How to get rid of Bats

Finding a bat in your bedroom, garage, or attic can be a startling experience, but in the Piedmont region of North Carolina—including Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Durham, Pittsboro, and Hillsborough—it’s not uncommon. The region is home to several bat species, such as the Big Brown Bat and the Little Brown Bat, which often seek shelter in buildings as natural roosting spaces become scarce. Sometimes, a single bat may wander into your home by accident, especially in the warmer months when windows or doors are left open. However, a lone bat can also be a sign of a larger colony nesting in your attic, walls, or chimney.

Bats are nocturnal insectivores, meaning they are active at night and feed primarily on insects. In fact, a single bat can consume thousands of mosquitoes and other flying insects in one night, making them beneficial to the ecosystem. However, their presence inside your home poses potential health and safety concerns. Bats in attics or walls often leave behind bat guano, which can accumulate rapidly. Bat guano not only causes strong odors and stains but can also harbor histoplasmosis spores—a respiratory disease harmful to humans when inhaled.
 

Call Michael at 512-914-7287 for Bat Removal now!

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Bats in the Piedmont region exhibit specific seasonal behaviors. During spring and summer, female bats form maternity colonies to give birth and raise their young. Typically, bats breed in the fall, but females delay fertilization until spring. By early summer, they give birth to one or two pups. Young bats begin flying within a few weeks, and by late summer, they’re capable of foraging on their own.

In the fall, many bats begin preparing for migration or hibernation. Some species, like the Big Brown Bat, hibernate locally in attics or wall voids. Others may migrate to warmer climates. During hibernation, bats enter a state of torpor, significantly lowering their body temperature and metabolic rate to conserve energy. It’s during this time that homeowners may hear scratching, squeaking, or fluttering sounds in the attic or walls, indicating a hidden colony.

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Call 512-914-7287 for Bat Removal!

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If you discover a bat in your home, it’s essential to stay calm and avoid direct contact. Bats are potential carriers of rabies, though the risk is low. More importantly, a single stray bat could be the tip of the iceberg. A professional wildlife removal expert like Michael at A Wildlife Pro can assess the situation, safely remove the bat, and determine whether a larger colony is present.

Professional services are also critical for proper cleanup. Bat guano should never be swept or vacuumed without proper protective equipment, as disturbing the droppings can release harmful spores into the air. A Wildlife Pro uses specialized cleaning techniques and decontamination processes to ensure your attic or other affected areas are safe and fully restored.

In towns like Hillsborough and Pittsboro, where older homes and wooded lots are common, bat intrusions are especially frequent. Whether it’s a lone visitor or a full-blown colony, prompt and professional attention is key to resolving the issue safely and effectively.