Bat Removal

Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services, LLC.

A full-service animal wildlife trapping, removal and pest control company – Licensed and Insured!

;

Bat Removal

Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services, LLC.

A full-service animal wildlife trapping, removal and pest control company – Licensed and Insured!

;

Bat Removal Services Performed By Local Experts

Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services, LLC., is Licensed and Insured. We Provide Both Residential and Commercial Bat Removal Services.

Virginia Bat Removal: Safely and Humanely Removing Bats from Your Property

Bats are fascinating creatures that play an important role in our ecosystem by controlling insect populations and pollinating plants. However, when they decide to roost in our homes or other buildings, they can become a nuisance and even pose health risks to humans and pets.

If you’re dealing with a bat infestation in Virginia, it’s important to address the problem quickly and safely. Here’s what you need to know about Virginia bat removal.

Why You Shouldn’t DIY Bat Removal

Some homeowners may be tempted to try DIY bat removal methods, but this is never a good idea. Not only is it illegal in Virginia to harm or kill bats, but it’s also dangerous for both you and the bats themselves.

Bats can carry diseases like rabies, and their droppings (guano) can harbor harmful fungi that can cause respiratory issues if inhaled. Additionally, bats are protected by state and federal laws, which means that attempting to harm or kill them could result in hefty fines or even imprisonment.

The best course of action is to hire a professional Virginia bat removal company that is licensed, insured, and trained in the safe and humane removal of bats.

What to Expect from Professional Bat Removal Services

When you hire a professional Virginia bat removal company, they’ll start with a thorough inspection of your property to determine the extent of the infestation and identify the species of bat involved.

From there, they’ll work with you to develop a customized removal plan that meets your needs and ensures the safety of both you and the bats. Depending on the situation, this may involve exclusion methods that allow the bats to leave on their own, or the use of humane trapping methods.

Once the bats have been safely removed, the Virginia bat removal team will clean and disinfect the affected areas to prevent the spread of disease and eliminate any lingering odors. They may also provide recommendations for preventing future bat infestations, such as sealing up entry points and installing bat boxes to encourage the bats to roost in a more suitable location.

Service Areas

We provide local bat removal services in the following counties, cities, and towns in Virginia: Afton, Albemarle County, Alexandria, Amelia County, Annandale, Arlington, Ashburn, Ashland, Barboursville, Bellwood, Belmont, Bensley, Bermuda Hundred, Bon Air, Boyd Tavern, Brandermill, Bumpass, Burke, Central VA, Centreville, Chamberlain, Charlottesville, Chesapeake, Chester, Chesterfield County, Colonial Heights, Crozet, Cuckoo, CVille, Dale City, Doswell, Dumbarton, Earlysville, East Highland Park, Enon, Ettrick, Fairfax, Fair Oaks, Ferncliff, Fluvanna County, Fredericksburg, Genito, Glen Allen, Glenora, Goochland County, Gordon, Gordonsville, Gum Spring, Hadensville, Hampton, Hampton Park, Hanover County, Harrisonburg, Harrogate, Hening, Henrico County, Highland Springs, Hopewell, Innsbrook, Jefferson Davis, Kents Store, Keswick, Lake Anna, Lake Monticello, Lake Ridge, Lakeside, Laurel, Leesburg, Lewiston, Lignum, Locust Grove, Louisa County, Maidens, Manakin, Manakin-Sabot, Manassas, Manchester, McLean, Montrose, Motoaca, Meadowbrook, Mechanicsville, Midlothian, Mineral, Moseley, Newport News, Norfolk, North Courthouse, North Garden, Northern Virginia, NoVA, Oilville, Orange County, Palmyra, Pantops, Petersburg, Portsmouth, Powhatan County, Reams, Reston, Richmond, Richmond County, Robious, Rockville, Rockwood, RVA, Salisbury, Sandston, Sandy Hook, Scottsville, Shannon Hill, Short Pump, South Rockwood, Spring Run, Staunton, Stoney Point, Suffolk, Tidewater, Troy, Tuckahoe, Va, Varina, Virginia, Virginia Beach, Waynesboro, Williamsburg, Winchester, Winterpock, Woodlake, Wyndham, and the surrounding areas of Virginia.

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Choose a Trusted Virginia Bat Removal Company

When choosing a Virginia bat removal company, it’s important to do your research and choose a company that is reputable, experienced, and licensed to operate in Virginia. Look for companies that have a track record of success and positive reviews from past clients.

At the same time, be wary of companies that make unrealistic promises or use scare tactics to pressure you into signing a contract. A reputable Virginia bat removal company will be transparent about their methods and pricing, and will work with you to develop a removal plan that meets your needs and budget.

Conclusion

If you’re dealing with a bat infestation in Virginia, don’t attempt to handle it yourself. Instead, contact a professional Virginia bat removal company to ensure the safe and humane removal of the bats from your property. By working with a trusted and experienced team, you can protect your health and your property while also doing your part to preserve Virginia’s valuable bat populations.

Bat Removal – Best Time To Get Rid Of Bats

To prevent bat problems, it is best to evict and exclude them from your house during early spring, before breeding starts, or at the end of summer, before hibernation starts and after babies are grown. Some bats may choose to stay behind in the roost and not fly out at night.

At Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services, we pride ourselves on being the only bat removal, exclusion, and control company in the area where ALL our employees are NWCOA Bat Standards Certified for Virginia bat removal. When you encounter bats in your attic or home, call us for bat exclusions, individual bat removal, and bat guano clean-up services in the Central Virginia area, including Richmond VA, Chesterfield, Chester, Midlothian, Bon Air, Short Pump, Charlottesville, Goochland, Louisa, Fluvanna, Orange, Albemarle, Powhatan, Amelia, Mineral, Gordonsville, Earlysville, Keswick, Henrico, Glen Allen, Brandermill, Ashland, Woodlake, Central Virginia, Mechanicsville, Petersburg, Barboursville, and Hanover.

