Licensed, Affordable & Humane Bat Removal Services

Our Bat Removal Service area in North Georgia extends to the following areas: Alpharetta, Acworth, Ball Ground, Blue Ridge, Canton, Crabapple, Cumming, Dahlonega, Dawsonville, Duluth, Dunwoody, Ellijay, Gainesville, Jasper, Johns Creek, Kennesaw, Marietta, Milton, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, and Woodstock.

Give us a call! (678) 935-5900

You came to our GEORGIA BAT REMOVAL PAGE because the bottom line is that either you have bats or you suspect you have bats in your attic.  We can help!  I want to be direct in providing you with the REAL answers that you are looking for as soon as possible.  Don’t let people scare you into making a bad decision or overpaying.

– 3 MAJOR CONCERNS FOR BAT REMOVAL –

Surprisingly, most people do not care that bats are protected and there could be serious fines if bats are harmed.  Regardless, after those 3 hot points are addressed then there are 3 considerations when choosing a Professional & Licensed Bat Removal Expert to perform the services. I want to address each line item with how our company deals with all of these concerns. Please note that “Price” made both lists!

• PRICE: We have some of the lowest prices in our town, however, we are not racing to the bottom – No one wins in that situation.  We charge what we feel is fair for the effort and risks put forth.  It just ends up, based upon our pricing structure, that we are typically on the low side even though our work goes above & beyond the average especially when you look at our effort to make the iron-clad work look aesthetically pleasing.
• WARRANTY: FREE 10-Year warranty or a 2-year warranty that is renewable for a LIFETIME for a small fee.
• HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO START– Normally we can work bat jobs into our morning schedules and it shouldn’t take more than a couple of days to a week to get our team out to your property.

Now that I addressed those issues I would like to explain everything that you need to know in the bat removal process.

Call US Now (678) 935-5900

THE BAT CONTROL PROCESS

If you have bats in your attic, bats in your gable vents or bats in your soffits… you are not alone.  We can quickly get them out & keep them out!  Bats are super territorial so even if we get them out of your house they should still stay in the area.  You will still benefit from them being around eating thousands of insects a day.

We get Bats OUT & KEEP them OUT!  Our bat removal and exclusion methods are custom-tailored to suit each individual structure and situation. We utilize humane bat-removal techniques to ensure that NO bats are ever harmed in the process.

If the building has not been properly sealed, the bats will enter another opening in the same building. Bats only need an opening that is ¼ inch by 1½ inch, the thickness of a standard #2 pencil. Once we safely get the bats out, the exclusion work MUST be done to prevent the bats from returning to the roost site.  After the exclusion work, the bat guano clean-up is the next step.

BAT INSPECTIONS

Our Licensed Bat Removal Experts will inspect inside the attic and outside the home.  We establish how large the problem is and what is required to get the bats out.  This includes how much time will be required of us, materials & guano clean-up. After the inspection, we will be able to provide you with a price to get the bats out (exclusion work) and the Guano Clean-up.

GUARANTEED BAT EXCLUSION

Since no two homes are alike, no two exclusion proposals are the same price. However, Bat Exclusion is far less expensive than squirrel or rat exclusion work since we have to exclude fewer places normally. Bat Exclusion is the act of using bat-proof materials, devices, and “METHODS” to keep the bats OUT. We only use the highest quality animal-proof materials and devices, therefore, we are proudly able to guarantee that no critter will get past the areas where we have performed the exclusion services.

Bat Exclusion is the technical term for sealing your home to prevent bats from returning.  It is also known as bat-proofing.  However, let it be known that NOT all bat exclusion work is created equally.  About 15% of our work is repairing other companies’ exclusions that were not effective or done properly.

What makes our bat exclusion work different:

1. We offer a FREE 10-year warranty.
2. Our prices are typically amongst the lowest in the industry.
3. We take an extra measure for aesthetics.  ( Example: Gable vents we paint both sides of the metal to make it blend and to add longevity to the lifespan of our work, fasteners are stainless steel and we even paint fastener heads to visually blend.)

