Bats in your attic, chimney, or walls can quickly become a serious issue, leading to strong odors, insulation damage, and contamination from bat guano. While they play an important role in controlling insect populations, their presence inside your home increases the risk of structural damage and airborne fungal spores linked to Histoplasmosis. If left unaddressed, bat colonies can grow, making removal more challenging.

STEPS FOR LAWRENCEVILLE BAT REMOVAL

• 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.

Lawrenceville, Georgia Bat Removal FAQs

Q) How can I tell if I have bats in my attic?

A) Common signs of a bat infestation include dark stains on gable vents or soffits, small piles of bat guano near entry points, and fluttering noises at dusk or dawn. If you frequently see bats flying near your roofline around sunset, it’s likely they’ve found a way inside.

Q) Why do homes in Lawrenceville tend to attract bats?

A) Areas near Rhodes Jordan Park, Tribble Mill Park, and the Alcovy River provide ideal bat habitats with water sources and dense tree cover. Homes with open ridge vents, attic gaps, and gable vents often attract bats looking for a safe roosting spot.

Q) What kind of noises do bats make inside an attic?

A) Unlike rodents, bats do not gnaw or chew on structures. Instead, they make fluttering, high-pitched chirping, and soft scratching sounds, usually heard in the early morning or evening when they are most active.

Q) Can bats enter through tiny openings in my home?

A) Yes! Bats can squeeze through gaps as small as ½ inch. Common entry points include ridge vents, gable vents, chimneys, loose soffits, and siding gaps. If left unsealed, bats may take advantage of these openings to roost inside.

Q) I see bats flying over Lawrenceville Square at night—does that mean I have bats in my attic?

A) Not necessarily. Bats naturally hunt insects at night and are often seen in well-lit areas near parks, golf courses, and neighborhoods. However, if you notice them entering or exiting a specific part of your home consistently, this could indicate an infestation.

Q) What should I do if I find a bat inside my house?

A) Remain calm. Close all interior doors to contain the bat in one room and open a window or door to allow it to exit. If the bat does not leave or if someone in your home has been in close contact with it, capture it safely and take it to the local health department for rabies testing.

Q) Is it illegal to remove bats in Lawrenceville?

A) No, but bats are protected under federal and state laws. Professional bat exclusion services use humane methods that allow bats to leave naturally without harm while sealing off re-entry points. DIY bat removal could result in legal penalties if not handled correctly.

Q) What is bat exclusion, and how does it work?

A) Bat exclusion is the only legal and effective method of removal. Experts install one-way bat valves, which allow bats to exit but prevent re-entry. Once all bats are out, they seal up entry points using durable bat-proof materials. Most professional exclusions come with a 10-year warranty.

Q) How long does the bat removal process take?

A) If bats are confined to a gable vent, removal can be completed in one day. However, if they have gained access to the attic, a one-way bat valve must remain in place for about a week, ensuring all bats exit before the home is sealed permanently.

Q) Can bat infestations cause damage to my home?

A) Yes. Over time, bat guano (droppings) can accumulate and lead to strong odors, stained insulation, and contamination risks. If left untreated, guano can attract insects and contribute to respiratory health issues such as Histoplasmosis.

Q) When is the best time for bat removal in Lawrenceville?

A) The best time for bat removal is outside of maternity season, which runs from May through August in Georgia. During this time, baby bats cannot fly, and removal is not permitted. The ideal seasons for exclusion are early spring and late summer through fall.

Q) Do bats return after professional exclusion?

A) Not if exclusion is done correctly. Professional wildlife removal services seal all primary and backup entry points, ensuring that bats cannot find another way in. However, if new gaps appear over time, bats may attempt to re-enter the home.

Q) Should I worry if my neighbor in Edgewater or River Oak Village has bats?

A) Yes. When a colony is excluded from one home, displaced bats will search for a new roosting site. If your home has similar attic openings, ridge vents, or gable vents, you could be at risk of an infestation. A proactive inspection can prevent future issues.

Q) Are bats dangerous to humans or pets?

A) Bats are not aggressive, but they can carry rabies, and their droppings may contain Histoplasmosis spores, which can be harmful when inhaled. If a bat is found in a living space where someone was sleeping, it should be captured and taken to the local health department for rabies testing.

Q) How much does bat removal cost in Lawrenceville, GA?

A) The cost of bat removal and exclusion varies depending on entry points, attic size, roof height, and whether a one-way bat valve is required. Professional services typically range from $500 to $2,000, with most exclusions including a 10-year warranty for long-term protection.