What to do when you have bats in your home

Bats are fascinating creatures, but having them in your attic can be a nuisance — or worse. While bats may seem harmless, their presence in your home can pose health risks to you and your family. If you ever come across bats in your home, it’s important to remove them safely and effectively.

Why do bats choose attics?

Bats prefer to be in dark, secluded areas protected from predators. Attics provide an ideal habitat because they offer protection from the heat, cold, and rain. If your attic is home to lots of insects, it may be an additional enticement for bats.

Bat removal and prevention

To ensure bats stay out of your attic, it’s crucial to not only remove them effectively but also take preventative measures to keep them from returning.

• Hire a professional wildlife removal service. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that you do not try to get rid of bats yourself. Instead, use trained professionals who are experienced in wildlife management. Hiring a professional is essential as bats are protected by law, making it illegal to harm or kill them.
• Install bat houses. Installing bat houses on your property provides bats with a safe and inviting home, which will deter them from choosing places like your attic.
• Seal your attic. After the removal of the bats, seal all entry points so they can’t get back in. This can include gaps in the roof, vents, and chimneys. It is important to wait until all bats are removed before sealing it. The professional wildlife service can help in finding where the bats' entry points are located and how to best seal them.

Source: Centers for Disease Control

The information included here was obtained from sources believed to be reliable, however Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company and its employees make no guarantee of results and assume no liability in connection with any training, materials, suggestions, or information provided. It is the user’s responsibility to confirm compliance with any applicable local, state, or federal regulations. Information obtained from or via Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company should not be used as the basis for legal advice or other advice but should be confirmed with alternative sources.

5/2023