Bats are hyper-territorial so they will keep trying to get into what they consider to be their roosting spots.  It is imperative that a professional inspects the home and determines what needs to be sealed to keep the bats from gaining entry.  A bat can hide in a crack the thickness of a pencil.  So the key to a successful exclusion is 1) understanding bat behavior, 2) using quality materials that bats cannot get past.

With wildlife you can NEVER say never or always.  The following FAQs are based upon our past history and expertise.  Let me dispel some commonly encountered misinformation:

1. The more bats that you have the higher the price.  The only part of a bat exclusion that is dependent on the number of bats is the guano clean-up.  The amount of exclusion work that needs to be done is the same if it is 1 bat or 2,000 bats.
2. If you have bats you need to have all of the insulation removed from your attic and then sanitize it.  Bat guano typically falls right below where they roost.  There should be isolated areas where the guano is piling up.   We found one bat job in the past decade that needed a complete attic restoration.

Frequently Asked Bat Removal Questions

((These are both frequently asked questions and common search engine queries))

Q: Bat removal or bat removal services near me?

A:  If you have bats in your attic or bats in your gable vent you absolutely need to find a professional to handle the bat removal process.  Bats are a protected species by both Federal & State Government.  There are hefty fines involved in harming a bat.  BUT, I do want to say that bat removal is only one step in the process.  Removal is just the part to get them to leave or get the bats out.  Bat Exclusion is the means to an end to prevent the bats from coming right back the next day.  

Q: How to get rid of bats -or- How to get a bat out of my house?

A:  As Bat Removal experts we get the bats out then seal up the home so they cannot come back in by using critter-proof materials in a manner which is designed to keep bats out.  Bats can hide in a crack the size of a #2 pencil.  Imagine that!  We do.  That is why in over 14 years of Bat Exclusions we have never had a breach in our exclusion work.  Twice, and only twice, we have had to come back to do additional work that is unusual and uncommon but that is a fantastic track record.  No bats were ever harmed (that we know of) in the process of our work.

Q: Bat exterminator near me?

A:  I know people get the term Exterminator mixed up often.  I need to address this.  Forget the fact that Bats are a protected species just for a moment.  If you are looking for ways to “Kill” bats, or the type of person that can spray a can of bug spray on bats to get them to leave…. we are NOT the company that you should call.  I cannot tell you the inhumane phone calls I have received over the years where I have had to question my desire to continue to answer the phones.  Let’s assume when you google Extermination you actually assume it is a Exterminator that will address the bat issue.  It oftentimes is.  But bats are not exterminated.  Now that I addressed the question RIGHT here, WE also will show up in a search for bat extermination.  BUT just know if a Professional is willing to use pesticides on bats or take measure which could result in harming bats —– RUN!  No, Better yet report them to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at: 770-918-6408  

Q: How to get rid of bats in the attic?

A:  There is a methodical way to handle this where no bats will be harmed.  If they are in a gable they can be encouraged to leave by hand then the gable sealed.  If they are elsewhere or flying free in the attic then a Bat Valve must be created to custom fit the situation and allow the bats to leave but prevents them from entering again, hence, a one-way valve. However, to valve a home without sealing the rest of it is pointless. Then the process focus switches to “how to keep bats from getting inside”.

Q: How do bats get into houses?

A:  Bats are not looking to get INSIDE your home.  They are just as terrified of us as a lot of us are of them.  However, it is common for bats to roost in gable vents.  When enough or them roost or they have roosted long enough where either their weight or the guano has deteriorated the screen then suddenly they are inside the attic.  And that is exactly what you do not want to have happen.    

Q: Do bats bite humans while sleeping?

A: While bats are not seeking to harm us there are risks if a bat is inside your home at night. Because of the lower temperatures in the evening, the bats will seek out sources of heat so they can keep warm, which can include you while you are sleeping. And if you move around and startle the bat you can get scratched or bitten and this can be serious because they can transmit rabies.

Q: Where will bats choose to live?

A: In Georgia, bats can be found living in a variety of habitats including forests, caves, mines, bridges, and buildings. Some species of bats in Georgia prefer to roost in trees, while others prefer to roost in man-made structures such as attics and barns.

