How To Get Rid Of Bats

Bats are useful (they eat tons of insects) but when they roost in buildings they create health, odor, and structural problems. Here is the best way to get rid of bats:

Immediate legal & safety notes

Many bat species are protected by law in parts of the U.S. and internationally. Do not kill bats or use toxic methods — doing so can be illegal and ineffective.
Bats can carry rabies and their guano can carry Histoplasma (histoplasmosis). Never handle bats or guano without proper protection.
If anyone was bitten, scratched, or had direct contact with a bat that may have bitten them, contact local public health/medical professionals immediately about rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.

Best overall approach (humane exclusion + prevention)

Humane exclusion is the single most effective and responsible method: first allow bats to exit the structure but prevent re-entry using one-way devices, then permanently seal openings. Always combine exclusion with attic/guano remediation and long-term repairs.

Inspect and document

Conduct dusk or dawn emergence counts to locate roosts and identify likely entry/exit points (watch where bats leave/return).
Look for guano piles, staining, grease marks, and gaps in eaves, soffits, ridge vents, plumbing vents, chimneys, gable vents, roofline cracks.
Measure or note gap sizes — bats can fit through openings as small as ~3/8" (about 1 cm).
Identify the species if possible (some species form large colonies and some are solitary) — species and colony size affect timing and method.

Timing

Avoid excluding when pups are flightless and dependent (seasonal — in many temperate areas this is late spring/early summer). Excluding during the maternity season can trap and kill pups and is illegal in Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. If in doubt, consult the Department of Natural Resources, or schedule your exclusion between September 1 and Feb 28.

Install one-way exclusion devices

Fit one-way devices over each active entry point so bats can leave but cannot re-enter. Effective devices include commercially made bat cones/netted one-way valves or temporary hardware cloth/mesh “flaps” secured to allow outward movement.
For common entry types, use fitted netting, durable flexible cones, or PVC cowls over soffit gaps; for ridge/vent issues, use wildlife exclusion mesh.
Keep devices in place for several nights (usually 3–7 nights) and monitor at dusk to ensure bats are exiting and not finding alternate gaps.

Seal all entry points permanently

Once you confirm the roost is vacated, remove the one-way devices and permanently seal openings: use caulk, expanding foam (sparingly in small gaps followed by more durable materials), flashing, metal mesh/hardware cloth (¼" stainless or galvanized), sheet metal, new soffit/fascia, vent covers, chimney caps, etc.
Pay attention to roofline joints, porches, attics, plumbing vents and gaps around wiring. Bats will reuse small gaps, so sealing must be complete.

Attic/guano remediation

Treat guano and soiled insulation carefully. For small amounts, wear PPE (N95 or preferably P100 respirator, disposable coveralls, gloves, eye protection) and avoid creating dust. Mist guano with disinfectant/water to reduce aerosolization before removal. Double-bag and dispose per local regulations.
For large or old accumulations, or if insulation is saturated, hire our team for professional remediation—guano removal and insulation replacement are often needed. Recommend testing for Histoplasma risks if heavy contamination.
Decontaminate surfaces and replace insulation where necessary; repair roost damage to structure.

Long-term prevention

Install chimney caps, properly screened vents, and soffit/vent covers.
Trim tree branches that overhang roofs (reduce access and near-roof foraging perches).
Keep exterior lighting minimized near entry points (lights attract insects, which attract bats).
Offer bat houses as an alternative roost: install several bat houses 15–20+ ft high, mounted where they receive morning sun and are away from re-entry points. This can encourage bats to choose a safe alternative.

PPE, tools & materials

Respirator (N95 minimum; P100 preferred), disposable Tyvek or similar coveralls, nitrile or heavy work gloves, eye protection.
One-way exclusion cones/netting (commercial bat cones), ¼" hardware cloth, flashing, exterior-grade caulk, construction adhesive, trim/soffit repair material, chimney cap.
Bucket, shovels, heavy duty bags for guano, disinfectant (household bleach solutions or other appropriate products), new attic insulation (if replacing).
Ladders, binoculars or headlamp for dusk monitoring, inspection camera (optional).

When to call a wildlife control specialist / licensed professional

Large colonies (> a few dozen) or roosts inside walls/ceilings you can’t access safely.
If species may be protected or you’re uncertain about legal timing.
If guano accumulation is heavy or insulation is contaminated.
If a bat has bitten or potentially exposed a person or pet to rabies.
If you lack safe ladder access, PPE, or experience with exclusions.

