bATS
fACTS
North Carolina is home to 17 species of bats, and bats are the only mammals capable of true flight. They are not birds, and they are not rodents. They are flying mammals with one of the most advanced nighttime navigation systems in the animal world.
Bats use echolocation to hunt and travel in the dark. They send out high-frequency sounds, then listen as those sounds bounce back from insects, trees, houses, and other objects. In a way, bats “see” with sound.
Bats are also one of nature’s best insect-control systems. Many North Carolina bats feed on mosquitoes, beetles, moths, and other flying insects. Outside, they are extremely beneficial.
Some bats can live much longer than people expect. While many small mammals only live a few years, bats can live for decades in the wild under the right conditions.
The issue is not that bats exist. The issue is when they choose your attic, chimney, gable vent, fascia gap, soffit, or siding as a roosting site.
sIGNS of bats
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Bats flying around the same roofline, chimney, vent, or gable at sunset
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Squeaking, chirping, or scratching sounds in the attic or walls
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Small dark droppings near siding, porches, windows, or attic access
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Brown staining or greasy marks around a small opening
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A strong musty odor coming from the attic
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Bats entering or exiting the same spot repeatedly
rISKS
Bats can create serious attic problems when they roost inside a home. Their droppings, called guano, can pile up over time and damage insulation, stain building materials, and create strong odors. Bat guano can also be associated with fungal spores that may cause histoplasmosis when disturbed and inhaled. North Carolina Wildlife notes that attic spaces infested with bat guano could potentially contain these spores.
Bats are also considered a rabies vector species in North Carolina, even though most bats do not carry rabies. Because rabies is serious, bats should never be handled by hand, especially if one is found inside the living area of a home.
A bat problem should not be handled by simply sealing holes whenever bats are seen. If bats are sealed inside, they may die in the walls or enter the living space looking for a way out. Bat exclusion also has seasonal timing concerns in North Carolina because young bats may be present during pup season.
wHAT WE DO
We inspect the structure, identify bat entry points, determine the best exclusion plan, and seal access points properly after the bats are out. The goal is to protect the home while handling the wildlife responsibly