The most common bat species in Georgia include the little brown bat, the big brown bat, mexican free-tailed bat, the hoary bat, and the silver-haired bat. These species can be found throughout the state, although their specific habitat preferences may vary. The 3 that I marked in bold are the three biggest attic trespassers that we deal with in North Georgia.

Some of the best places to observe bats in Georgia include caves such as Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Cloudland Canyon State Park, as well as bridges such as the Sidney Lanier Bridge in Brunswick. However, it is important to note that many bat populations in Georgia are threatened by habitat loss, disease, and other factors, so it is important to observe them responsibly and avoid disturbing their habitats.

Q: Is there anything I can do as a homeowner to stop attracting bats to our yard or home?

A: If you want to prevent bats from roosting in or around your house in Georgia, there are several habitat modifications you can make to discourage them:

1. Seal openings: Bats can enter a house through small gaps and cracks, so it is important to seal all openings, including gaps in roofing, siding, windows, and doors.
2. Reduce insect populations: Bats feed on insects, so reducing insect populations around your home may make it less attractive to bats. Keep your yard free of standing water, clear out debris, and use insect-repelling plants or natural insecticides.
3. Switch porch lights to BUG lights or LED lights which are supposed to use a different spectrum than the ones that attract bugs at night.
4. Install bat houses: If you want to encourage bats to roost in a specific area away from your home, you can install a bat house. Bat houses provide an alternative roosting site for bats and can help control insect populations.

It is important to note that bats are important for controlling insect populations and are protected by law in Georgia

Q: How do I know if I have a colony of bats?

A: Usually how people are made aware that they have bats in their attic or roosting on their home is the existence of guano. Piles or drippings of black moist medium that looks like wet roofing shingle debris. Another sign is if the gable vents, the louvered vents at the peak of the attic area, look really dirty. That is what we call “rub” it is from the bats oils & dirt rubbing off everytime the squeeze through the louvers.

Q: Why do bats suddenly appear?

A: Bats can suddenly appear for a variety of reasons, but most commonly it is due to their feeding behavior. Bats are nocturnal animals and are active at night when they hunt for insects, their primary food source. They are attracted to areas where there are high concentrations of insects, such as near streetlights, bodies of water, and areas with dense vegetation.

Sometimes, bats may appear in unexpected places, such as inside a home or building. This is usually because they have found a small opening or gap in the structure that provides access to the inside. Bats may also be attracted to areas where there is a warm or humid environment, such as an attic or crawl space.

In some cases, bats may suddenly appear in large numbers, which is often a sign of a nearby roosting site. Bats roost in groups and may congregate in large numbers in caves, trees, or buildings.

If you encounter a bat inside your home or building, it is important to avoid direct contact with the animal and to contact a professional wildlife removal service to safely and humanely remove it. Bats are important for controlling insect populations and are protected by law in many states, including Georgia.

Q: Can bats eat through drywall?

A: While it is physically possible it is HIGHLY improbable because bats do not behave this way, typically. But if an animal is trapped behavior can change.

Q: Why do I need professional bat removal?

A: It is important to hire a professional wildlife removal service to remove bats in Georgia for several reasons:

1. Safety: Bats can carry diseases such as rabies, and their droppings (guano) can pose a health hazard. Removing bats from your home can be dangerous, especially if you do not have the proper equipment or training.
2. Legal compliance: Many species of bats are protected by law in Georgia, and it is illegal to harm or kill them. Professional wildlife removal services have the necessary permits and knowledge to remove bats safely and in compliance with state and federal laws.
3. Humane treatment: Professional wildlife removal services are trained to handle bats in a humane and safe manner. They use methods that do not harm the bats and ensure that the animals are released in a suitable habitat.
4. Prevention of future infestations: Professional wildlife removal services can also help to prevent future bat infestations by identifying potential entry points and sealing them off. This can help to ensure that bats do not return to your home or building.
5. Thorough cleanup: Bat droppings can pose a health hazard and can cause unpleasant odors. Professional wildlife removal services can provide thorough cleanup services to remove guano and sanitize the affected areas.

Overall, hiring a professional wildlife removal service to remove bats from your home or building is the safest, most effective, and most humane option. They have the expertise and equipment to safely remove bats and can help to prevent future infestations.