Bat Conservation International recommends and registers Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services as Bat Exclusion Professionals. Our bat removal experts consider bats to be beneficial animals and strive to provide safe and effective bat control solutions. We also possess knowledge and experience in safe bat guano clean-up techniques and procedures.

People often ask us if there are bats in VA and if there are any bat exterminators nearby. The answer to both questions is yes. Three species of bats typically create conflicts with homeowners by residing in Virginia homes: Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus), Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus), and Evening Bat (Nycticeius humeralis). Among these species, the Big Brown Bat has replaced the Little Brown Bat as the most common home invader due to the effects of White Nose Syndrome (WNS) and the improper removal practices of untrained bat removal technicians on Little Brown Bat populations.

Bats In The Attic

If you suspect that there are bats in your attic, it’s important to take action right away. Bats can cause damage to your home and pose health risks to you and your family if not handled properly. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about bats in the attic and what to do if you find them.

Why Bats Are Attracted to Attics

Bats are often attracted to attics because they provide a warm, dark, and secluded space for them to roost and raise their young. Attics also provide easy access to the outdoors, which makes it easy for bats to come and go as they please.

Signs of Bats in the Attic

There are several signs that you may have bats in your attic, including:

Scratching or rustling sounds: Bats are active at night, so you may hear scratching or rustling sounds coming from your attic in the evening or early morning.
Droppings: Bat droppings, also known as guano, are small and pellet-like and may be found on the attic floor or on items stored in the attic.
Stains: Bats can leave oily stains on walls and ceilings where they roost.
Entry points: Bats can enter your attic through small openings, so check for any gaps or holes in your roof, vents, or chimney.

What to Do If You Have Bats in Your Attic

If you suspect that you have bats in your attic, it’s important to take action right away. Here are some steps you can take:

Confirm the presence of bats: If you’re not sure if you have bats in your attic, look for signs like scratching or rustling sounds, droppings, stains, or entry points. You can also set up a bat detector, which will pick up the high-pitched sounds that bats emit.
Don’t panic: Bats are an important part of the ecosystem and are generally not aggressive towards humans. However, it’s important to handle them carefully and avoid direct contact, as they can carry diseases like rabies.
Contact a professional: It’s best to hire a professional wildlife removal company to handle bat removal from your attic. They will have the necessary equipment and expertise to safely and humanely remove the bats from your home. There is a right-way and a wrong-way to do bat removal.
Seal entry points: Once the bats have been removed, it’s important to seal all entry points to prevent them from returning. This may involve repairing holes in your roof, installing bat-proof screens on vents, and sealing gaps around your chimney.
Clean up: Bat droppings can carry diseases and should be cleaned up carefully. Wear gloves and a mask, and use a HEPA filter vacuum to remove the droppings. You may also want to disinfect the area with a solution of water and bleach.

In summary, bats in the attic can be a nuisance and pose health risks if not handled properly. If you suspect that you have bats in your attic, it’s important to take action right away by confirming their presence, contacting a professional, sealing entry points, and cleaning up. By following these steps, you can safely and humanely remove bats from your home and prevent them from returning.

How To Get Rid Of Bats

If you’re dealing with bats in your home or property, it’s important to handle the situation carefully and humanely. Here are some steps you can take to get rid of bats:

Identify the source of the problem: The first step is to identify where the bats are entering and exiting your property. Look for signs of bat activity such as guano (bat droppings), urine stains, and greasy marks near entry points.
Seal entry points: Once you have identified the entry points, it’s important to seal them off to prevent the bats from getting back in. Use caulking or weatherstripping to seal gaps in windows and doors, and install screens over vents.
Install bat houses: Bats are important for controlling insect populations, so consider installing a bat house on your property as an alternative roosting site. This can help encourage the bats to leave your home on their own.
Use repellents: There are a variety of repellents available that many people claim can deter bats from roosting in your home or property. Some common repellents include mothballs, ammonia, and ultrasonic devices. However, it’s important to note that these repellents may not be effective, and some can be harmful to humans and pets. Note: We have found that these repellents are ineffective.
Call a professional: If you’re dealing with a large colony of bats or are uncomfortable handling the situation on your own, it’s best to call in a professional wildlife removal company. They can safely and humanely remove the bats from your property and ensure they don’t return.

It’s important to remember that bats are protected by law in many areas, so it’s important to handle the situation carefully and humanely. Never attempt to harm or kill bats, as this can lead to legal consequences and is also harmful to the environment. Instead, take steps to prevent bats from entering your home and consider alternative roosting sites to help encourage them to leave on their own.

The Bat Inspection Process

Exactly what is a bat inspection you ask. If you’re interested in learning more about bats and how to inspect your property for potential bat infestations, you’ve come to the right place.

Bats are fascinating creatures that play an important role in our ecosystem as pollinators and insect controllers. However, they can also be a nuisance if they decide to roost in your attic, chimney, or other parts of your home. Not only can they cause damage to your property, but they can also pose health risks due to the potential spread of diseases such as rabies.

That’s why it’s important to regularly inspect your property for signs of bat activity, and to only hire a professional bat removal company. Here’s what the bat inspection process typically involves:

Visual Inspection: The first step in a bat inspection is to conduct a visual inspection of your property’s exterior and interior. Look for signs of bat droppings, urine stains, and scratching sounds. Check your attic, chimney, vents, and roof for any openings or gaps where bats could enter.
Bat Detection Devices: Bat detection devices can be used to detect the presence of bats. These devices emit ultrasonic sound waves that are inaudible to humans but can be picked up by bats. If bats are present, the device will record their activity and provide valuable information on their location and behavior.
Guano Collection: If bat droppings are found, they should be collected and tested for the presence of histoplasmosis, a fungal infection that can be transmitted to humans (personally we don’t recommend this). It’s important to wear protective gear, including gloves and a respirator, when collecting bat guano.
Bat Removal: Once bats are detected, it’s important to remove them as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your property and the spread of diseases. This should only be done by a licensed professional who is trained in humane bat removal techniques.
Bat Exclusion: After bats have been removed, it’s important to prevent them from returning. This involves sealing all potential entry points and installing exclusion devices, such as bat cones or one-way doors, that allow bats to exit but not re-enter.
Follow-Up Inspections: It’s important to conduct follow-up inspections to ensure that all entry points have been sealed and that bats have not returned. Regular inspections can help prevent future infestations.

