Bats are a pest that we all want to keep out of our homes. They’re a pest that sticks around once they find their way in, so prevention is definitely easier than removal. With winter just around the corner, now is the time to utilize bat prevention tips to keep unwanted visitors out of your home.

Check Your Roof

Check your roof for any loose or missing shingles. A loose shingle is all a bat needs to make their way into your home. If you find an area that needs to be repaired, call a professional right away. You can attempt a roof repair yourself if you feel comfortable doing so but be sure to spend plenty of time researching the process first.

Inspect the Chimney

The chimney is a common entry point for bats. You should clean your chimney before winter anyway, so it’s good to have it inspected at the same time. The seal around your chimney needs to be secure and there should be a vent of some kind over the top of your chimney to avoid bats flying down and into the home.

Seal Doors and Windows

Purchase weather stripping for all of your windows and doors. You should clean and dry the area you want to apply the weather stripping to get the best adhesion possible. The weatherstripping will seal any open areas that may allow bats in and help lower your heating bill! Older windows and doors typically require weather stripping, while newer ones should have a secure fit that doesn’t require this extra step.

Look in the Attic

Take a trip to your attic and look for any spots where light is coming through. You are often able to find weak spots in the roof that need to be repaired by looking up from the attic, easier than by looking down from the roof.

Check at Night

Each of these steps should be done during the day first and then again at night. The different dark and light conditions will allow you to see any possible entry point that a bat would find. Bat prevention ultimately means sealing off entry points, so double-checking under different conditions is a good idea!

If you believe you already have bats in your home, these prevention methods will not get rid of them. Stay away from expensive bat repellents and sound machines. They’re not only ineffective but a big waste of money too! Contact us now or visit our website to learn more about our services!