Q: How to keep bats away? 

A:   Technically you do not want bats to “stay away” unless you want to bombard your property with pesticides to combat being overrun by mosquitos, moths, and insects.  What you should be asking is “How do we keep bats from getting inside our attic or walls?”.  The only way to prevent this from happening is to have your home professionally sealed by a company that understands wildlife.  Please don’t hire a roofer or handyman to seal your home.  We have had to undo so many exclusions where bats were sealed in or unnecessarily killed in the process.  

Q: How often should I inspect my property for Bats?

A: I would say twice a year (March – April & again in June – July) I would peek up in my attic and look towards the gable vents. You do not have to get close to be able to see the backlit bodies of bats if they are hanging in your vent. Other than that just occasionally look at your gable vents and if they are getting really dirty…. call us.

Q: Will the Bats go away on their own?  

A: Bats usually come & go from a roosting site. But we have found that they abandon a roosting site when it gets dirty enough with guano and bat bugs (parasites) they move to the next roosting site in their circuit. But they will be back usually same time every season.

Q: Does one bat in the house mean more?

A: If you have one bat in your house in Georgia, it does not necessarily mean that you have more. However, bats are social animals that often roost in colonies, so it is possible that there are more bats in your home.

Colonizing bats are species that roost in large groups, typically in caves, mines, or buildings. These bats may form colonies of hundreds or even thousands of individuals, and they may roost together year-round or only during the breeding season. Colonizing bats are more likely to enter homes or buildings in search of suitable roosting sites.

Solitary bats, on the other hand, typically roost alone or in small groups. These bats are less likely to enter homes or buildings, and if they do, it is usually because they have found a small opening or gap that provides access to the inside.

If you have one bat in your home, it is important to determine whether it is a colonizing bat or a solitary bat. If it is a colonizing bat, there may be more bats in your home or nearby. Colonizing bats also tend to produce more guano, which can accumulate quickly and pose a health hazard.

In addition to colonizing and solitary bats, it is important to note that some species of bats in Georgia exhibit different roosting behaviors depending on the time of year.

For example, some species of bats have maternity colonies where females gather to give birth and raise their young. These colonies can range in size from a few dozen to several hundred individuals, and they typically form in warm, protected locations such as attics or under roof tiles. Maternity colonies usually form in the spring and are active until the young bats are old enough to fly and forage on their own.

Other species of bats form bachelor colonies, where males gather during the mating season. Bachelor colonies are typically smaller than maternity colonies and may consist of just a few individuals. These colonies are usually active in the late summer and fall.

It is important to identify the species of bat that is present in your home, as different species have different roosting behaviors and require different management strategies. For example, if you have a maternity colony of bats in your home, it is important to wait until the young bats are old enough to fly before attempting to exclude them from your home. This can help to ensure that the young bats are not separated from their mothers and left to die.

If you suspect that you have a maternity or bachelor colony of bats in your home, it is recommended to contact a professional wildlife removal service that has experience with bat exclusion and management. They can help to safely and humanely remove the bats and ensure that their roosting needs are met elsewhere.

Q: How long will a bat hide in my house?

A: Bats can survive for extended periods of time without food or water, and they are capable of roosting in hidden areas of a home for long periods of time. The exact amount of time that a bat can hide in your house before it dies will depend on a variety of factors, including the availability of food and water, the temperature and humidity of the roosting area, and the health and condition of the bat.

In general, healthy bats can survive for several weeks without food or water, and some species of bats have been known to survive for several months in hibernation. However, if a bat is sick, injured, or stressed, its survival time may be shorter. Being stuck inside your home and unable to get out is consider major stress factor and it could die in a much shorter period of time.

It is important to note that bats can pose health risks to humans, and their droppings (guano) can accumulate quickly and cause unpleasant odors and health hazards. If you suspect that you have a bat in your home, it is recommended to contact us to safely and humanely remove the bat and identify any potential entry points to prevent future infestations.

Q: Can I sleep with a bat in my house?