In conclusion, the bat inspection process involves a thorough visual inspection, the use of bat detection devices, guano collection and testing, bat removal by a licensed professional, bat exclusion, and follow-up inspections. By following these steps, you can ensure that your property is free of bats and protected from potential damage and health risks. If you suspect that you have a bat infestation, contact a licensed professional for a thorough inspection and removal.

Bat Removal Process

If you’re experiencing a bat infestation in your home or business, it’s important to understand the bat removal process. Bats are not only a nuisance, but they can also carry diseases and cause damage to your property. Removing bats can be a difficult and dangerous task, so it’s important to leave it to the professionals.

The Bat Removal Process Involves Many Steps With Services Including:

Inspection: The first step in the bat removal process is to perform a thorough inspection of your property. A professional bat exclusion technician will look for signs of bat activity, such as guano (bat droppings), urine stains, and oil stains. They will also look for potential entry points where bats may be getting into your property.
Exclusion: Once the technician has identified the entry points, they will seal them off to prevent further bat activity. This is done using materials such as caulk, foam, and screening. It’s important to ensure that all potential entry points are sealed off to prevent the bats from finding a new way into your property.
Eviction: After the entry points have been sealed, the technician will install one-way exclusion devices that allow the bats to leave your property but prevent them from re-entering. This is done during the late summer or early fall when the bats are less active, as it ensures that no baby bats are left behind. Improperly done bat removal can lead to serious problems for the home owner.
Clean-up: Once the bats have been evicted, the technician will clean up any guano and other bat debris. This is important because bat droppings can carry diseases that can be harmful to humans and pets.
Prevention: To prevent future bat infestations, the technician may recommend installing bat houses near your property. This provides a safe and natural habitat for the bats to roost and keeps them away from your property.

It’s important to note that bat removal should only be done by a trained and licensed professional. Attempting to remove bats on your own can be dangerous and may result in further damage to your property. Additionally, some species of bats are protected by law, so it’s important to handle them with care.

If you suspect that you have a bat infestation in your property, contact a professional bat removal company to handle the problem for you. They will provide a safe and effective solution to ensure that your property is bat-free.

What Is Bat Exclusion?

Bat exclusion is the process of safely and humanely removing bats from a structure and preventing them from returning. Bats are beneficial to the environment because they eat insects, but they can cause problems when they roost in homes, offices, or other buildings. Bat droppings and urine can cause health issues and structural damage to buildings. Bat exclusion is a critical step in protecting your property and maintaining a healthy environment.

To safely and humanely remove bats from a structure and prevent their return, one must undergo the process of bat exclusion. Although beneficial to the environment because they consume insects, bats can cause problems when they roost in homes, offices, or other buildings, leading to health and structural issues. Protecting property and maintaining a healthy environment requires taking the critical step of bat exclusion.

Several steps are involved in the bat exclusion process. A professional bat exclusion expert inspects the property first to determine the infestation’s extent and identify the bat species present. They seal all possible entry points, leaving a few primary exit points, to prevent bats from re-entering the building. The expert installs one-way bat doors or exclusion devices at exit points, allowing bats to leave but not re-enter.

Once the exclusion devices are in place, the expert monitors the exit points to ensure all bats have left the building. The exclusion devices are then removed, and the exit points sealed off to prevent future bat entry. If any bats remain inside the building, the expert uses humane exclusion methods to remove them safely.

Hiring a professional bat exclusion expert to handle the removal process is essential. They possess the expertise, equipment, and training required to safely remove bats and prevent their return. They also possess a deep understanding of bat behavior, enabling them to identify and address potential entry points to prevent future infestations.

At Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services, we specialize in bat exclusion services. Our team of trained and experienced professionals inspects the property, identifies the bat species present, and develops a customized plan to safely and humanely remove bats. We employ the latest equipment and techniques for a safe and effective bat exclusion process.

If you suspect a bat infestation on your property, do not hesitate to contact us for a consultation. We offer comprehensive bat exclusion services to protect your property, ensuring the health and safety of your family or employees. Schedule an appointment today by calling us.

Rabies In Bats

Rabies is a viral disease that can affect all mammals, including humans. It is commonly associated with animals such as dogs and raccoons, but bats are also a significant source of the disease. In fact, bats are the most common source of rabies in humans in the Virginia.

Bats are known to roost in a variety of locations, including trees, caves, and buildings. When bats roost in homes, they can pose a risk to the occupants if they carry rabies. This risk is particularly high if the bats are found inside the living space of the home, as opposed to the attic or crawl space.

The rabies virus is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal. Bats can transmit the virus through bites or scratches, but also through the inhalation of bat saliva in enclosed spaces. This means that people can contract rabies from bats without even realizing they have been bitten or scratched.

It is important to take precautions if you suspect that bats are roosting in your home. The first step is to contact a wildlife removal professional to safely remove the bats. It is important to avoid any direct contact with the bats or their saliva.

If you have been bitten or scratched by a bat, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Even if you do not see any signs of a bite or scratch, it is still possible to contract rabies through inhalation of bat saliva. Symptoms of rabies can take weeks or even months to appear, so it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Prevention is the best defense against rabies in bats. It is important to seal any openings in your home that could allow bats to enter. This includes gaps in the roofline, eaves, and around windows and doors. It is also important to avoid handling bats or attempting to remove them on your own.

