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FAQ #18430

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We have bats living on the exterior of our house. How can we get rid of the bats?

Related resource areas: Wildlife Damage Management, Pest Management In and Around Structures


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Although wildlife control experts provide detailed information and recommendations about ways to exclude bats from residing inside buildings, they don't have much to say about how to keep them from literally hanging around the deck or porch at night on the outside of a structure.

It might help to cover the problem areas with something slippery or sticky at the sites where they are roosting. Be careful though as these sticky products will also capture dirt. Additionally, put the product on too thick and bats may actually become stuck to the glue.

A better option is to hang fine-mesh screening over the site to block access to favored roosting spots. Bright lights have been used to repel bats from outdoor roosts but lights attract insects which attract bats so--use yellow lights.

You should also remove any objects which bats may hide under such as shudders.

There is some consolation in knowing that the black droppings the bats leave behind attest to the demise of thousands of nuisance insects.

Resources (Online)
Bat Control

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