A: This is a personal decision. No one should or could advise you on whether it is safe to sleep in a home with a bat. We tell our clients if the bat was found in the same room that you sleep in and if you are elderly, on medication, heavy sleeper or if you have children in the room there really is not way to know if the bat made contact with you or other family members. I do not think I would ever advise to go ahead and sleep in the house when a bat is known to be hiding. Now if we caught the bat, it is safe to sleep in the house. BUT if you are unsure if anyone had direct contact with the bat it is always better to have the bat sent off to be tested for rabies versus your family being subjected to rabies shots. Seek medical advice of a professional with the Health Department or your doctor, but information on the biology of bats and diseases can be obtained from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Georgia State Bat Biologist (thru the DNR) or the Center for Disease Control.

Q: Will a bat leave on its own?

A: If a bat is inside your home there are things you can do to increase the chances of the bat finding its way out but it is best to be safe and either thoroughly search your home yourself OR hire a professional that understands bat biology and behavior and therefore has a higher chance of finding the bat, or bats, and removing them humanely. Our primary suggestion to avoid direct contact with the bat is to sit quietly in a darkened room, leave the door or window open and have a light on outside the exit. That will increase your chances of a bat leaving on its own.

Q: What time of the year do bats have babies?

A: In Georgia, bat maternity season typically occurs from late April to early August. During this time, female bats gather in groups called maternity colonies to give birth and raise their young. Maternity colonies can range in size from a few dozen to several hundred individuals, depending on the species of bat.

It is important to note that bats are protected by law in Georgia, and it is illegal to harm, capture, or kill them without a permit. If you suspect that you have a maternity colony of bats in your home, it is recommended to contact a professional wildlife removal service that has experience with bat exclusion and management. They can help to safely and humanely remove the bats and ensure that their roosting needs are met elsewhere.

Additionally, it is important to wait until the young bats are old enough to fly and forage on their own before attempting to exclude them from your home. This can help to ensure that the young bats are not separated from their mothers and left to die.

Q: How many bats usually live together?

A: The number of bats that roost together in Georgia can vary depending on the species of bat and the availability of suitable roosting sites. Some species of bats are solitary and roost alone, while others are colonial and form large groups.

For example, the little brown bat, which is a common species in Georgia, is colonial and can form maternity colonies of up to several hundred individuals. The big brown bat is also colonial and may form smaller colonies of a few dozen individuals.

Other species of bats in Georgia, such as the hoary bat and the red bat, are solitary and typically roost alone. These bats may roost in trees, under leaves, or in other protected areas.

It is important to note that bats are protected by law in Georgia, and it is illegal to harm, capture, or kill them without a permit. If you have a bat infestation in your home, it is recommended to contact a professional wildlife removal service that has experience with bat exclusion and management. They can help to safely and humanely remove the bats and ensure that their roosting needs are met elsewhere.

Q: What can I do to keep bats from coming back?

A: The only way to assure that bats cannot come back into your home is to have your home professionally sealed by a licensed wildlife control company like ours. After we confirm there aren’t any bats inside the dwelling, we seal the home using metal or other bat-proof materials and measures to prevent re-entry. Some of the common entry points for bats are the gable vents, soffit returns, siding trim gap, behind shutters, etc.

Q: Where do bats go during the day?

A: During the day, bats in Georgia typically roost in dark, sheltered locations such as caves, trees, rock crevices, and buildings. Some species of bats prefer to roost in warm, dry places like attics, while others prefer cooler, more humid locations like basements or crawl spaces.

Bats are nocturnal animals and are most active at night when they hunt for insects, their primary food source. During the day, they rest and conserve energy for their nighttime activities. Bats are also known to move around during the day to adjust their body temperature or to find a better roosting location.

Q: What is the Bat Removal process?

A: The typical bat removal process for a professional bat removal company in Georgia may include the following steps:

1. Inspection: A professional wildlife removal technician will perform a thorough inspection of the property to determine the extent of the bat infestation and identify potential entry points and roosting sites.
2. Exclusion: The technician will then develop a customized plan to safely and humanely exclude the bats from the property, which may involve sealing entry points with exclusion materials or installing one-way bat valves to allow the bats to exit but not re-enter.
3. Cleanup: After the bats have been excluded, the technician will clean up any bat guano or other debris left behind by the bats. This is an important step to ensure that the property is safe and sanitary for humans.

