How to get rid of bats behind shutters
It’s the middle of the night and you’re fast asleep when you hear a faint scratching noise. You groggily roll over and try to ignore it, but the scratching persists. Eventually, you can’t take it anymore and you reluctantly get out of bed to investigate. As you make your way to the window, you see a small bat flapping its wings against the shutters.
You’re not sure what to do, but you know one thing for certain: you need to get rid of the bat behind your shutters.
But how do you do it?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various issues that can arise when you have a bat behind your shutters and provide you with some effective solutions for how to get rid of them.
Why Do Bats End Up Behind Shutters?
There are a few reasons why a bat might end up behind your shutters.
First and foremost, bats are attracted to warm, dark, and secluded spaces. Your shutters might provide the perfect combination of these factors, making them an attractive place for a bat to roost.
Additionally, bats are often attracted to homes with a lot of insects, as they rely on insects as a primary food source. If your home is located near a water source or has a lot of vegetation, it might be more prone to insect infestations, which could in turn attract bats.
The Dangers of Bats in Your Home
While it might seem harmless to have a bat roosting behind your shutters, there are actually a few dangers to consider.
First and foremost, bats can carry diseases, such as rabies, that can be transmitted to humans through bites or scratches. While the risk of contracting rabies from a bat is relatively low, it’s still important to take precautions to avoid being bitten or scratched by a bat.
Additionally, bats can also cause damage to your home. Bats often leave behind droppings, called guano, which can accumulate in large quantities and create a breeding ground for pests, such as mites and flies. This can lead to health issues and damage to your home.
How to Get Rid of Bats Behind Shutters
Now that we’ve explored the potential issues that can arise when you have a bat behind your shutters, let’s take a look at some solutions for how to get rid of them.
Deter the Bat from Returning
One of the most effective ways to get rid of a bat behind your shutters is to deter it from returning. This can be accomplished by sealing off any cracks or gaps in your shutters or windows that the bat might be using to get in. You can also try installing screens over your windows to prevent the bat from entering your home.
Remove the Bat Humanely
If you’re unable to deter the bat from returning, your next option is to remove it humanely. There are a few different ways you can do this:
- Use a bat house. A bat house is a small structure that provides a safe and comfortable place for bats to roost. If you install a bat house near your home, it’s possible that the bat behind your shutters will relocate to the bat house instead.
- Use a bat removal device. There are a variety of devices on the market that are designed to safely remove bats from your home. These devices typically involve a cone or tube that the bat can fly into, after which it can be released back into the wild.
- Hire a professional. If you’re not comfortable handling the bat yourself, you can always hire.
- Use a one-way door. Another option for removing a bat from your home is to use a one-way door. These devices allow the bat to leave your home, but prevent it from returning. To use a one-way door, simply install it over the opening that the bat is using to access your home. Once the bat leaves, it will be unable to re-enter.
Keep Bats Out of Your Home
Once you’ve successfully removed the bat from your home, it’s important to take steps to prevent future bat infestations. Here are a few things you can do:
- Repair any damage to your home. If your home has any cracks, gaps, or holes that a bat could potentially use to get in, be sure to repair them. This will help prevent any future bat infestations.
- Keep your home clean. Bats are attracted to homes with a lot of insects, so keeping your home clean and free of pests can help deter them. Regularly vacuum, sweep, and dust to help keep your home clean and uninviting to bats.
- Use natural repellents. There are a number of natural repellents that can help keep bats away from your home. These include herbs such as peppermint, basil, and eucalyptus, as well as certain essential oils. You can try planting these herbs around your home or using essential oil diffusers to deter bats.
In Conclusion
Bats behind your shutters can be a nuisance and a potential health hazard, but with the right approach, it’s possible to get rid of them and prevent future infestations. By sealing off any entry points, using a bat removal device or one-way door, and taking preventative measures such as repairing damage to your home and using natural repellents, you can successfully rid your home of bats and keep them out for good.