Bats
Bat Control
IMPORTANT:
Bats are a protected species and are not to be destroyed.
They perform an important function in the ecosystem - insect control. Bats migrate in the fall and come back in the spring. To keep them from getting back into your attic or walls, now's the time to act.
One of the most common ways bats encounter humans is when they set up colonies in buildings, usually in the roof, attic, eaves, or exterior walls.
Bats enter through openings as small as 15 mm x 30 mm (5/8-inch x 1-1/4-inch) in windows, walls, doors or chimneys.
I have a bat in my house... what do I do?
- If a bat is flying around inside your house, don’t panic — simply turn off the lights and open all the doors and windows. The bat will find its way out.
- However, if a bat is roosting (hanging upside down), catch it using a pillowcase or cardboard box and carry the bat outdoors.
- Bats will never attack you, but they have a lot of teeth and will bite if they feel threatened. Be sure to wear leather gloves when handling bats.
What's the problem?
- A bat roost in your house can be a challenge. While you might tolerate a few bats, a big nursery colony means noise (scratching/squeaking pups) and smells (bat droppings). Bats will return to the same roost so plan to gently evict your unwanted guests as soon as possible.
If bats have made a home in your home...
- You will find bat droppings (also known as guano) that are mostly insect parts and crumble to the touch, unlike similar looking, but solid, mouse droppings. You may see guano below roost entrances or patio umbrellas, or on outside walls or furniture.
- Find out where the bats are exiting — watch at dusk. Put a one-way sleeve exit over the entry or exit point (simple mesh or fiberglass screening). Discourage roosting by hanging thin strips of tin foil or suspending balloons in attics or near roost entrances to interfere with bat sonar. Light up your attic to dissuade bats from staying.
- If bats are not present (after September and before April) find out where the bats are entering by looking for cracks and holes stained by oily fur, or are above guano. Seal the access points with screening or polyurethane expanding foam before the bats return next spring.
- Bats can squeeze through holes the size of a quarter. To keep them out of your house, carefully seal all windows, soffits and eaves with foam or caulking, and fix siding or soffits where joined materials some loose or have warped or split.
Eviction is stressful for bats. It can be difficult if you can’t find all of the entrances. Providing a bat house as an alternative roost may be the best solution.
Tenants are required to report pest problems to the Property Management Team immediately.
Please understand, severe pest problems damage our asset and will be considered tenant neglect if left unreported.