Bats are an integral part of the ecosystem; they eat bugs and scare away other Albany pests with their presence. However, our homes are often very similar to the caves and trees they are used to calling home, and so they can occasionally become nuisances to homeowners. Pest control in Albany can be simple; here are some helpful tips for bat pest control from Absolute Pest Control.
How To Tell If Bats Are Roosting On Your Property
The easiest way to tell if bats are roosting on your property is to check around your property at dusk or dawn. Bats tend to leave their roosts as the sun sets and return before it rises again, during which time they search for food. If you have bats roosting on your property, you may also notice a marked decline in the population of insects such as mosquitos, common prey to most species of bats.
If bats are roosting in your home, such as in an attic or crawlspace, you may hear them in the evening and early mornings. In these cases, you may also find their droppings, fur, or other signs of their intrusion.
Do Bats Carry Rabies?
The first question you’ll have on your mind when dealing with a bat infestation in Albany is most likely, “do they have rabies?” Most bat control specialists will inform you that there’s no guarantee one way or the other. The good news is that, while they’re a possible carrier of the disease, bats are unlikely to be rabid, with less than 10% documented contracting the disease and showing symptoms.
However, the fungi present in bat droppings are more harmful. These fungi pose a risk to homes and homeowners, as fungi can cause lung disease. Bats produce up to 20 to 30 droppings daily per individual bat, which can quickly deteriorate structural integrity and value.
Five Tips To Keeping Bats Off Your Property
The best pest control for bats is prevention. Keeping flying mammals off your property and away from your Albany home doesn’t have to be hard with these tips.
- At dusk, inspect the exterior of the home and observe where bats enter and exit.
- Be sure to bat-proof the house at dusk to reduce the chances of boxing in babies and sleeping bats; they’ll find another way out that may cause damage.
- Install door sweeps to prevent entry by squeezing under the door.
- Screen attic vents and openings to chimneys to reduce the number of easy access points.
- Seal cracks or crevices with caulk and steel wool to prevent bats from clawing their way inside.
While these methods can be effective, they are not as reliable as professional prevention methods.
What Is The Easiest Way To Get Rid Of Bats?
For individual homeowners, the only way to control bats in your area is by exclusion, reducing the chance of an infestation as much as possible before it happens. Unfortunately, even by reducing the opportunity as much as possible, homeowners aren’t able to entirely prevent bats from entering and infesting their property. The only other option is to get professional wildlife control services in Albany.
As is the case with most forms of pests, pest control technicians are better equipped to handle bats and bat infestations. Some states, including New York, protect bats under local and federal law and thus require a permit to remove and relocate these animals safely. Contacting your local pest control specialists about the problem will reduce the chances of harmful contact for both yourself and the bats. Call today to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services and Albany, and to request a free over-the-phone estimate.
