Control bats with a simple home remedy.
Bats are highly beneficial flying mammals. Few people realize how essential these animals are to the planet's health. If they take up residence in your attic, try not to panic. They're not there to terrorize you, but are probably seeking a safe place to nest and nurture new offspring. The only sure solution for bat control is exclusion, which shouldn't be done from April through August when bats are raising their families. While you may empathize with these maternal animals, you probably prefer that they homestead elsewhere. You can accomplish this from September through March with a simple home remedy. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Examine your attic walls to find openings where the bats might be coming in. Turn on a bright light in the attic after dark and go outside to see where light shines through, or go into the dark attic during the day to see where sunshine filters in. You will have to cover these openings to prevent the bats from accessing the indoors.
2. Go outside the following dusk and watch for bats to leave your attic. They tend to use the same openings consistently, so you can verify how they're coming and going. Check the indoor areas around holes that you suspect are access points for evidence that bats are indeed using them. Look for dark discolorations below them. These "rub marks" are stains that have collected from the dirt and body oils present on the coats of bats as they exit the opening to go outside to feed. You may also find little piles of droppings, or guano, below these holes.
3. Use a staple gun to secure plastic garbage bags loosely over the outer openings if the exterior of your home is wood. Staple it shut above the top and around both sides of the hole. Leave the bottom flap open so that the bats can leave. They won't be able to figure out get through it to go back indoors.
4. Roll a sheet of hardware cloth about 1 foot wide and 1 foot long into a cylinder with 2-inch diameter openings. Force one end of the cylinder into a bat hole if your home's exterior surface won't allow the use of nails or staples. Cut the toe part off an old sock off and slide the other end of it over the outer opening of the cylinder. The bats will easily find their way out, but won't be able to re-enter.
5. Remove the bags or cylinders in about a week. This will allow stragglers to get the idea and vacate. The bats may hang around your place for a little while, but will give up and look for more accommodating housing on their own.
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