This guide will walk you through the bat removal process. You may find that the process is best handled by a professional wildlife control company.
(PLEASE NOTE: For legal and humane reasons, DIY bat removal is prohibited during the active maternity season in many states. Always check your local regulations before beginning any exclusion project.)
STEP ONE – Locate How Bats Are Entering Your Home
Bats commonly enter through roof vents, ridge cap vents, gable vents, soffit gaps, chimney gaps, and construction gaps between the roof sheeting and fascia board. Even a gap as small as ⅜ of an inch (the size of a dime) is enough for a bat to squeeze through.
Construction gaps are particularly troublesome. They allow bats to slip into the house, especially where gutters meet the roofline or where roofing materials have shifted or deteriorated.
Sometimes, the easiest way to find access points is to enter your attic at sunset and observe where bats are exiting. You can also walk around the attic perimeter during the day, using a flashlight to spot visible light shining through cracks or gaps.
If you can see daylight around edges of your roof from inside the attic, these areas must be sealed with galvanized steel flashing, heavy-duty caulking, or fine steel mesh.
Working in an attic can be dangerous—falls from trusses can cause serious injury or death. DIY bat removal requires caution, or it may be best to contact a professional bat removal company that carries liability insurance for their employees.
STEP TWO – Check for Baby Bats (Pups) Before Doing DIY Bat Removal
Bat pups are born between late May and early August, depending on your location and the bat species. During this time (called the “maternity season”), female bats form nursery colonies inside structures like attics.
When searching for a maternity colony, look for clusters of bats hanging together in warm, tight spaces—like behind insulation, near chimneys, or tucked in rafter crevices. You may also hear faint squeaking or chattering noises.
It is critical not to attempt DIY bat removal if pups are present. Baby bats cannot fly and will be trapped inside if you seal entry points too soon, leading to death, odor issues, and health hazards.
In these cases, it’s best to contact a licensed professional. Experienced bat removal specialists know how to time exclusion properly and may work with wildlife rehabilitators if necessary. Attempting DIY bat removal during maternity season can result in serious problems for you and the bats.
STEP THREE – Seal All Entry Points Except for the Main One
Identify the primary bat entry point—but do not seal this opening yet.
All secondary holes and cracks must be sealed first, using galvanized steel mesh, polyurethane sealant, or professional-grade exclusion materials. Never use foam, screen doors, or basic plastic materials—bats can chew or claw through these.
Pay extra attention to construction gaps under rooflines, soffits, and around vents. Bats often find and exploit even the smallest cracks.
Knowing where to seal and how to properly secure high-up areas while on a tall ladder can be a real challenge. DIY bat removal may not be as simple as you thought. Sometimes, it is safer to hire a wildlife control company experienced in bat exclusion and attic repairs.
STEP FOUR – Build & Install DIY Bat Removal One-Way Devices
Bats are protected under federal and state laws, meaning they cannot be trapped or killed. Instead, you must use exclusion devices that allow bats to exit but not re-enter.
DIY bat removal involves installing one-way exclusion devices, such as bat cones, netting, or tube systems, over the main entry point. These devices create a flap or tunnel that lets bats leave naturally.
Secure the one-way door carefully, and make sure that no gaps remain where bats can sneak back inside. Galvanized steel mesh can be used around the device to reinforce weak spots.
Bat exclusion devices must remain installed for at least 5–7 days, to ensure all bats have exited.
STEP FIVE – Secure the Main Entry Point From Bats
Once you are certain all bats have vacated—usually verified by two to three clear, bat-free nights—you can remove the exclusion device and permanently seal the main access hole.
Use galvanized steel flashing, heavy-duty caulking, or fine wire mesh to make the area bat-proof.
Make sure all repairs blend with the existing exterior. A successful DIY bat removal project not only keeps bats out but also maintains your home’s appearance and value. If you are unsure whether you can perform repairs safely or neatly, it is wise to hire a professional wildlife company with proven bat removal expertise.
STEP SIX – Get Your Attic Back to Pre-Bat Condition
Many homeowners feel they have completed DIY bat removal after exclusion, but the job is not finished!
Bat colonies leave behind significant contamination:
- Bat guano (droppings) can harbor fungal spores causing histoplasmosis, a serious respiratory disease.
- Urine and droppings can create foul odors and structural damage.
- Accumulated guano can compress insulation, lowering your home’s energy efficiency.
- Bat colonies sometimes damage vents and wiring.
Important Cleanup Steps:
- Carefully vacuum guano and debris using a HEPA-filtered vacuum.
- Remove contaminated insulation if necessary.
- Disinfect all hard surfaces with an enzymatic cleaner designed to kill fungal spores and bacteria.
- Repair any structural damage, including chewed wiring or damaged vent screens.
Remember: Attic spaces can be dangerously cramped and poorly ventilated, especially during summer months. DIY bat removal and cleanup might sound manageable, but it can quickly turn into a hazardous task without the right equipment and expertise.
Are You Sure You Want to Do DIY Bat Removal?
If you live in the Charlotte Metropolitan area and decide that professional help is the smarter choice, contact us at 888-391-3330 or schedule an inspection online with Varmint Gone.
Varmint Gone is a licensed, insured, and veteran-owned company, proudly providing fast and reliable bat control services since 1983. Our technicians specialize in humane, effective bat removal methods, ensuring bats are safely excluded and your home is properly secured.
Check out our reviews online at Varmint Gone Matthews or Varmint Gone Cornelius!