In summary, rabies in bats is a serious concern for homeowners. If you suspect that bats are roosting in your home, it is important to contact a wildlife removal professional to safely remove them. If you have been bitten or scratched by a bat, seek medical attention immediately. Prevention is the best defense against rabies in bats, so it is important to seal any openings in your home and avoid handling bats.

Testing Bats For Rabies

Testing bats for rabies is an important part of protecting public health. Bats are known carriers of the rabies virus, and although they typically avoid human contact, bites or scratches from bats can potentially transmit the virus to humans and other animals.

If you have had contact with a bat, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Testing the bat for rabies can help determine if you are at risk of contracting the virus and whether you need to undergo post-exposure prophylaxis, a series of vaccinations that can prevent rabies if given early enough.

There are several ways to test bats for rabies. One common method is to test the brain tissue of the bat for the presence of the virus. This requires removing the bat’s head and sending it to a laboratory for testing. It is important to handle bats with caution and wear protective gear, such as gloves, to avoid exposure to the virus.

Another method of testing for rabies involves collecting saliva or other bodily fluids from the bat and testing it for the virus. This method is less invasive than testing the brain tissue, but it may not be as accurate.

It is important to note that not all bats carry rabies, and not all bats that carry rabies show symptoms of the virus. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution when handling bats and to seek medical attention if you have had contact with a bat.

If you find a bat in your home or in another area where it does not belong, do not handle it yourself. Contact your local animal control agency or a professional wildlife removal service to safely and humanely remove the bat from the area.

In conclusion, testing bats for rabies is an important part of protecting public health. If you have had contact with a bat, seek medical attention immediately and consider testing the bat for rabies. Remember to handle bats with caution and seek professional help if you encounter a bat in your home or other area where it does not belong.

How To Control Bats

As a valuable part of the ecosystem, bats play an important role in pollination, insect control, and seed dispersal. However, when they take up residence in our homes or businesses, they can become a nuisance and a potential health hazard. Here are some effective ways to control bats and prevent them from roosting in unwanted areas. Our wildlife control process for bats involve:

Seal entry points Bats can fit through small cracks and gaps, so it’s essential to seal any potential entry points in your home or building. Check for gaps around windows and doors, vents, pipes, and chimneys, and seal them with caulk, weather stripping, or mesh screens. Remember, bats can enter through holes as small as a dime.
Install bat houses Providing bats with a designated roosting area can help keep them out of your home or business. Bat houses should be placed in a location with plenty of sunlight, at least 10-15 feet above the ground, and away from bright lights. You can purchase a pre-made bat house or make one yourself with materials like untreated wood or PVC pipe.
Use repellents While repellents are not always effective, some people have found success using them to deter bats from roosting in specific areas. Some common bat repellents include mothballs, ammonia, and ultrasonic devices. However, it’s important to note that these methods have not been scientifically proven to be effective.
Seek professional help If you have a bat infestation, it’s best to seek help from a professional wildlife removal service to perform bat removal. They can safely and humanely remove the bats from your home or building and provide advice on how to prevent future infestations. Additionally, bats are protected by federal law, and it is illegal to harm or kill them.

In conclusion, controlling bats requires a combination of prevention, education, and humane removal techniques. By taking proactive steps to prevent bats from entering your home or business and seeking professional help if needed, you can coexist with these valuable creatures without compromising your health or safety.

Bat Bugs

Bat bugs are a type of parasitic insect that are closely related to bed bugs. They are named after their primary host, bats, as they feed on bat blood. However, bat bugs can also infest human dwellings, especially in places where bats have previously roosted or are currently roosting.

Appearance

Bat bugs are similar in appearance to bed bugs, but they are smaller and have longer hairs on their thorax. They are oval-shaped, reddish-brown, and about 3-5 mm in length. Like bed bugs, bat bugs have flattened bodies that allow them to hide in cracks and crevices, making them difficult to spot.

Habitat

As mentioned, bat bugs typically inhabit bat colonies, but they can also be found in human dwellings that are infested with bats. These insects are most commonly found in attics, barns, and other areas where bats roost. If the bats leave the area or are removed, the bat bugs will often move on to other hosts, including humans.

Behavior

Bat bugs feed on blood, and like bed bugs, they are nocturnal, coming out at night to feed on their host. Bat bugs can survive for several months without feeding, making them difficult to eradicate once they infest a home. They can also move from room to room, making it challenging to control an infestation.

Health Risks

While bat bugs are not known to transmit diseases to humans, their bites can be irritating and cause discomfort. In some cases, individuals may develop an allergic reaction to the bites, leading to redness, swelling, and itching. Additionally, if the infestation is severe, the psychological effects of having an infestation can be significant.

Control

To control a bat bug infestation, it is essential to address the underlying issue of bats. If bats are present in the home, they should be removed by a professional to prevent the bat bugs from continuing to feed and breed. Once the bats are gone, the home should be thoroughly cleaned and treated with pesticides to eliminate any remaining bat bugs.

Prevention

The best way to prevent bat bug infestations is to prevent bats from roosting in or near your home. This can be done by sealing up any cracks or openings in the exterior of the home, installing screens on windows and doors, and ensuring that any attic or roof vents are properly screened.

In conclusion, while bat bugs are a nuisance and can be difficult to eradicate, they are not considered a significant health threat. However, their presence can be unpleasant and cause discomfort, so it is essential to take steps to prevent and control infestations. If you suspect that you have a bat bug infestation, it is best to contact a pest control professional to evaluate the situation and recommend the best course of action.

We are constantly striving to advance our education so that we may serve you better

Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services, LLC., will remove then exclude these batty flying mammals.

