Bat Intrusions and How to Prevent Them

Bats play a vital role in the ecosystem, but when they make their way into your home, they can create serious problems. From unpleasant odors to potential health hazards, a bat infestation should never be ignored. Knowing how bats enter homes—and more importantly, how to keep them out—can help homeowners avoid costly damage and stressful removals.

Common Ways Bats Get Inside

Bats are surprisingly agile and can squeeze through gaps as small as ⅜ of an inch. These are some of the most common entry points:

  • Roofline Gaps: Openings where the roof meets fascia boards or soffits.

  • Vents and Chimneys: Unscreened attic vents or uncapped chimneys are easy access points.

  • Loose Siding or Shingles: Damaged or warped materials can provide just enough space for bats to enter.

  • Gaps Around Windows or Eaves: Especially in older homes, small cracks or missing seals can be exploited.

  • Attic Openings: Any unsealed space, including around plumbing or wiring entry points.

Once inside, bats usually settle in attics, wall voids, or crawl spaces where it’s dark, quiet, and warm.

Signs of a Bat Problem

  • Chirping or fluttering sounds, especially at dusk or dawn

  • Guano (bat droppings) accumulating near entry points or in the attic

  • Ammonia-like odors caused by droppings and urine

  • Staining or greasy marks around entry holes from repeated contact

  • Sightings at dusk, when bats leave to hunt for insects

If you notice these signs, it’s likely you have an active bat colony in or near your home.

How to Stop Bats from Getting In

Bat prevention requires sealing entry points without trapping animals inside. This process, known as exclusion, is best done by professionals, but here are key steps:

  • Conduct a Full Inspection: Identify every small opening around the home’s exterior.

  • Install One-Way Exclusion Devices: These allow bats to exit safely but prevent them from re-entering.

  • Seal All Gaps and Cracks: Use bat-proof materials like heavy-duty mesh, caulk, or metal flashing.

  • Cap Chimneys and Vents: Install screened covers to keep bats and other wildlife out.

  • Repair Loose Shingles and Siding: Regular maintenance can reduce opportunities for entry.

  • Remove Attractants: Outdoor lights attract insects, which in turn attract bats. Consider using yellow “bug lights” to reduce activity around your home.

Why Call a Professional

Bats are protected in many states and are crucial for controlling insect populations. Improper removal—especially during maternity season—can be both illegal and harmful. A licensed wildlife control expert can:

  • Identify the type of bat and assess the colony size

  • Install safe exclusion devices

  • Seal entry points at the right time of year

  • Offer cleanup and sanitation services to remove hazardous guano

Protect Your Home and Your Health

Bats in your home aren't just a nuisance—they can pose risks to your property and your family’s health. By understanding how bats get in and taking proactive steps to keep them out, you can avoid the stress and hazards of a full-blown infestation. If you suspect bats have taken up residence, contact Wildlife X Team® SE Michigan for a thorough inspection and safe, humane removal.