Bats love to lie in dark places, and they often look for smaller vents and windows through which they can squeeze into a person’s basement and then roost in the corner. Bats might have a notorious image, but you should know that for the most part, these animals aren’t really harmful.
However, if a bat bites you, you might have to get a few injections to deal with the problem. The problem is that when one bat finds its way into your basement, it won’t be long before a small colony will develop.
Basements are generally quite attractive for bats because they aren’t disturbed quite often.
More importantly, most people do not venture into their basements on a frequent basis, so they are able to easily multiply with no issues. Then, one day you turn on the light and you see these pesky little creatures hanging upside down from a shelf in the corner!
It’s nothing short of a horror movie, and you need to be very careful. Remember, bats aren’t just a hazard to human health; they are also going to bring down the value of your property by a considerable margin.
Bats generally play an important role when it comes to controlling a pest infestation because that’s what they primarily feed on.
The problem is, if they are able to find a steady supply of food and water in your basement, which is quite likely, it won’t take long before the infestation spreads rapidly.
Before you know it, entering the basement could become a serious problem. It’s definitely not something that you want, so you need to take action as soon as you spot one.
There are several things that you can do to get rid of bats in your basement. Most importantly, you need to understand that the procedure to remove a single bat is quite different when compared with getting rid of several bats.
Let’s focus on each of these methods.
Getting Rid of a Single Bat
The first thing you need to do is wear thick gloves and then put on cargo pants. Also, you might want to start by covering the gaps under the doorways carefully.
If the bat is sitting atop a shelf, you might want to arm yourself with a broom. First, knock the bat on the ground using the broom.
Remember, bats usually have a bit of difficulty in taking off from the ground, and if you knock it down, it’s going to take a couple of minutes to orient itself and then try to fly.
When the bat drops to the ground, take a fishing net and cover the bat quickly. You need to make sure that everything is available at hand so that you can quickly capture it.
One of the biggest concerns for many people is that the bat might be infected with rabies. If the bat came into contact with the pets in your house or the kids, you should not release it right away.
The animal might have to be taken to a shelter for a rabies test, and if it comes out positive, everyone in the house who came into contact with the bat will also need to get shots.
If the bat never came into contact with anyone, you can just release it outdoors. The bat is going to fly away.
But, you also need to make sure that you lock the basement windows tightly and look for openings through which the bat might have entered your house.
Getting Rid of a Colony
This is a slightly more serious problem, so it’s usually recommended that you call a professional to deal with it. If you haven’t dealt with a bat colony before, the ideal thing to do would be to get in touch with an exterminator.
An exterminator is a trained professional who will take all safety precautions when it comes to dealing with a bat colony.
There is always a risk that you might get bitten by the bats, and nobody wants that. So, the safest thing to do would be to get in touch with a professional and let them handle the problem.
Sure, it’s going to cost you a considerable amount of money, but at least you and your family will remain safe.
Not only that, but you also need to make sure that the company employs humane methods to get rid of the bats. Then, all you have to do is to wait it out a bit and let them deal with the problem.
But, you should know that this isn’t the only option. There are ways to get rid of the infestation on your own as well. Here’s how that works.
The first thing you need to do is figure out where the bats are coming in and going out of the house. A stroll around the property, preferably in the evening, will be just what you need.
If you can bring more people for the inspection, you will be able to find the exact points of entry and exit much sooner.
Remember, most bats are able to fit through a hole that is usually the size of a human thumb, so you need to keep your eyes peeled. Then, all you need to do is place a bat house near the entrance.
There are some humane traps that are available in local stores that you can use as well, but otherwise, a conventional bat house will work just fine.
Just hang the bat house near the entry point, and give it a few days. Before you know it, this will become the new roosting point for the bats, and it won’t be long before they stop trying to shove their way into your house.
Once you are sure that all of the bats have vacated your basement, you need to seal the holes shut.
You can install wire mesh over all of the active openings. Make sure you buy fine wire mesh to ensure that the bats are not able to enter the house again.
Remember, it’s important that you get the bat house and slowly move it away from the house, otherwise there are going to be bats living on your property.
You need to call a professional exterminator, or a pest control company and they will deal with the problem on your behalf. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to get rid of bats from your property, but you have to be careful.
If you are going to get rid of these animals on your own, it’s recommended that you wear overalls and cover your face too.
These bats are likely to carry strains of rabies, and the last thing that you would want is to expose yourself or your family to this. It’s best to take as much protection as possible to ensure that you don’t get scratched or bitten in the process.
These are just a few things that you should know about getting rid of bats in your basement. Be careful and vigilant, and always remember to cover the openings once the bats have been removed from your property.
I have a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When I’m not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies…I’m at home with my wife, two daughters and a dog. Outside of family, I love grilling and barbequing on my Big Green Egg and working on projects around the house.