If you have a bat colony in your attic, call Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services today and schedule a site visit. We can safely remove the bats from your home, and make sure that the bats do not return. We do not perform bat exclusions from May through July.

Do you have a bat in your house? First, if possible isolate the bat to one room, then call Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services and let us remove the bat for you. If the bat has made contact with any person or pet, it will need to be tested by the Virginia Health Department for rabies. Check out this interesting blog article – There’s A Bat In My House, What Should I Do?

Damage Caused By Bats and Damage Identification

Bats fly around swimming pools, drinking water or catching insects. Unfortunately, a lack of knowledge causes some people to be unable to tolerate the mere presence of bats outdoors. It’s important to provide information to remedy such situations.

Various openings, such as the roof edge, valleys, eaves, apex of the gable, chimney, attic or roof vent, dormers, and siding, are used by bats to enter buildings. Loose fitting doors, windows, gaps around various conduits passing through walls, and utility vents are also potential entry points. To manage bat infestations, one should pay attention to any gap of approximately 1/4 x 1 1/2 inches or a hole 5/8 x 7/8 inch, as such openings must be considered potential entries for at least the smaller species, such as the little brown bat, which requires an opening no wider than 3/8 inch. Openings of these dimensions are not uncommon in older wood frame structures where boards have shrunk, warped, or become loosened.

In urban areas where big brown bats are common, discovering one or two bats in a house is a frequent problem. They often enter homes through open windows or unscreened fireplaces. Unused chimneys are also common summer roosts for bats, which may crawl or fall through the open damper into the house. Bats may also appear in a room and disappear by crawling under a door or behind furniture. Locating and removing individual bats from living quarters can be laborious, but it’s important. If all else fails, wait until dusk when the bat may appear once again as it attempts to find an exit. Big brown bats may suddenly appear in midwinter during a warm spell or a cold snap as they move about to adjust to the temperature shift, as they may hibernate in the cooler recesses of heated buildings.

Porch lights, building illumination, street, and parking-lot lights often use white light, which has an ultraviolet component. This light may attract flying insects, which in turn attract bats. Providing information about bats and their behavior can help people better understand and appreciate these creatures and reduce conflicts between bats and humans.

Health Concerns Involving Bats

You don’t want this virus! VPWRS can help prevent this.

Bats can transmit rabies to humans through their bites, as it is a virus they carry. Their incubation period ranges from two weeks to several months, which is longer than other pests that inhabit human dwellings. However, if a person receives prompt vaccination after being exposed to a rabid bat, the disease can be prevented. To protect dogs, cats, and livestock from the virus, periodic vaccination is also necessary.

These critters do not carry rabies symptomlessly. After an incubation period, they become ill with the disease and their behavior changes. They may be active during the daytime or on the ground, unable to fly. Human exposure to rabid bats typically occurs when people handle grounded bats carelessly or accidentally. It is also possible, albeit less common, for rabid bats to attack people or pets. During this disease stage, the rabid bat can transmit the virus to another mammal by biting them. As the disease progresses, the bat becomes paralyzed and dies.

Bats represent a significant public health hazard associated with rabies. All 40 North American bat species that have been adequately sampled in all contiguous US states and most Canadian provinces have been confirmed to carry rabies. Bats rank third in wildlife rabies incidence in the US, behind raccoons and skunks. In the last two decades, however, there have been more human rabies cases of bat origin in the US than any other wildlife group.

These flying mammals are more widely distributed than any other species, carrying the virus in all 48 contiguous states in 1989. Therefore, any bat contact, including bites, must be considered a potential exposure to rabies. Although aerosol transmission of the rabies virus from bats in caves to humans and some other mammals has been reported, it is unlikely to occur in temperate North America when people enter bat roosts in buildings.

Bat Guano Dangers

Bat Guano Removal

Bat poop is called many things including guano, bat feces, bat crap, bat dung and bat droppings. Regardless of what you call it, the presence of bat poop can be dangerous, particularly if it is disturbed. Bat poop can contain a microscopic fungus – Histoplasma capsulate – which can lead to a lung disease called Histoplasmosis.

As a homeowner you should never sweep up or vacuum bat poop. This can be dangerous to you and the occupants of your home. The removal of bat guano should only be done by trained professionals who have special equipment to remove it safely. I always cringe when I hear about people removing bat poop with a broom or shop vac.

All bat poop may not contain the Histoplasma capsulate fungus. The only way to know for sure is to have it tested and nobody does that. For the safety of everyone, we assume that all bat feces is contaminated and dangerous if disturbed.

Histoplasmosis

A microscopic fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum causes histoplasmosis, a common lung disease. The fungus is typically found in soil with high nitrogen content, often linked with bird and bat guano. Wind can disperse the fungus, or it can be transmitted via the intestinal contents and dermal appendages of bats and birds. The likelihood of infection rises when visiting areas with high concentrations of the fungus, such as bat roosts in caves, barns, attics, and belfries, or soil enriched with bat guano.

Although numerous animals can be affected by histoplasmosis, bats (and possibly armadillos) are the only significant animal vectors. Unlike bats, birds do not seem to contract the fungus. Specific environmental conditions and the presence of guano are essential for H. capsulatum to proliferate. In avian habitats, the organism grows best where the guano is in large deposits, rotting and mixed with soil, rather than in nests or fresh deposits.

The Ohio-Mississippi Valley region in the United States, along with areas along the Appalachian Mountains and the lake and river valleys of other states, are endemic to histoplasmosis. Spores, which become airborne when soil or guano containing H. capsulatum is physically disturbed, can cause infection when inhaled. Individuals who are at a higher risk of contracting histoplasmosis include spelunkers, bat biologists, pest control technicians, people who clean out or work in areas where bats have habitually roosted, and individuals in contact with guano-enriched soil.