Q: How long will the bat removal take?

A: How long the bat removal process takes depends on several factors, if done by a professional wildlife control company like Southern Wildlife Management, LLC. These factors include: can we hand remove the bats? Are we using a one-way bat valve to remove the bats? Is it during the maternity season? Each of these could lengthen or shorten the process based upon number of visits, leaving the valve up to do its job or if there is flightless babies and we have to wait.

Q) Can we seal up just the one area where the bats are instead of multiple entry points as suggested?

A) Bats are hyper-territorial.  If we only remove them from the current roosting area, commonly a gable vent, they will go right into the next one.  It is cheaper to just seal them all on one trip versus doing it one trip at a time.  It is inevitable you will have to have all of them sealed.

Q) What if there is thousands of bats?  What does that do to the price?

A) The price of the bat removal & bat exclusion is not dependent on the number of bats.  What the number of bats does affect is the price of guano removal. The more bats there are the higher the costs to remove it.

Q: How long does it take bats to leave after the exclusion?

A: Either the bats were hand removed during the exclusion process which means your home is bat-free when the work is complete (usually a day or two) or if we use a one-way bat valve then we leave the valve up for a week to allow all of the bats to leave. After a week we return to take down the valve and seal up the entry/exit point and you are officially bat-free.

Q: Is bat removal covered by my homeowner’s insurance?

A: Bat removal is typically not covered by homeowners insurance in Georgia or in most states. Most homeowners insurance policies consider bat infestations to be a maintenance issue, and therefore not covered under the policy.

However, some insurance policies may cover the cost of repairing damage caused by bats, such as guano remediation, repairing holes or gaps that allowed entry other than sealing the gable vents. It is recommended to check with your insurance provider to determine what is covered under your specific policy.

Q) My Handyman said he can just come at night and seal it up – isn’t that the same?

A) No! Absolutely NOT! Wildlife Technicians are licensed and trained to deal with wildlife.  Bats are quite elusive and it takes a trained eye to identify signs of entry or activity of bats.  Not all bats leave at night, some linger behind so if the exit gets sealed this means bats are now sealed in and left to die. Remember no bats can be harmed. It is the law.  We have had to remedy countless disasters when homeowners or contractors have tried to deal with bats on their own.  Also, what if your contractor gets bit during the process… can he sue you or your homeowners policy for the injury?

Q: Who should I call for removing my bats?

A: Southern Wildlife Management, LLC if you are in North Metro Atlanta market in Georgia. If not in our market then use a search engine to seek out Bat removal experts in your city.

Q: How do you clean up after a bat infestation?

A: When a professional wildlife removal service is hired to clean up after a bat infestation in Georgia, they will typically follow these steps:

1. Inspection: The technicians will first perform a thorough inspection of the property to identify all the areas where bats were roosting, the extent of the bat guano accumulation, and other damage caused by the bats.
2. Protective Gear: The technicians will wear protective gear, including gloves, masks, and coveralls, to prevent exposure to bat droppings and any potential diseases carried by the bats.
3. Cleaning: The technicians will use specialized equipment and techniques to safely remove and dispose of bat guano, and any other debris left behind by the bats. This includes vacuuming with HEPA filters.
4. Disinfecting & Deodorizing: Once all the guano and debris have been removed, the technicians will disinfect the area with specialized sanitizers & deodorizers specifically designed for wildlife waste and remediation to kill any remaining bacteria or viruses that may be present.

It is important to note that cleaning up after a bat infestation can be hazardous due to the potential health risks associated with bat guano and urine. It is recommended to contact a professional wildlife removal service with experience in bat exclusion and management, who can also safely and thoroughly clean up after a bat infestation.

Q: What do bat droppings look like?

A: I would say the easiest way to describe is to say it looks like moistened roofing shingle debris. But just know that bat guano, or bat droppings, can vary in appearance depending on the species of bat and their diet. However, in general, bat guano is usually small, oval-shaped pellets that are about the size of a grain of rice.

