How to get rid of a colony of bats?

Author: Sonya Powlowski  |  Last update: Monday, February 16, 2026

Seal potential but unused entry points. Make and install bat-eviction devices. Remove the one-way eviction devices and permanently seal the entry points. Clean up the area as needed once the bats are gone.

How long does it take to get rid of a bat infestation?

A bat valve allows for bats to exit your home but not re-enter. Once the bat valve is installed, all other entry points will be sealed, allowing for bats to only exit through the valve. The removal process typically takes 3-7 days.

How many bats are considered a colony?

Bat colonies can range anywhere from 40 bats to 20,000 bats, which is why it is important to take the necessary steps in removing bats from your home before a small infestation develops into a large problem.

What makes bats go away?

Create Light Barriers. Bats are nocturnal animals and are sensitive to light. Install motion-activated lights around your home, especially near potential roosting sites. These bright lights will discourage bats from settling in these areas.

How do exterminators get rid of bats?

The most effective and humane way to remove bats is with a one-way valve (bat cone or bat valve). The bat cone allows a bat to leave your attic safely but prevents re-entry. Seal all potential entry points before installing a bat cone.

Bats How to Get Rid of them Fast | Top 7 Ways

How do you encourage bats to leave?

How to get rid of bats in a house naturally – 8 humane techniques that work
  1. Identify that bats are the problem. ...
  2. Close up any entry points. ...
  3. Use natural repellents. ...
  4. Add a bat house to your yard. ...
  5. Remove bats food source. ...
  6. Install bright garden lights. ...
  7. Install a sound machine. ...
  8. Clean the area the bats have been in.

How much does it cost to remove a bat infestation?

Depending on the size of the bat colony and home location, most spend between $228 and $726. Bat removal costs $477 on average, but most homeowners pay between $228 and $726 to remove bats from their homes.

What bats hate the most?

They hate certain smells, like eucalyptus, bright lights, and annoying, loud sounds. They also do not like the smell of mothballs because of the ingredient naphthalene, but it is impractical to replenish mothballs since an enormous amount is needed to have any effect and they disintegrate fast and easily.

Do bats come back to the same place every night?

Yes, bats return to the same place every night. They will also return to a known roost after being gone for months or years. They remember the location, especially if they are looking for a place during the maternity season, and they will return.

What do bats fear most?

Fact: Bats are afraid of people and avoid them. Bat echolocation is highly sophisticated and enables them to detect obstacles as fine as human hair, therefore easily avoiding your head. If a bat gets close to a human, it's usually because they are curious about insects that are naturally attracted to people.

How do you deal with a bat infestation?

The most basic method is to call for help. Your state department of natural resources may have a biologist willing to remove the bat for you. Another method is to let the bat find its own way out. Open as many windows and doors leading to the outside as possible.

Can you move a bat colony?

If it is necessary to evict them, there are efficient ways of doing it without having to resort to exterminate them. Choose the right moment to act! It is possible to relocate bats in April, or from the end of September to the end of October.

Is it illegal to remove bats?

California Fish and Game Code §4150: This law classifies all bats as “nongame mammals,” meaning they cannot be taken, possessed, or killed without appropriate permits.

What is the best bat deterrent?

Ultrasonic Repellers

These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are disturbing to bats but undetectable to humans. They are an effective bat repellent in areas like attics and basements.

What triggers bats to come out?

Bats are largely nocturnal, meaning they are most active after sundown. Specifically, little brown bats emerge from their dark roosts two-to-three hours after dusk to feed. After feeding, they return to their roosts to sleep out the rest of the night and day hanging upside down.

Are bats hard to get rid of?

Bats can be one of the hardest wildlife pests to get rid of. While they most commonly invade attics, a bat colony can easily make their way inside your insulation, vents, and crawl spaces, slowly destroying your walls and foundation. This is why hiring an expert could be your best option.

What sound will scare bats away?

Broadcasting ultrasonic sounds at the frequency range which bats use for echolocation may act as a deterrent by interfering with their ability to perceive echoes.

What month are bats most active?

March – Some begin coming out to find food as it gets warmer. April – Most have gone out of hibernation by now and are very active and very hungry, they'll be out foraging for food every night. June – Baby bats are born. Adult bats are consuming large amounts of insects.

What smells do bats hate?

Finally, spray the area with (not poison) a scented solution made of things that that bats find unpleasant, they seem to dislike the following smells: cinnamon, white phenol, mothballs, or eucalyptus.

How do I permanently get rid of bats?

One way to get rid of bats is to use a product called a one-way exit valve—a device that allows the bats to exit, but doesn't allow them to return. This type of device works by providing a small hole that bats can pass through, but won't come back out of.

What is bat's worst enemy?

Bats have few natural predators — disease is one of the biggest threats. Owls, hawks and snakes eat bats, but that's nothing compared to the millions of bats dying from white-nose syndrome.

Will leaving lights on keep bats away?

If you want to implement a practice to deter bats, putting up bright lights probably won't do the trick. It seems reasonable, as bats will avoid bright lights, but it often exacerbates the problem.

Does homeowners insurance cover bat removal?

If you discover bats in your attic, call a professional to remove them safely. Your insurance won't cover this expense, and cleanup will also be your responsibility. Here are a few ways to prevent bats from damaging your home: Inspect and seal any entry points using caulk, steel wool, or metal mesh.

What do exterminators do for bats?

A mesh netting will be installed and hung over primary openings to allow bats to funnel out of the property and not re-enter. The netting will be left in place for 14 days to ensure proper removal of the entire bat infestation.

Why is it so expensive to get rid of bats?

Liability and Insurance: Bat exclusion professionals take on significant risks when working on a property, from potential bat bites to the hazards of working in tight spaces or at heights. The insurance costs associated with these risks factor into the pricing structure of their services.

Previous article
How do you test the effectiveness of an air purifier?
Next article
Why is my smoke alarm blinking red?