While bats generally try to keep to themselves, these winged mammals sometimes take up residence in houses’ attics, spreading diseases, smells, and noises throughout the home they’re living in. Here in Louisiana, we have several bat species that could be living in your home, including brown bats, hoary bats, eastern red bats, evening bats, Brazilian free-tailed bats, and more. In this article, we’ll talk about four of the telltale signs that you might have bats living in your attic! If you’re a resident of the Greater New Orleans area that is concerned about a potential bat infestation in your home or business, please contact our team at Pied Piper Pest Control today for a free bat control estimate!
Bat Droppings
One of the most clear signs of a bat infestation in your home is the presence of bat droppings, also known as guano. If you do in fact have bats in your attic, there will likely be an abundance of guano that you’ll spot on the ground and on other surfaces. Bat droppings may also be found near the entry point that bats are using to enter the attic and on windowsills, decks, porches, and other areas where bats may be frequenting.
Ammonia-Like Smells
Another telltale sign of a bat infestation is the presence of odors that smell like strong chemicals. Bat droppings, or guano, has a potent, ammonia-like smell that can spread throughout the home when enough of it has piled up. If you begin to smell a toxic odor, it’s a good idea to check your attic for bat droppings.
Chirps & Scratching Noises
The next common sign of a bat infestation is commonly hearing chirping or scratching sounds. Bats communicate with each other using high-pitched, chirping sounds. If you’ve been hearing sounds like these coming from somewhere within your home at night, you might have a bat problem in your attic. Bats can also make scratching sounds that appear to be coming from your walls and ceilings, as their long claws can make these noises when they’re scurrying around in your attic.
Sightings At Dusk & Dawn
One more obvious sign of a bat infestation is spotting them around sunrise or sunset around your home. Bats are nocturnal animals, so you’ll rarely (if ever) see them during the daytime. Your best bet for spotting these winged creatures is right around dusk or dawn, the only times when they are active that there might be a little light outside.
Contact Pied Piper Pest Control!
If you believe that you may have a bat infestation in your home in the Greater New Orleans area, Pied Piper Pest Control is here to help! Our licensed pest control experts have years of experience dealing with a wide variety of pests throughout the New Orleans area! Contact us today at (504) 366-1333 or fill out the contact form on our website for a free mosquito control estimate!