What NOT to do

Don’t attempt to fumigate, smoke out, poison, shoot, or drown bats — these are cruel, illegal in many jurisdictions, and ineffective.
Don’t seal entry points without first ensuring bats are out — that will trap and likely kill them (and cause noise, smell, and decomposing carcasses).
Don’t clean guano without PPE; do not dry-vacuum guano (creates dangerous aerosols).

Handling an indoor bat (quick guidance)

If a bat is inside a room: close doors to isolate it, open windows/doors to the outside, turn off lights (bats orient to light/dark), and gently encourage exit using a towel or box only if safe and you have no direct contact. If a bat has made contact with a person or pet, capture it safely (with thick gloves or a box) for rabies testing if possible and contact public health. If unsure, call professionals.

Exclusion preserves bat populations (ecologically important insect control), avoids legal violations, eliminates roosting without killing, and—when combined with proper remediation—removes health hazards. This gives permanent, humane results and reduces recurrence when follow-up repairs are done correctly.

The Best Way To Get Rid Of Bats

Our professional pest control is the best way to get rid of bats because it ensures removal is done safely, legally, and effectively—something that DIY methods simply cannot guarantee. Bats are protected species in most areas, meaning it’s illegal to harm, kill, or trap them improperly. Our licensed pest control specialists understand these regulations and use approved exclusion techniques that allow bats to leave your home without being harmed while preventing their re-entry.

Our professionals begin by performing a detailed inspection to locate every potential entry point—often as small as half an inch—and identify signs of an active roost. We then implement humane exclusion methods, such as one-way doors or netting systems, which let bats exit but not return. This process requires precise timing, as exclusion can only be done safely outside of maternity season, when baby bats are unable to fly and would otherwise be trapped inside.

In addition to humane removal, our pest control experts also address the secondary hazards bats cause. Accumulated droppings (guano) can lead to structural damage, foul odors, and even health risks like histoplasmosis, a respiratory disease caused by fungal spores. Our professionals are equipped with the proper protective gear and disinfectants to safely clean and sanitize contaminated areas, ensuring that your home or business is left safe and healthy.

We provide long-term prevention through bat-proofing and exclusion maintenance—sealing gaps, repairing damage, and reinforcing vulnerable areas to make sure bats can’t return. Hiring our professional pest control team ensures the bat problem is handled comprehensively, lawfully, and permanently, protecting both your property and the animals.

Get Rid Of Bats With Miche Pest Control

Hiring our team of professionals at Miche Pest Control is an investment in long-term protection, expertise, and peace of mind. Here’s why:

Personalized Service and Local Expertise: We know the specific pest pressures in the area—such as seasonal rodent activity, regional ant species, or local termite threats. Our technicians understand the environment, climate, and building types common to the area, allowing them to provide targeted, effective treatments.
High-Quality, Comprehensive Solutions: As a full-service provider, we doe’t just treat surface problems; we address the root causes. From inspections and prevention to exclusion and ongoing maintenance, we deliver complete, integrated pest management (IPM) programs designed to both eliminate infestations and prevent future ones.
Accountability and Reliability: We live and die by our reputation. We rely on trust, referrals, and repeat business, meaning we're committed to doing the job right the first time and providing exceptional customer care.
Faster Response Times: We respond quickly to emergencies and schedule services sooner than large, national chains. Especially when you’re dealing with urgent pest issues like rodents or wasps, that speed matters.
Customized Treatment Plans: We tailor our services to your property’s specific needs instead of using one-size-fits-all chemical treatments. This results in safer, more effective pest control that minimizes environmental impact and reduces unnecessary pesticide use.
Highly Trained, Experienced Technicians: We invest in training, certification, and continuing education for our technicians. We stay current on the latest pest biology, control techniques, and safety standards.
Long-Term Prevention and Value: Our focus on providing quality service means fewer callbacks, longer-lasting protection, and better value over time. Instead of repeated, temporary fixes, you get strategic solutions that protect your home or business for the long run and provide better peace of mind.

Hiring our team means you get expertise you can trust, faster service, safer and more effective treatments, and long-term results that protect both your property and your peace of mind. Contact us today!