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Bat Removal

Why Bat Removal Is So Difficult?

A bat infestation, even a small one, is a big removal job. Unlike many other types of pest infestations, which can be dealt with using a combination of traps and deterrents, bats are a protected species and must be removed in accordance with federal guidelines. Traps can be dangerous to the animal, and rehoming a bat colony is ineffective, as they will simply return to their preferred location. Effective bat removal is actually a process of exclusion, rather than traditional removal, and should only be entrusted to experienced professionals.

While bats undeniably play an important role in our ecosystem – they feed on insects and pollinate plants – they can also be detrimental to your home and can be dangerous to humans and pets. Bats can access a home through holes less than an inch in diameter, and attics, garages, and barns are favourite places for them to make their homes. Once bats have taken up residence, they can quickly become a huge nuisance. Bats are nocturnal, which means that they are making noise at the same time that you are trying to sleep. A few bats might not be obvious, but a large colony can make a lot of noise. In addition to the noise, a large colony of bats also produces vast amounts of excrement, which can cause significant damage to a building’s structure.

While bats contribute greatly to maintaining a balanced ecosystem, they are also dangerous to humans and pets. More humans and animals are infected by rabies from bat contact than any other animal. For these reasons, and because bats are a protected species, bat control in Hamilton requires professional intervention by a qualified contractor.

Unlike removal of other types of pests, such as raccoons or rodents, methods for bat removal are more restrictive, due to federal guidelines. Bats cannot be trapped and removed. For one, they will almost always come back to their chosen home, and secondly, trapping is forbidden, as the traps can inflict injury or death to the animal.  The only approved method for bat removal is through exclusion. Bat removal through exclusion is a multi-step process that should only be performed by a professional with experience in bat removal. The first step is to identify where the bats are gaining access to the home, where they have settled, and the species of bat that you are dealing with.

Once the access point(s) have been found a bat exclusion device is installed. There are several options but they all function in the same manner – they allow the bats to freely exit that home, while blocking access for them to re-enter. Once a final inspection has been performed to ensure that all the bat have exited, the entry point or points are sealed up to ensure no return access. The final step in the bat removal process is a thorough cleaning of the space, as the excrement left behind by the bats not only smells foul, but is also known to cause illness in humans.

Bat control in Hamilton must be done safely and humanely, by qualified professionals. Make sure to research your options and chose the right pest control specialist for the job.