When you discover bats in your home, your first instinct might be to call a pest control company. However, immediately calling a pest control company will result in no help. Pest control companies are not equipped nor licensed to trap bats and install preventative measures to prevent a return invasion. Instead, you need a wildlife removal expert like Thomas Wildlife Control & Roofing. In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore why professional wildlife removal is essential for handling bat invasions, the common locations bats invade in homes, how they find entry points, the messes they leave behind, the risks of DIY removal, and why Thomas Wildlife Control & Roofing is the right choice for bat removal in Sacramento.
Understanding Bat Invasions
Common Locations Bats Invade
Bats are nocturnal creatures that seek dark, quiet places to roost during the day. Common locations they invade in homes include attics, chimneys, and wall cavities, where they can remain undisturbed and hidden. See below.
- Attics: Bats often enter attics through small openings and cracks. Attics provide a secluded, safe environment for bats to roost and raise their young.
- Eaves and Fascia’s: The spaces under eaves and behind fascia’s are also common entry points for bats. These areas offer shelter and protection from the elements.
- Chimneys: Unused chimneys can be an attractive roosting spot for bats. They provide a vertical space that mimics natural caves and crevices.
- Walls and Soffits: Bats can squeeze through tiny gaps in walls and soffits, leading them into wall voids where they can roost undisturbed.
How Bats Find Entry Points Bats are adept at finding weaknesses in your home’s exterior. They use their keen senses to locate small openings, gaps, and cracks. Common entry points include:
- Gaps in Rooflines: Bats can enter through gaps in rooflines, especially where different roof sections meet.
- Vents and Louvers: Unscreened vents and louvers are common entry points for bats.
- Loose Shingles and Tiles: Bats can slip under loose shingles or tiles to gain access to your attic.
- Cracks and Holes: Small cracks and holes in walls, soffits, and fascias can provide entry points for bats.
The Mess Bats Leave Behind Bats can create significant messes in your home, leading to health hazards and structural damage. Common issues include:
- Guano Accumulation: Bat droppings, known as guano, can accumulate in large quantities. Guano is not only unsightly but can also harbor harmful fungi that cause respiratory issues.
- Odor: The accumulation of guano and urine can create a strong, unpleasant odor that permeates your home.
- Staining and Damage: Guano and urine can stain ceilings, walls, and insulation, causing structural damage over time.
- Parasites: Bats can carry parasites such as mites, fleas, and ticks, which can spread to other parts of your home.
Health Risks Associated with Bats In addition to the mess, bats pose several health risks. Bat guano can harbor Histoplasma capsulatum, a fungus that can cause histoplasmosis, a severe respiratory disease. The spores become airborne when the guano is disturbed, potentially leading to infection when inhaled. Moreover, bats are known carriers of rabies, a deadly virus that can be transmitted to humans through bites or scratches. Even though rabies transmission is rare, it remains a serious concern due to the fatal nature of the disease if left untreated. Therefore, it’s crucial to address bat infestations promptly and seek professional help to safely remove and prevent their return.
The Risks of DIY Bat Removal
Legal and Health Concerns
DIY bat removal is not a smart option for several reasons:
- Legality: Bats are protected by law in many areas, making it illegal to harm or kill them. Improper handling of bats can lead to legal consequences.
- Health Risks: Handling bats without proper training and equipment exposes you to health risks, including rabies and histoplasmosis, a respiratory disease caused by fungal spores in bat guano.
- Incomplete Removal: DIY removal often fails to address the root cause of the invasion, leading to a high likelihood of a return invasion.
Ineffectiveness of DIY Methods
DIY methods such as sealing entry points, using repellents, and trapping are often ineffective. Without understanding bat behavior and biology, you may inadvertently trap bats inside your home, leading to further complications.
Why Thomas Wildlife Control & Roofing is the Right Choice
Licensed and Experienced Professionals
Thomas Wildlife Control & Roofing is a licensed and experienced wildlife removal expert specializing in bat removal. Their team is trained to handle bat invasions humanely and effectively. They have the knowledge and equipment to safely remove bats and prevent future invasions.
Comprehensive Bat Removal Services
Thomas Wildlife Control & Roofing offers comprehensive bat removal services, including:
- Inspection and Assessment: They conduct thorough inspections to identify entry points and assess the extent of the infestation.
- Humane Bat Exclusion: Using humane exclusion methods, they ensure bats are safely removed from your home without harm.
- Sealing Entry Points: They seal all identified entry points to prevent future invasions.
- Cleanup and Restoration: They clean and sanitize affected areas, removing guano and repairing any damage caused by bats.
- Preventative Measures: They install preventative measures, such as bat-proofing vents and installing bat houses to provide alternative roosting sites.
Why Choose Thomas Wildlife Control & Roofing?
- Expertise: With years of experience in bat control, Thomas Wildlife Control & Roofing has the expertise to handle any bat invasion, no matter the size or complexity.
- Humane Methods: They prioritize the humane treatment of bats, ensuring they are safely relocated without harm.
- Licensed and Insured: As a licensed and insured wildlife removal company, you can trust them to provide professional and reliable service.
- Comprehensive Solutions: From initial inspection to cleanup and prevention, they offer a complete solution to your bat problem.
- Local Knowledge: Based in Sacramento, they understand the local bat species and their behaviors, allowing them to provide targeted and effective solutions.
Understanding Bat Behavior and Prevention
Bat Species in Sacramento
Sacramento is home to several bat species, including:
- Little Brown Bat: A common species that roosts in attics and buildings.
- Big Brown Bat: Another frequent invader of homes, known for its large size.
- Mexican Free-Tailed Bat: Often found in large colonies and known for its fast flight.
Understanding the species in your area can help in identifying and addressing bat invasions more effectively.
Preventing Future Invasions
Preventing future bat invasions involves several steps:
- Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect your home for potential entry points and signs of bat activity.
- Maintenance: Keep your home in good repair, sealing cracks and gaps promptly.
- Professional Help: Enlist the help of professionals like Thomas Wildlife Control & Roofing for regular inspections and maintenance.
Key Takeaways
Dealing with a bat invasion requires the expertise of a wildlife removal expert. Thomas Wildlife Control & Roofing is the best choice for bat removal in Sacramento. Our licensed and experienced team offers comprehensive services, from inspection and removal to cleanup and prevention. By choosing Thomas Wildlife Control & Roofing, you ensure that your home is protected from bats and that future invasions are prevented.
Remember, immediately calling a pest control company will result in no help. Pest control companies are not equipped nor licensed to trap bats and install preventative measures to prevent a return invasion. Contacting a professional like Thomas Wildlife Control & Roofing is the smart choice for effective and humane bat removal.
