If bats have taken up residence in your attic, home, or business in Chestatee, professional bat control is essential to remove them safely and legally. While bats play a crucial role in reducing mosquito populations, their presence inside a structure can cause significant problems, from property damage and hazardous guano accumulation to serious health concerns. Bat droppings may harbor Histoplasmosis, a respiratory fungal infection, and bats are also known carriers of rabies, making expert removal and exclusion a necessity for your safety.

In the Chestatee Golf Club community, our bat removal experts have been pivotal. We’ve addressed bat issues in neighborhoods like Nightfire and Waterford. Homes near Chestatee Lake and along Dawsonville Highway have also experienced our meticulous bat hand removal services.

• Appearance: Large bat with glossy brown fur, broad wings, and a wingspan of about 12-14 inches.
• Habitat: Commonly roosts in attics, barns, and other buildings. They prefer warm, dark, undisturbed areas for their colonies.
• Danger: While beneficial for insect control, their guano (bat droppings) can accumulate, leading to foul odors, structural damage, and the potential spread of histoplasmosis, a respiratory disease caused by fungal spores in bat guano.

• Appearance: Small bat with brown fur and a wingspan of about 8-11 inches.
• Habitat: Often roosts in attics, eaves, and outbuildings. They are particularly attracted to older homes where they can find entry points.
• Danger: Can form large colonies that produce significant amounts of guano, which can damage insulation and drywall. Like other bats, they can carry rabies, posing a potential risk to homeowners.

• Appearance: Medium-sized bat with dark brown or black fur and a wingspan of 10-11 inches.
• Habitat: Known to roost in attics, behind shutters, and under roof tiles. They are common in suburban areas and can enter homes through small gaps in siding or roofing.
• Danger: Colonies can produce large amounts of guano, and like other bat species, they are potential carriers of rabies and can bring in ectoparasites like mites and fleas.

• Appearance: Small bat with light brown to yellowish fur, and a wingspan of 8-10 inches.
• Habitat: Often roosts in attics, barns, and other man-made structures, particularly during winter hibernation.
• Danger: Guano buildup from their colonies can cause health risks and damage to insulation and woodwork. They are also known carriers of the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome, which doesn’t affect humans but can be a concern for bat populations.

• Appearance: Medium-sized with dark brown to gray fur and long, narrow wings. Known for the tail that extends beyond the membrane, giving a “free-tailed” appearance.
• Habitat: Often found roosting in large numbers in buildings, especially in attics, chimneys, and under roof tiles. This species forms large colonies and is common in both urban and rural areas.
• Danger: Large colonies can create extensive guano buildup, leading to odor problems and the potential for structural damage. They are also possible carriers of rabies and can introduce parasites into homes.

• Appearance: Small bat with grayish-brown fur and a wingspan of about 9-11 inches.
• Habitat: While they typically roost in caves, they are known to colonize buildings, especially in areas near wetlands. They may also roost in attics or behind shutters.
• Danger: Their presence can result in guano accumulation, which can cause structural issues and pose health risks due to histoplasmosis. These bats are often found in smaller colonies compared to other species.

• Appearance: Similar in appearance to the Brazilian free-tailed bat with dark fur and long wings, and a tail extending beyond the membrane.
• Habitat: Frequently roosts in large numbers in man-made structures such as attics, barns, and under roof tiles, especially in southern regions of Georgia.
• Danger: Large colonies can produce substantial guano, which can cause structural damage and health risks. These bats can also carry rabies, though transmission to humans is rare.

Bats commonly enter buildings through openings associated with the roof edge and valleys, eaves, apex of the gable, chimney, attic or roof vent, dormers, and siding trim gaps. Other openings may be found under loose-fitting doors, around windows, gaps around various conduits (wiring, plumbing, air conditioning) that pass through walls, and through utility vents.  However, about 90% of our bat removal jobs are in the gable vents alone. We only seal what we feel is necessary to keep the bats out & to-date we have never had a breach in our bat exclusion work.

Q) How do I know if bats are living in my attic?

A) Signs of bats in your attic include hearing scratching or fluttering noises at dusk or dawn, noticing dark stains near roof gaps or vents, and finding bat guano (droppings) around entry points. A professional bat inspection can confirm an infestation and determine the best removal approach.

Q) Why is bat exclusion the best method for removing bats?

A) Bat exclusion is the safest and most effective way to remove bats because it allows them to leave naturally without harm. One-way exclusion devices give bats a way out but prevent them from returning. This humane approach also complies with wildlife protection laws.

Q) How long does the bat exclusion process take?

A) The timeline for bat exclusion depends on the severity of the infestation. If bats are confined to an accessible area like a gable vent, removal can often be completed the same day. For larger infestations requiring one-way bat valves, the process typically takes about a week.

Q) What legal protections exist for bats, and how do they affect removal?

A) Bats are federally and state-protected, meaning they cannot be harmed or removed using lethal methods. Licensed bat removal specialists use humane exclusion techniques that follow strict regulations, ensuring bats are removed safely and legally.

Q) Are bats dangerous to humans?

A) While bats are beneficial for controlling insect populations, they can pose health risks if they enter living spaces. Bat guano can contain fungal spores that cause Histoplasmosis, a respiratory illness, and bats are known carriers of rabies. Professional removal helps eliminate these risks.

Q) Can bats return after exclusion?

A) If exclusion is done correctly, bats should not return. Wildlife professionals thoroughly seal all entry points after bats have been removed. Many companies offer warranties to ensure long-term protection from reinfestations.

Q) What attracts bats to homes in Chestatee?

A) Bats are drawn to homes with accessible entry points, such as small openings near attic vents, chimneys, or rooflines. Properties near wooded areas or water sources may also attract bats due to the availability of food like insects.

Q) When is the best time to remove bats in Chestatee?

A) The ideal time for bat exclusion in Chestatee is early spring or late summer through fall when bats are not raising their young. Removing bats during maternity season could separate mothers from their pups, which is why scheduling the exclusion properly is essential.

Q) Do bats cause structural damage to homes?

A) Yes, bat infestations can lead to serious structural damage. Over time, bat guano can deteriorate insulation, stain walls, and create strong odors. Accumulated droppings can also weaken wood and drywall, leading to costly repairs.

Q) How do professionals clean bat guano after removal?

A) After exclusion, professionals use protective gear to remove and sanitize bat guano from attics, walls, and other affected areas. Specialized disinfectants neutralize harmful bacteria and odors, restoring the home to a safe and healthy condition.