When you think of common pest infestations you’d expect to see in Palm Bay, perhaps rats, cockroaches, and termites come to mind. But there is another, less obvious intruder hiding in attics around Brevard County – the bat. While bats play a role in our local ecosystem, pollinating flowers and helping keep certain pest populations at bay, they can be extremely dangerous to humans and other animals because of diseases they carry, like Rabies and Ebola. So, if you have a bat problem, it’s extremely important to address it asap.
Bat maternity season starts on April 15th and lasts through August 15th. During this time, it is illegal to block bats from their roosts to prevent them from being separated from their flightless babies. Bat exclusion devices need to be installed before maternity season begins, so it’s important to act fast. Here are some signs to look out for that indicate you may have a bat infestation.
1. Bat sightings at dusk and dawn
If you spot bats flying around your home, this is a good indication that they may have a roost nearby. They are nocturnal creatures that commonly roost in caves, trees, barns, chimneys, sheds, and attics.
2. Chirping sounds
Bats make high-pitched chirping sounds and clicks – this is called echolocation. This allows them to “see” through sounds. As the sound wave bounces off an object, it gives the bats information about what is around them, and helps them locate prey. Some of these sounds are too high-pitched for humans to hear, but if you do hear squeaks and chirps (especially at night), this can often be attributed to bats.
3. Bat droppings
Another telltale sign of bat presence are bat droppings, also known as bat guano. Guano is fairly unique in appearance and consists of small, dark, pellet-shaped deposits, with shiny specks. It is crumbly and produces an unpleasant odor as it decomposes. Look for guano in attics, rafters, chimneys, walls, ceilings, and crawl spaces, often near entry points. It can carry harmful pathogens and parasites which pose serious health risks, so if you spot it, call an experienced wildlife exclusion company who can safely remove it.
4. Greasy stains
Bats have oily fur, which can leave dark brown/black, greasy stains around their entry points, such as small gaps in roofing, vents, or siding. If you notice unusual smudges near these areas, it may indicate regular bat activity.
5. Ammonia-like odor
A strong, musty odor resembling ammonia can be another sign of bat activity. This smell comes from accumulated bat urine and guano and tends to intensify as the infestation grows. If you notice this smell in your home, don’t put off calling a bat exclusion company like Slug-A-Bug to check things out.
What to Do If You Suspect a Bat Infestation
If you observe one or more of the signs we outlined above, call us today at (321) 259-7844 so our pest control specialists can come provide you with a free assessment. We will perform a thorough inspection and discuss the next steps based on our findings. We have served Melbourne, Palm Bay, Rockledge, Cocoa, beachside, and all of Brevard County since 1982 and would love to help with any bat exclusion services you may need.