic bat work and professional bat exclusion done with training, standards, and proven methods.

For a broader explanation, see Why Bat Standards Matter in Virginia.

Why Homeowners Call Us for Bat Work

Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services is frequently chosen for bat work because we focus on:

  • Correct exclusion timing (especially during maternity season)
  • Thorough inspection + clear plan
  • Seal-out that prevents repeat infestations
  • Professional repairs that hold up long-term
  • Honest recommendations on cleanup, guano, and bat bugs

If cleanup is needed, see Bat Guano Removal in Virginia.

Bat Removal Service Areas in Virginia

We provide bat removal services across the Central Virginia, Northern Virginia, Tidewater / Hampton Roads, and the Shenandoah Valley / Southwest Virginia regions.

For the full list of the cities, counties and towns where we provide service, visit:

If you do not see your city listed, contact us. We often serve nearby areas and can confirm availability quickly.

FAQ: Why Have Bat Standards In Virginia

Q: What are NWCOA Bat Standards?

A: They are a set of professional standards intended to define a minimum level of proper bat management work—focused on humane exclusion, correct timing, and proper seal-out.

Q: Do I have to hire a “Bat Standards Compliant” company?

A: Not necessarily. There are skilled companies that do excellent bat work without that label. The key is verifying that the company follows best practices: inspection, humane exclusion, correct timing, and durable seal-out.

Q: What happens if bat work is done incorrectly?

A: Common outcomes include bats trapped inside, bats entering living spaces, odor events from dead bats, bat bugs migrating, and repeat infestations due to missed entry points.

Q: Is bat removal the same as bat exclusion?

A: No. “Removal” is not enough. Exclusion means removing bats humanely and sealing the structure so they can’t return.

Q: Why can’t bats be excluded at any time of year?

A: Timing matters because of maternity season. If exclusion is done when flightless pups are present, it can trap babies inside and create serious problems.

Q: Do bat repellents or ultrasonic devices work?

A: In most real-world cases, no. The reliable solution is proper exclusion and seal-out.

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For bat inspections, humane bat exclusion, seal-out, repairs, guano guidance, and bat bug treatment options:

Call (804) 729-0046 or toll-free (888) 824-7383