Bats play an important role in the ecosystem, especially in controlling insect populations. But when they decide to roost in your home, business, or commercial structure, they can quickly become a problem. From unpleasant odors and droppings to health hazards and property damage, bats don’t belong indoors, and once they move in, they can be surprisingly difficult to evict.
At Dog Gone Wildlife, we specialize in humane bat removal and exclusion services throughout Central Ohio. In this post, we’ll share practical tips to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers prevent bats from roosting in attics, roofs, vents, and chimneys, before a small problem becomes a big one.
Why Bats Roost in Buildings
Bats don’t want to bother you, they’re just looking for a safe, dark, and quiet space to roost, raise their young, or escape harsh weather. Buildings offer perfect shelter: attics mimic caves, chimneys offer warmth and protection, and small gaps in siding or soffits provide easy access.
Some of the most common places bats roost include:
- Attics and rafters
- Chimneys and flues
- Gable or roof vents
- Wall cavities
- Behind shutters or under fascia boards
Signs You May Have Bats Roosting
Early detection is key to preventing a full-blown infestation. Look out for:
- High-pitched squeaking or scratching noises, especially at dusk or dawn
- Bat droppings (guano) near walls, windowsills, or beneath vents
- A strong ammonia-like smell from accumulated guano and urine
- Stains or oily marks near potential entry points
- Sightings of bats flying near your building at dusk
If you notice any of these signs, contact a professional immediately, especially during maternity season (May–August), when bats are federally protected and cannot legally be removed until pups can fly.
Prevention Tips: How to Keep Bats Out
1. Inspect Your Property for Vulnerabilities
Carefully check your home or building for small gaps, cracks, or openings. Bats can enter through holes as small as ⅜ of an inch; about the size of a dime. Pay special attention to:
- Roof edges and flashing
- Loose soffits or fascia
- Uncapped chimneys
- Gaps around vents, pipes, or wiring
- Unscreened attic louvers or gable vents
2. Seal Entry Points (After Ensuring Bats Are Gone)
Never seal up potential entry points until you’re 100% sure no bats are inside. Blocking exits with bats still roosting can trap them, leading to death, odor problems, and legal issues.
Once it’s confirmed the space is empty, seal it using:
- Heavy-duty caulk or expanding foam for cracks
- Metal flashing or hardware cloth for larger openings
- Fine mesh screening (¼-inch or smaller) for vents and louvers
- Chimney caps designed to keep wildlife out while allowing smoke to escape
3. Install Bat Exclusion Devices
Bat exclusion is a professional technique where one-way valves or tubes are installed at bat entry points. These allow bats to leave but prevent them from returning. After several days, and once all bats are out, the entry points can be permanently sealed.
This should always be done by a trained wildlife removal expert to ensure humane, legal, and effective results.
4. Maintain Your Property Year-Round
Even after removal, stay vigilant. Bats often return to the same roosting sites year after year, especially if they raised young there. Regular inspections and maintenance of your building’s exterior will help keep it bat-free.
Why DIY Isn’t the Answer
Bat removal and exclusion is not a DIY job. Improper handling can:
- Violate wildlife protection laws (many bat species are protected)
- Separate mothers from pups
- Result in trapped bats and bigger infestations
- Fail to address all entry points
Professional wildlife control ensures that bats are removed humanely, legally, and permanently, without harming the animals or putting your family, customers, or staff at risk.
Trust Dog Gone Wildlife to Keep Bats Out for Good
If you suspect bats are roosting in your building, or want to prevent them from getting in, Dog Gone Wildlife is here to help. We provide:
- Humane bat removal and one-way exclusion
- Thorough inspections and customized prevention plans
- Entry point sealing and long-term exclusion solutions
- 24/7 service for emergency situations
We proudly serve homeowners and businesses throughout Columbus, Westerville, Powell, Upper Arlington, and surrounding Central Ohio communities.
Contact Dog Gone Wildlife today to schedule an inspection and keep your property safe, secure, and bat-free, all year long.