The discovery of bats in your attic is an unpleasant surprise that no homeowner wants to encounter. However, you should know that such an occurrence is not uncommon and does not reflect a failure on your part. Many bat removal resources will encourage a variety of DIY Bat Removal Remedies, but bats and bat waste can carry diseases. Bats often cause more damage than you may expect, making a professional bat removal inspection crucial for effective bat removal.
DIY Bat Removal Techniques
1. Sprays – A common first line of defense in DIY bat removal is a variety of commercially available sprays. These sprays are purported to contain natural, non-toxic ingredients that repel bats. However, a label indicating “natural” does not automatically ensure safety for your children, pets, or the structure of your house. The most significant issue with these products is that they often fail to deliver on their promises, leaving homeowners frustrated and bat-ridden.
2. Bat Cones – Bat cones, designed to seal holes in your attic, allow bats to exit but prevent their reentry. While the concept is sound, its execution can be flawed. If bats have all their needs met within your attic, they may not feel compelled to leave. Furthermore, missing even a single entry point could render the entire exercise futile, as bats can still come and go as they please.
3. Bright Lights – Given that bats are nocturnal creatures, the installation of bright lights is often recommended to deter them. However, the success of this strategy is not guaranteed. If the bats are ill or otherwise impaired, they may be undeterred by such measures.
4. Sound – Some homeowners resort to using loud or ultrasonic noise to exploit bats’ sensitivity to sound. However, like the bright lights method, this isn’t always successful, particularly if the bats are unwell.
The Ineffectiveness of DIY Bat Removal
When DIY bat removal fails, it’s not necessarily due to human error or ineffective products. Rather, numerous factors could undermine your efforts. Bats are notably tenacious creatures; once they’ve settled in, they may persistently return, even after multiple removal attempts. In some instances, bats may leave temporarily only to return when the season changes, particularly if their points of entry are not properly sealed.
The Risks of DIY Bat Removal
The decision to undertake bat removal without professional help carries significant risks. Here are some potential dangers to be aware of:
1. Rabies – Rabies is a primary concern when dealing with bats. A trained bat removal specialist has the proper equipment and knowledge to safely remove bats while minimizing the risk of rabies exposure.
2. Airborne Illnesses – Beyond rabies, bats can spread other diseases. Bat guano (droppings) can harbor a fungal disease known as histoplasmosis, which can cause flu-like symptoms or even lead to respiratory failure. Bats can also trigger allergies, posing an especially serious risk to individuals with asthma.
3. Animal Welfare – For those concerned about animal welfare, DIY removal may inadvertently harm the bats when the objective was simply to relocate them.
4. Wasted Money – The reality is, without a professional conducting a thorough and humane removal, bats may repeatedly return. The money spent on various DIY bat removal methods could end up being an investment with no return.
The Value of Professional Assistance
For peace of mind and the assurance that your bat problem is a temporary visit rather than an extended stay, it’s best to enlist the help of a professional. Avoid wasting money on ineffective solutions and risking the bats feeling more at home the longer they stay. If you are located in the Charleston area, consider calling Feather Fighters Wildlife Removal for prompt, professional bat removal services.