What are bats?
Bats are unique in the fact that they are the only mammal that can truly fly. Unlike other mammals that have arms or front legs, bats have wings. The bone structure of the wing is similar to a human hand with leathery skin covering the area between the “fingers.” Their wings usually also have a claw-like structure that, on a person, would act as a thumb. Bats are very light in weight, which aids in their ability to fly.
Depending on their species, bats have hair covering their body or their body and head. Their fur is usually various shades of red, gray, brown, or black. Bats also have large noticeable ears that provide them with exceptional hearing used to hunt their prey. Most species of bats feed on insects, making them helpful in the sense that they can control the populations of nuisance insects. Bats live together in small to very large groups called colonies.
Are bats dangerous?
When living outside and away from people, bats and their feeding habits are helpful. However, when these flying mammals decide to nest or roost near or on our homes, they become less useful and more harmful.
- Bats carry and transmit a variety of diseases to people and our pets, including rabies.
- On their bodies live a variety of parasites, including ticks, fleas, and bat bugs that they introduce onto properties and into our homes.
- In their feces is a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum, which can cause severe health problems and lung disease in people.
- Their presence makes people uncomfortable and unable to enjoy their outdoor space. Trying to enjoy an evening outside is difficult when you see bats darting around your yard and head.
Why do I have a bat problem?
Bats live outside and will take the opportunity to live on any property that is offering them plenty of insects to feed on and areas to shelter. Bats tend to be most problematic on properties that have or are located near areas of water (ponds, lakes, marshes, pools, fountains, bird baths) because they tend to also have large populations of insects near them.
Bats sometimes enter into our homes, seeking a quiet place to rest during the day. They often enter indoors through open chimneys, openings along the roofline, through damaged roof shingles, through vents, open windows, or doors. It is important to know that bats only need a space that is between ¼ and ½ of an inch to gain access.
Where will I find bats?
Bats live outside, choosing to roost or nest in dark areas that provide ample shelter. Caves, spaces between rocks, tree cavities, roof eaves, or spaces under bridges are common areas where bat colonies will congregate. Bats also like to roost in rafters found in warehouses, barns, and other large indoor spaces.
Areas inside of our homes that provide bats with the protection they need include attics, chimneys, crawlspaces, and wall voids. Bats are nocturnal. They hunt at night and rest during the daylight hours. They are very active right at dusk when many insects, including mosquitoes, are also active.
How do I get rid of bats?
Getting rid of bats from your yard, home, or business is best left up to a professional. The professionals here at Amco Pest Solutions will provide you with the year-round solutions needed to get rid of bats and prevent them from returning. Whether you are looking to get rid of a current bat infestation or avoid future problems with them, our family owned and operated company is here to help.
Our professionals are committed to providing the pest control services needed to help home and business owners keep their properties free of bats and other common pests. Amco Pest Solutions offers residential pest control and commercial pest control services throughout New Jersey, the five boroughs of New York, and South Florida. Reach out today to learn more about our effective bat control solutions!
How can I prevent bats in the future?
To make your property less attractive to bats, whether you live in New Jersey, New York, or South Florida, use the following, easy to execute, prevention tips:
Seal any holes found along the roofline of your home.
Make sure that chimneys have tight-fitting caps on them.
Determine the presence of bats by watching at dusk to see if bats are flying to and from your house.
Make sure that any vents leading into attics spaces have a secure mesh covers over them.
Eliminate areas of standing water from your property that attract the insects that bats like to eat.
To draw bats away from your home, place bat houses along the perimeter of your property.
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