The severity of histoplasmosis depends partially on the quantity of inhaled spores. The infection may remain localized in the lungs, where it can resolve uneventfully. However, more severe forms may require treatment. Symptoms may include fever, cough, and generalized symptoms similar to a prolonged influenza. In some cases, the fungus can disseminate to involve multiple organ systems, and it can be fatal, especially in young children and immunocompromised adults. As an opportunistic infection of AIDS patients, systemic infections have been increasing globally.

How Bats Are Removed From Homes And Businesses

There are many methods used to get rid of bats that are living in structures. Our first consideration is always the safety of the home’s occupants, followed by the safe and humane removal of the bats. Some of the ways that you can get bats out of structures include:

Bat Pipes
Bat Venting
Bat Tubes
One Way Doors
One Way Valves
Bat Netting
Bat Devices
Bat Traps (Rarely Used Anymore)

Bat removal should only be attempted by a certified bat specialist that has been properly trained in the safe removal of bats. There are just too many things that can go wrong if you don’t know what you’re doing.

What Does Bat Removal Cost?

How Much Does Bat Removal Cost

We are often asked by homeowners, How much does it cost to get rid of bats. This is a somewhat complicated question because many factors need to be considered when providing bat removal services. Things to consider include:

The Size Of The Structure
The General Condition Of The Home Or Business
Amount Of Bat Proofing That Needs To Be Done
How Many Bat Entry Points And Roosting Locations Are There
Accessibility Of The Entry Points And The Areas That Need Bat Proofing
How Long Have The Bats Been In The Structure
Quantity Of Bat Guano And Does It Need To Be Removed
Is There A Bat Bug Infestation
Are There Special Health Considerations Within The Home Owners Family That Need To Be Addressed
The Type Of Roof On The Structure – Metal, Slate, Cedar Shake, Terra Cotta, Asphalt

Best Time To Get Rid Of Bats

In general, the best time to evict and exclude bats from your house to prevent bat problems is in early spring, before breeding starts, or at the end of summer, after babies are grown and before hibernation starts. On any given night, some bats stay behind in the roost and do not fly out.

Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services is the ONLY area bat removal and control company where ALL of our employees are NWCOA Bat Standards Certified for Virginia bat removal. When you have bats in your attic or a bat in the house, we are the company to call to perform bat exclusions, individual bat removal, and bat guano (bat poop) clean-up services throughout the Central Virginia area – including Richmond, Chesterfield, Chester, Midlothian, Bon Air, Short Pump, Charlottesville, Goochland, Louisa, Fluvanna, Orange, Albemarle, Powhatan, Amelia, Mineral, Gordonsville, Earlysville, Keswick, Henrico, Glen Allen, Brandermill, Ashland, Woodlake, Central Virginia, Mechanicsville, Petersburg, Barboursville, and Hanover.

Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services is registered with and recommended by Bat Conservation International as Bat Exclusion Professionals. Our bat removal experts view bats as the beneficial animals that they are, and make every effort to provide safe and effective bat control solutions. Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services personnel are also knowledgeable and experienced with safe bat guano clean-up techniques and procedures.

We are often asked: Are there bats in VA and are there any bat exterminators near me. The answer to both questions is yes. Three species of bats are typically found in Virginia homes creating conflict with homeowners – Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus), Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus) and Evening Bat (Nycticeius humeralis). Of these three species, the Little Brown Bat has been replaced by the Big Brown Bat as the most common home invader. This is due to the effects of White Nose Syndrome (WNS) and the improper removal practices of untrained bat removal technicians on Little Brown Bat populations.

Bats In The Attic

If you suspect that there are bats in your attic, it’s important to take action right away. Bats can cause damage to your home and pose health risks to you and your family if not handled properly. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about bats in the attic and what to do if you find them.

Why Bats Are Attracted to Attics

Bats are often attracted to attics because they provide a warm, dark, and secluded space for them to roost and raise their young. Attics also provide easy access to the outdoors, which makes it easy for bats to come and go as they please.

Signs of Bats in the Attic

There are several signs that you may have bats in your attic, including:

Scratching or rustling sounds: Bats are active at night, so you may hear scratching or rustling sounds coming from your attic in the evening or early morning.
Droppings: Bat droppings, also known as guano, are small and pellet-like and may be found on the attic floor or on items stored in the attic.
Stains: Bats can leave oily stains on walls and ceilings where they roost.
Entry points: Bats can enter your attic through small openings, so check for any gaps or holes in your roof, vents, or chimney.

What to Do If You Have Bats in Your Attic

If you suspect that you have bats in your attic, it’s important to take action right away. Here are some steps you can take:

Confirm the presence of bats: If you’re not sure if you have bats in your attic, look for signs like scratching or rustling sounds, droppings, stains, or entry points. You can also set up a bat detector, which will pick up the high-pitched sounds that bats emit.
Don’t panic: Bats are an important part of the ecosystem and are generally not aggressive towards humans. However, it’s important to handle them carefully and avoid direct contact, as they can carry diseases like rabies.
Contact a professional: It’s best to hire a professional wildlife removal company to handle bat removal from your attic. They will have the necessary equipment and expertise to safely and humanely remove the bats from your home.
Seal entry points: Once the bats have been removed, it’s important to seal all entry points to prevent them from returning. This may involve repairing holes in your roof, installing bat-proof screens on vents, and sealing gaps around your chimney.
Clean up: Bat droppings can carry diseases and should be cleaned up carefully. Wear gloves and a mask, and use a HEPA filter vacuum to remove the droppings. You may also want to disinfect the area with a solution of water and bleach.

In summary, bats in the attic can be a nuisance and pose health risks if not handled properly. If you suspect that you have bats in your attic, it’s important to take action right away by confirming their presence, contacting a professional, sealing entry points, and cleaning up. By following these steps, you can safely and humanely remove bats from your home and prevent them from returning.

