Bats are found in nearly every geographic region in Florida. Favorite environments include tropical forests, woodlands, open fields, both suburban and urban communities, and even deserts. Roosting requirements usually depend on the species, but caves, trees, hollowed logs, rock crevices, and human dwellings serve as excellent habitats.

Since bats aren’t all that common of household pests in West Palm, it can be difficult to know how to deal with them. Occasionally, though, bats will find your shed, attic, garage, or awning a particularly cozy spot for them to live. They will not normally attempt to harm humans, but they do get to be a nuisance with their noise and odors. Their droppings, known as bat guano, can also be harmful, as it has highly corrosive properties.

Signs of Bat Infestation in the House

Bats are small and they can pack themselves into tiny spaces when they roost. They can go unnoticed by someone with little experience. Calling a wildlife control operator for an inspection takes the guesswork out of locating bats. Experts can also show you exactly how and why bats choose your property.

Unless you have a colony of bats roosting in your attic making noise or flying in and out of your home, you may have to look for signs commonly left behind by bats. For example, bat guano, or droppings, is easy to spot.

Bat guano is usually black or brown, and because it contains uric acid, it stains any material it lands on. You may see guano streaks running down siding or wood on the sides of homes or buildings. Even while bats are roosting, their guano runs down their body and into a pile below. The piles can get quite large, making them very noticeable. Disturbing these piles of guano can expose people to the risk of histoplasmosis.

Seeing guano directly on the ground signifies that bats are roosting above. Look around windowsills, voids in ceilings and rafters, and structural beams.

The Risks of a Bat Infestation

Most of the damage that comes with bats is due to their poop. Bat guano is usually found in piles and looks a little bit larger than mice droppings. It’s normally dry, so if you happen to step on it, it will crumble. And since bat guano contains dangerous fungal spores, any airborne particles could spread serious diseases. If you find bat guano, be sure to call the experts at Critter Control® serving West Palm, as you’ll need a professional to properly dispose of it.

Bat Control in West Palm Beach

Many people don’t want to completely exterminate bats from their properties, so if you want to keep bats around for natural pest control, you can install a bat box on your property. Ideally, bats will use the bat box as a home instead of your house. If you want to keep bats away for good, the experts at Critter Control® West Palm has solutions for every home and business, including sealing entry points into your home or humanely trapping and relocating colonies.

Call us today at 561-274-0224 for your free consultation.