Having bats in your attic can be troublesome. The flapping and squeaking might keep you awake at night, and the droppings create a mess.
While you can use mothballs to get rid of bats from your attic, they’re not really recommended as they are largely ineffective and can pose health risks.
Are you curious about safer alternatives to mothballs to ensure the bats vacate your attic? Read until the end to find out.
Key Takeaways
- Mothballs are largely ineffective in repelling bats and pose significant health risks due to their toxic fumes, which can lead to respiratory issues and poisoning.
- Effective bat removal strategies include using scent repellents, installing noise deterrents, sealing entry points, and making environmental modifications to discourage bats.
- For safe and humane bat removal, professional services can offer thorough assessments, one-way doors for exclusion, and bat guano cleanup to prevent future infestations.
DO MOTHBALLS REPEL BATS?
While mothballs are often considered a do-it-yourself home remedy to bat problems due to their strong odor and chemical properties, they are generally ineffective against bats, and their use for this purpose is not recommended due to health and environmental concerns.
SHOULD YOU USE MOTHBALLS TO GET RID OF BATS?
Mothballs release toxic fumes of pesticides, which can be harmful when inhaled. Long-term exposure to these chemicals can lead to health issues, especially respiratory problems and poisoning. Children and pets are particularly vulnerable.
The presence of bat guano (bat droppings) can further complicate the situation by potentially spreading histoplasmosis, a fungal infection that affects the lungs. Adding mothballs to this mix can significantly worsen indoor air quality.
Mothballs are also highly flammable, so if your home has poor ventilation, you might be at high risk of a fire.
Finally, mothballs are not designed for wildlife removal and are often ineffective in resolving a bat infestation. Bats might be initially deterred, but they can find alternative pathways or ignore the scent over time.
HOW TO GET RID OF BATS SAFELY
Use Scent Repellents
Scent repellents leverage bats’ strong sense of smell. Certain scents are known to repel bats, making them an effective method when used correctly.
To apply this method with essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint, consider these steps:
- Soak cotton balls in essential oil and place them around the attic.
- Refresh these cotton balls regularly to maintain the strong scent.
- Consider using sachets filled with crushed bay leaves or other strong-smelling herbs for larger spaces.
Install Noise Deterrents
Continuous or irritating sounds can make the attic uninhabitable for bats. Without causing harm to their echolocation abilities, consider these deterrents:
| Noise Deterrent Type | Application |
|---|---|
| Ultrasonic Sounds | Installed in attics, barns, or where bats are frequent. |
| Audio Deterrents | Commonly used in large open spaces like attics. |
| Bioacoustic Systems | Suitable for outdoor use around buildings. |
| Vibration Units | Can be attached to structures where bats roost. |
Seal Entry Points
Exclusion involves sealing off entry points once bats leave the attic, ensuring they can’t return. With careful planning and timing, consider these steps for exclusion:
- Identify all possible entry points, including eaves, cracks, and holes.
- Install one-way exclusion devices that allow bats to exit but not re-enter.
- Seal entry points with caulk or mesh after confirming all bats have left.
Bat-Proof Your Yard
Changing the environment around your home can make it less attractive to bats. Effective modifications include:
| Modification Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Trim or Remove Trees | Reduce the number of trees near your house to limit roosting and nesting spots for bats. |
| Cover Fruit Trees | Use netting or other covers on fruit trees and shrubs to minimize food sources that attract bats. |
| Install Outdoor Lights | Place bright lights in strategic areas around your home, as bats generally avoid well-lit areas. |
| Put Up a Bat House | Install a bat house away from your home to provide an alternative roosting spot. |
PROFESSIONAL BAT REMOVAL SERVICES
To ensure safe and humane bat exclusion, professional pest control companies leverage knowledge and tools to minimize health risks and prevent future infestations.
At LaJaunie’s Pest Control, we specialize in humane and effective methods for bat removal. Our process involves the following steps:
- Assessment: Our bat removal experts examine the area to identify entry points and assess the bat population.
- One-Way Doors: Install these doors to let bats leave without re-entering.
- Sealing Entry Points: After all bats have left, seal the entry points to prevent future infestations.
- Bat Guano Removal: Clean up any bat droppings or guano to maintain hygiene.
- Other Critters: To keep your home safe, deal with other pests, such as raccoons and bed bugs.
The entire process can take a few days to several months, depending on factors like the time of year and the extent of the infestation.
Whether you’re in Baton Rouge or New Orleans, seeking expert help should be easy. For immediate intervention for a severe infestation, let Lajaunie’s bat removal and control specialists tailor a solution that’s right for your home.
For more information about the areas we service, visit our location page.