How To Get Rid Of Bats

If you’re dealing with bats in your home or property, it’s important to handle the situation carefully and humanely. Here are some steps you can take to get rid of bats:

Identify the source of the problem: The first step is to identify where the bats are entering and exiting your property. Look for signs of bat activity such as guano (bat droppings), urine stains, and greasy marks near entry points.
Seal entry points: Once you have identified the entry points, it’s important to seal them off to prevent the bats from getting back in. Use caulking or weatherstripping to seal gaps in windows and doors, and install screens over vents.
Install bat houses: Bats are important for controlling insect populations, so consider installing a bat house on your property as an alternative roosting site. This can help encourage the bats to leave your home on their own.
Use repellents: There are a variety of repellents available that many people claim can deter bats from roosting in your home or property. Some common repellents include mothballs, ammonia, and ultrasonic devices. However, it’s important to note that these repellents may not be effective, and some can be harmful to humans and pets. Note: We have found that these repellents are ineffective.
Call a professional: If you’re dealing with a large colony of bats or are uncomfortable handling the situation on your own, it’s best to call in a professional wildlife removal company. They can safely and humanely remove the bats from your property and ensure they don’t return.

It’s important to remember that bats are protected by law in many areas, so it’s important to handle the situation carefully and humanely. Never attempt to harm or kill bats, as this can lead to legal consequences and is also harmful to the environment. Instead, take steps to prevent bats from entering your home and consider alternative roosting sites to help encourage them to leave on their own.

The Bat Inspection Process

Exactly what is a bat inspection you ask. If you’re interested in learning more about bats and how to inspect your property for potential bat infestations, you’ve come to the right place.

Bats are fascinating creatures that play an important role in our ecosystem as pollinators and insect controllers. However, they can also be a nuisance if they decide to roost in your attic, chimney, or other parts of your home. Not only can they cause damage to your property, but they can also pose health risks due to the potential spread of diseases such as rabies.

That’s why it’s important to regularly inspect your property for signs of bat activity. Here’s what the bat inspection process typically involves:

Visual Inspection: The first step in a bat inspection is to conduct a visual inspection of your property’s exterior and interior. Look for signs of bat droppings, urine stains, and scratching sounds. Check your attic, chimney, vents, and roof for any openings or gaps where bats could enter.
Bat Detection Devices: Bat detection devices can be used to detect the presence of bats. These devices emit ultrasonic sound waves that are inaudible to humans but can be picked up by bats. If bats are present, the device will record their activity and provide valuable information on their location and behavior.
Guano Collection: If bat droppings are found, they should be collected and tested for the presence of histoplasmosis, a fungal infection that can be transmitted to humans (personally we don’t recommend this). It’s important to wear protective gear, including gloves and a respirator, when collecting bat guano.
Bat Removal: Once bats are detected, it’s important to remove them as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your property and the spread of diseases. This should only be done by a licensed professional who is trained in humane bat removal techniques.
Bat Exclusion: After bats have been removed, it’s important to prevent them from returning. This involves sealing all potential entry points and installing exclusion devices, such as bat cones or one-way doors, that allow bats to exit but not re-enter.
Follow-Up Inspections: It’s important to conduct follow-up inspections to ensure that all entry points have been sealed and that bats have not returned. Regular inspections can help prevent future infestations.

In conclusion, the bat inspection process involves a thorough visual inspection, the use of bat detection devices, guano collection and testing, bat removal by a licensed professional, bat exclusion, and follow-up inspections. By following these steps, you can ensure that your property is free of bats and protected from potential damage and health risks. If you suspect that you have a bat infestation, contact a licensed professional for a thorough inspection and removal.

Bat Removal Process

If you’re experiencing a bat infestation in your home or business, it’s important to understand the bat removal process. Bats are not only a nuisance, but they can also carry diseases and cause damage to your property. Removing bats can be a difficult and dangerous task, so it’s important to leave it to the professionals.

The Bat Removal Process:

Inspection: The first step in the bat removal process is to perform a thorough inspection of your property. A professional bat removal technician will look for signs of bat activity, such as guano (bat droppings), urine stains, and oil stains. They will also look for potential entry points where bats may be getting into your property.
Exclusion: Once the technician has identified the entry points, they will seal them off to prevent further bat activity. This is done using materials such as caulk, foam, and screening. It’s important to ensure that all potential entry points are sealed off to prevent the bats from finding a new way into your property.
Eviction: After the entry points have been sealed, the technician will install one-way exclusion devices that allow the bats to leave your property but prevent them from re-entering. This is done during the late summer or early fall when the bats are less active, as it ensures that no baby bats are left behind.
Clean-up: Once the bats have been evicted, the technician will clean up any guano and other bat debris. This is important because bat droppings can carry diseases that can be harmful to humans and pets.
Prevention: To prevent future bat infestations, the technician may recommend installing bat houses near your property. This provides a safe and natural habitat for the bats to roost and keeps them away from your property.

It’s important to note that bat removal should only be done by a trained and licensed professional. Attempting to remove bats on your own can be dangerous and may result in further damage to your property. Additionally, some species of bats are protected by law, so it’s important to handle them with care.

If you suspect that you have a bat infestation in your property, contact a professional bat removal company to handle the problem for you. They will provide a safe and effective solution to ensure that your property is bat-free.

What Is Bat Exclusion?

Bat exclusion is the process of safely and humanely removing bats from a structure and preventing them from returning. Bats are beneficial to the environment because they eat insects, but they can cause problems when they roost in homes, offices, or other buildings. Bat droppings and urine can cause health issues and structural damage to buildings. Bat exclusion is a critical step in protecting your property and maintaining a healthy environment.

The bat exclusion process involves several steps. First, a professional bat exclusion expert will inspect your property to determine the extent of the infestation and identify the bat species present. They will then seal off all potential entry points, except for a few primary exit points, to prevent bats from re-entering the building. The expert will also install one-way bat doors or exclusion devices at the exit points to allow bats to leave but not re-enter.