Fresh bat guano is usually dark in color, ranging from dark brown to black, and has a slightly shiny, moist appearance. Over time, the guano can dry out and become lighter in color, often turning a gray or beige color.

Bat guano also has a distinctive smell that is often described as musty or earthy. It may also contain insect parts (especially wings of insects) or other debris that the bats have eaten.

It is important to note that bat guano can pose health risks to humans, as it may contain harmful bacteria and fungi that can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. It is recommended to contact a professional wildlife removal service to safely and thoroughly clean up bat guano if you suspect you have a bat infestation in your home or property.

Q: How do you know if bat poop is fresh?

A: Bat poop, also known as guano, can be difficult to differentiate between old and new with the naked eye. However, there are some ways to determine the age of bat guano:

1. Color: Fresh bat guano tends to be dark brown or black and shiny, while older guano is lighter in color and duller in appearance.
2. Texture: Fresh guano is moist and sticky, while old guano is dry and powdery.
3. Odor: New guano has a stronger odor than old guano, which may have lost its smell over time.
4. Location: The location of the guano can also be a clue to its age. Fresh guano is typically found in areas where bats are currently roosting, while old guano may be found in areas where bats previously roosted.

It’s important to note that bat guano can contain harmful pathogens, so it’s recommended to wear gloves and a mask when handling it. Additionally, if you suspect that you have a bat infestation, it’s important to seek professional help to safely and humanely remove the bats.

Q: Can bats spread rabies without biting?

A: While it is very rare for bats to transmit rabies to humans without a bite, it is technically possible. In most cases, rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal when it bites a person. However, there have been a few reported cases of people contracting rabies from bats without a bite, usually through contact with the bat’s saliva or neural tissue.

This can occur if the bat’s saliva comes into contact with an open wound, mucous membrane (such as the eyes, nose, or mouth), or if the saliva is inhaled in the form of aerosolized particles. It is important to note, however, that these cases are extremely rare and that the vast majority of human rabies cases are caused by bites from infected animals.

If you suspect that you may have had contact with a bat, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately, even if there was no visible bite. Symptoms of rabies can take weeks or months to appear, so it’s important to err on the side of caution and seek treatment as soon as possible.

Q: Can you get rabies from bat poop or pee?

A: There is no evidence to suggest that you can contract rabies from bat guano (bat poop). Rabies is primarily transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite, and not through feces or urine.

However, bat guano can pose other health risks, such as the potential to contain harmful pathogens such as histoplasma and cryptococcus, which can cause respiratory infections if inhaled. Therefore, it is important to take precautions when handling bat guano, such as wearing gloves and a mask, and avoiding direct contact with the feces.

If you suspect that you have come into contact with bat guano and are experiencing any symptoms such as cough, fever, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.

Q: What percentage of bats carry rabies/Do all bats have rabies?

A: According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, the percentage of bats that tested positive for rabies in Georgia was 3.5% in 2020. This is higher than the national average of less than 1%.

It’s important to note that the percentage of bats that test positive for rabies can vary from year to year and can also vary by region within a state. Additionally, not all bats are tested for rabies, so the percentage of infected bats may be higher than reported.

Comparing the percentage of rabies-positive bats in Georgia to other states can be challenging due to variations in surveillance and testing protocols. However, the CDC provides national statistics on rabies in bats. In 2020, 1.3% of bats tested positive for rabies nationally, which is lower than the percentage reported in Georgia.

It’s important to remember that the risk of contracting rabies from bats is relatively low, but it’s still important to take precautions if you come into contact with a bat. If you have been bitten or scratched by a bat, or if you have had direct contact with a bat’s saliva or neural tissue, seek medical attention immediately.

Q: Should I get a rabies shot if a bat was in my house?

A: If you have had any direct contact with a bat, such as a bite or scratch, or if you were in a room with a bat and were unable to rule out the possibility of contact, it is recommended that you seek medical advice from a healthcare professional regarding the need for a rabies shot.

Rabies is a serious viral disease that can be fatal if left untreated, so it is important to take any potential exposure seriously. The earlier that treatment is started, the more effective it is in preventing the onset of rabies.

