When you hear strange noises in your home, it can often be difficult to pinpoint the source. Is it just the normal sounds of a house settling, or is there something living in your walls or attic? Just like humans, animals leave behind evidence of where they’ve been and what they’ve been doing, and bats are no exception. When people call ABC Wildlife wondering if there might be a bat colony in their home, these are the signs we ask about to determine the need for bat control.
- Scratching in the walls or attic – Bats are nocturnal and mostly likely to move around at night, so if you notice scratching noises in the walls and ceiling after dark, they may be the culprit.
- Squeaking or chirping – Bat vocalizations sound like squeaking or chirping, and since people aren’t used to hearing these noises, they’re often mistaken for baby birds or mice.
- Strong odor of ammonia – A bat’s waste material – called guano – smells very distinctly of ammonia. If you begin to notice this particular aroma in your home, you’re definitely facing an animal problem. This could also indicate a mouse infestation.
- Bat guano – ABC Wildlife recommends that homeowners who suspect a bat problem walk the perimeter of their home to inspect for bat droppings. Bats will usually defecate right before and right after they take off, so the guano will accumulate on the exterior of the home near their entry and exit points. Look near the roof line.
- Rub marks – Bats have oily fur that collects dust and dirt as they go about their day. When bats squeeze into and out of their entry holes, they will leave dirty smudges on the outside of a structure. Look for these rub marks on gables, vents, soffits, and loose flashing.
- Bat sighting – If you visually observe a bat entering or exiting your home or if you’ve found a bat in a room of your house, it’s a likely sign of a much larger infestation.
If any of these signs sound familiar to you, contact the bat control specialists at ABC Wildlife immediately. Our technicians have years of experience in humane bat removal and know the safest and most efficient methods to relocate a colony. Initial inspections for a bat problem are almost always free of charge, and our technician will give you a detailed account of his findings as well as a comprehensive plan to solve the issue. We also specialize in animal proofing homes to keep wildlife and insects out. Trust the skilled professionals at ABC Wildlife with your bat control needs. Call us today at (847) 870-7175.