After the exclusion devices have been installed, the expert will monitor the exit points to ensure all bats have left the building. Once all bats have left, the expert will remove the exclusion devices and seal off the exit points to prevent future bat entry. If any bats are still inside the building, the expert will use humane exclusion methods to safely remove them.

It is essential to hire a professional bat exclusion expert to handle the removal process. They have the expertise, equipment, and training necessary to safely remove bats and prevent them from returning. They also have a deep understanding of bat behavior and can help you identify and address potential entry points to prevent future infestations.

At Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services, we specialize in bat exclusion services. Our team of trained and experienced professionals will inspect your property, identify the bat species present, and create a customized plan to safely and humanely remove bats from your property. We use the latest equipment and techniques to ensure a safe and effective bat exclusion process.

If you suspect you have a bat infestation on your property, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. We offer comprehensive bat exclusion services to protect your property and ensure the health and safety of your family or employees. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

Rabies In Bats

Rabies is a viral disease that can affect all mammals, including humans. It is commonly associated with animals such as dogs and raccoons, but bats are also a significant source of the disease. In fact, bats are the most common source of rabies in humans in the Virginia.

Bats are known to roost in a variety of locations, including trees, caves, and buildings. When bats roost in homes, they can pose a risk to the occupants if they carry rabies. This risk is particularly high if the bats are found inside the living space of the home, as opposed to the attic or crawl space.

The rabies virus is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal. Bats can transmit the virus through bites or scratches, but also through the inhalation of bat saliva in enclosed spaces. This means that people can contract rabies from bats without even realizing they have been bitten or scratched.

It is important to take precautions if you suspect that bats are roosting in your home. The first step is to contact a wildlife removal professional to safely remove the bats. It is important to avoid any direct contact with the bats or their saliva.

If you have been bitten or scratched by a bat, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Even if you do not see any signs of a bite or scratch, it is still possible to contract rabies through inhalation of bat saliva. Symptoms of rabies can take weeks or even months to appear, so it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Prevention is the best defense against rabies in bats. It is important to seal any openings in your home that could allow bats to enter. This includes gaps in the roofline, eaves, and around windows and doors. It is also important to avoid handling bats or attempting to remove them on your own.

In summary, rabies in bats is a serious concern for homeowners. If you suspect that bats are roosting in your home, it is important to contact a wildlife removal professional to safely remove them. If you have been bitten or scratched by a bat, seek medical attention immediately. Prevention is the best defense against rabies in bats, so it is important to seal any openings in your home and avoid handling bats.

Testing Bats For Rabies

Testing bats for rabies is an important part of protecting public health. Bats are known carriers of the rabies virus, and although they typically avoid human contact, bites or scratches from bats can potentially transmit the virus to humans and other animals.

If you have had contact with a bat, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Testing the bat for rabies can help determine if you are at risk of contracting the virus and whether you need to undergo post-exposure prophylaxis, a series of vaccinations that can prevent rabies if given early enough.

There are several ways to test bats for rabies. One common method is to test the brain tissue of the bat for the presence of the virus. This requires removing the bat’s head and sending it to a laboratory for testing. It is important to handle bats with caution and wear protective gear, such as gloves, to avoid exposure to the virus.

Another method of testing for rabies involves collecting saliva or other bodily fluids from the bat and testing it for the virus. This method is less invasive than testing the brain tissue, but it may not be as accurate.

It is important to note that not all bats carry rabies, and not all bats that carry rabies show symptoms of the virus. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution when handling bats and to seek medical attention if you have had contact with a bat.

If you find a bat in your home or in another area where it does not belong, do not handle it yourself. Contact your local animal control agency or a professional wildlife removal service to safely and humanely remove the bat from the area.

In conclusion, testing bats for rabies is an important part of protecting public health. If you have had contact with a bat, seek medical attention immediately and consider testing the bat for rabies. Remember to handle bats with caution and seek professional help if you encounter a bat in your home or other area where it does not belong.

How To Control Bats

As a valuable part of the ecosystem, bats play an important role in pollination, insect control, and seed dispersal. However, when they take up residence in our homes or businesses, they can become a nuisance and a potential health hazard. Here are some effective ways to control bats and prevent them from roosting in unwanted areas.

Seal entry points Bats can fit through small cracks and gaps, so it’s essential to seal any potential entry points in your home or building. Check for gaps around windows and doors, vents, pipes, and chimneys, and seal them with caulk, weather stripping, or mesh screens. Remember, bats can enter through holes as small as a dime.
Install bat houses Providing bats with a designated roosting area can help keep them out of your home or business. Bat houses should be placed in a location with plenty of sunlight, at least 10-15 feet above the ground, and away from bright lights. You can purchase a pre-made bat house or make one yourself with materials like untreated wood or PVC pipe.
Use repellents While repellents are not always effective, some people have found success using them to deter bats from roosting in specific areas. Some common bat repellents include mothballs, ammonia, and ultrasonic devices. However, it’s important to note that these methods have not been scientifically proven to be effective.
Seek professional help If you have a bat infestation, it’s best to seek help from a professional wildlife removal service. They can safely and humanely remove the bats from your home or building and provide advice on how to prevent future infestations. Additionally, bats are protected by federal law, and it is illegal to harm or kill them.

In conclusion, controlling bats requires a combination of prevention, education, and humane removal techniques. By taking proactive steps to prevent bats from entering your home or business and seeking professional help if needed, you can coexist with these valuable creatures without compromising your health or safety.

Bat Bugs

Bat bugs are a type of parasitic insect that are closely related to bed bugs. They are named after their primary host, bats, as they feed on bat blood. However, bat bugs can also infest human dwellings, especially in places where bats have previously roosted or are currently roosting.