It’s important to note that not all bats have rabies and that the risk of contracting rabies from a bat is relatively low. However, it’s better to err on the side of caution and seek medical advice if you are unsure whether you have been exposed to rabies.

In general, if you find a bat in your home, it’s important to avoid direct contact with the bat and to contact a wildlife removal specialist to safely and humanely remove the bat from your home.

Q: How soon do rabies symptoms appear?

A: The onset of rabies symptoms can vary, but in general, symptoms usually appear within 1 to 3 months after exposure to the virus. However, in some cases, symptoms may appear as early as a week or as late as several years after exposure.

The time it takes for symptoms to appear depends on a variety of factors, including the location of the bite or scratch, the amount of virus in the saliva of the infected animal, and the individual’s immune system response.

The initial symptoms of rabies can be similar to those of the flu and can include fever, headache, and weakness or fatigue. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

• Anxiety, agitation, or confusion
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Seizures or convulsions
• Excessive salivation or frothing at the mouth
• Paralysis or weakness in one or more limbs

Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, which is why it’s important to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect that you may have been exposed to rabies. Rabies can be prevented with prompt medical treatment, even if symptoms have not yet appeared. That is why on every call where a bat was flying around in the home we always ask questions as to direct contact or if in doubt – either get the bat tested but if the bat is gone we suggest to speak to a healthcare provided and consider getting rabies vaccinations as a prophylactic.

Q: Why are rabies patients afraid of water?

A: Yes, it is true that some people with rabies experience a fear of water, a condition known as hydrophobia. Hydrophobia is a common symptom of rabies, and it is caused by spasms in the muscles used for swallowing, which can make it difficult for the infected person to drink water or other fluids.

Hydrophobia is not a unique symptom of rabies and can be caused by other conditions as well. However, in the context of rabies, hydrophobia is a classic symptom that is often associated with the disease.

It’s important to note that not all people with rabies experience hydrophobia, and other symptoms, such as fever, headache, and weakness, may be present as well. If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal, seek medical attention immediately to determine if you need treatment to prevent rabies.

Q: Is bat urine toxic to humans?

A: Bat urine can potentially be toxic to humans, especially if the urine is left in an enclosed area or if it is inhaled or ingested. Bat urine can contain high levels of nitrogen and ammonia, which can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.

One of the primary risks associated with bat urine is the potential for exposure to histoplasmosis, a fungal infection that can cause flu-like symptoms and respiratory problems. Histoplasmosis is caused by a fungus that grows in bat guano and can be released into the air when the guano is disturbed, such as during cleanup or removal.

In addition to histoplasmosis, bat urine can also potentially transmit other diseases, such as leptospirosis, which is caused by bacteria that can be found in the urine of infected bats and can cause flu-like symptoms and more serious complications.

If you suspect that you have been exposed to bat urine, it is important to take appropriate precautions to protect your health. Wear gloves and a mask when cleaning up bat urine or guano, and avoid disturbing any areas where bats may be roosting. If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing after exposure to bat urine or guano, seek medical attention promptly.

Q) I have bats, someone recommended a complete attic restoration. Is this necessary?

A) No! Seldom have we encountered an attic so soiled from wildlife (let alone bats) that we actually recommend the insulation to be completely removed and then new insulation installed.  Bats “poop” right below where they roost.  Most of the time it requires guano removal and dealing with the small area and not the entire attic.

Q: How do I bat proof my house?

A: You don’t. You hire a professional who knows what they are doing and pay them to do it properly. : )

Q: How much does bat removal cost?

A: This really varies depending on NOT the number of bats but more so the number of closures that need to be sealed. The bat removal is usually pretty straightforward and the bat-proofing or bat exclusion is where the price varies. No two homes are exactly the same so no two estimates are the same either.

Q: Bat guano removal cost?

A: Bat guano removal is a pretty costly process but it depends on the amount of guano, access, how many people it will take to remove and the conditions.

Q) Am I safe staying in the house during the removal process?

A) Yes! We have never had to have a client stay outside the home while we do the removal process.  If there was ever a concern, we would tell you immediately.  Again, there has never been a concern in the past.