In Covington, Louisiana, bats love to sneak into attics, turning into unwanted guests. Though they’re good for the environment, they can be a bother at home. Removing them without breaking the law is essential, as they’re often protected.
That’s where experts come in. They know how to safely move the bats out and keep them from returning, keeping everyone happy and safe.
If you’re dealing with unwelcome winged guests in your Covington home, learn more about safe and effective bat removal strategies that respect animals and local wildlife regulations.
Key Takeaways
- Recognizing signs like scratching noises, droppings, and a strong ammonia smell can indicate a bat problem in your Covington home.
- Professional bat removal in Covington follows safe, humane practices, avoiding poisons and ensuring bats can’t re-enter your home.
- Weighing DIY versus professional bat removal involves considering cost, safety, and effectiveness, with professionals offering strategic solutions.
- Prevent future infestations by inspecting and securing your home, managing your backyard habitat, and installing bat houses to keep bats in the wild.
IDENTIFYING A BAT PROBLEM IN COVINGTON
Covington, Louisiana, residents may sometimes face unwelcome visitors in the form of bats. Knowing the signs is the first step toward resolving your bat infestation.
Signs of Bats in Your Home
If you spot signs of bat activity, contact a Covington bat removal service to ensure safe and humane removal.
Proper handling is crucial as bats are protected under Louisiana wildlife laws.
- Noises: Scratching or squeaking sounds from attics or walls, especially at dawn or dusk.
- Droppings: Small, dark droppings that look like mouse feces but are drier and crumble easily.
- Guano: Piles of bat guano in one area, which looks like dark pellets and may contain insect parts.
- Odor: Unusual ammonia-like smell due to accumulated urine and guano.
- Stains: Grease-like marks around tiny cracks or gaps where bats can enter your home.
- Sightings: Increased bat activity around your home, especially at night.
BAT REMOVAL PRACTICES
Effective bat removal requires safe and humane practices that adhere to Covington wildlife removal and protections.
Here’s a breakdown of professionals’ procedures and DIY methods for handling bat issues.
| Safe Practices | Practices to Avoid |
| Inspection and identification | Using poisons or pesticides |
| Determine the bat species and entry points without direct handling. | Sealing entry points without checking for bats inside |
| Exclusion devices | Glue traps or high-frequency sound devices |
| Install one-way valves or nets that allow bats to leave but not re-enter. | Physical harm to bats |
| Preventive measures | Ignoring the potential for bat return |
| Secure all entry points after removal and provide alternative bat houses. | Attempting removal during maternity season |
DIY VS PROFESSIONAL BAT REMOVAL METHODS
When dealing with bats in Covington, LA, you can choose DIY methods or hire wildlife control services for damage repairs.
Before deciding on how you deal with the nuisance animal, it’s essential to understand the pros and cons of each approach.
DIY Bat Removal
You should weigh these factors carefully, considering your situation’s urgency, your level of comfort with the DIY approach, and your budget.
| Pros | Cons |
| Generally, it has a lower initial cost since it doesn’t require professional fees. | Without proper knowledge, you might risk exposure to diseases like rabies. |
| You can start the process immediately without waiting for a scheduled appointment. | DIY methods may not permanently resolve the issue, leading to recurring problems. |
Professional Bat Removal Services
Due to the expertise and thoroughness of their control services, calling a professional is often the best course of action when dealing with a pest animal like bats.
| Pros | Cons |
| Pest control experts know how to remove bats safely and effectively. | Hiring exterminators is generally more expensive than DIY. |
| Professionals provide strategic removal and prevention plans. | You might have to wait for an appointment, depending on the service demand. |
PREVENTING FUTURE BAT INFESTATIONS
To keep bats away, you must focus on inspection and habitat management. Here’s how you can keep bats in the wild.
Inspecting Homes and Backyard
Regular maintenance can prevent bats and other critters like squirrels and rodents from finding a way in.
You should closely follow this checklist:
- Roof: Look for damage or gaps.
- Vents: Check screens for holes or tears.
- Windows: Ensure they close tightly.
- Walls: Seal any cracks or openings.
- Chimneys: Install caps or screens.
- Eaves: Repair any gaps or damage.
Keep Those Bats in the Wild!
Bats enter homes seeking shelter. To address this issue, here’s how to make your property uninviting:
- Water Sources: Eliminate standing water to discourage insects that bats feed on.
- Trees and Bushes: Trim vegetation away from the house; it can serve as a bridge for bats.
- Lights: Reduce outdoor lighting, as it attracts bugs, which attracts bats.
- Bat Houses: Install bat houses away from your home to provide alternative roosting spots.
IS IT TIME TO CALL THE EXPERTS?
When bats decide to call your attic home, it’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a call for Covington pest control help.
Homeowners in Covington, LA, should be alert for the following signs that it’s time to bring in the experts for bat removal:
- Strange Noises: Scratching or squeaking from walls or attic.
- Foul Odors: A musky, ammonia-like smell from bat guano.
- Droppings: Finding bat droppings in or around your home.
- Stains: Dark stains around entry points to your house.
Whether you’re in Covington or Baton Rouge, seeking expert help should be easy. For immediate intervention for a severe infestation, let Lajaunie’s bat control specialists tailor a solution that’s right for your home.
For more information about the areas we service, visit our location page.