Bat Exclusion Technique

1. Inspection and Identification: A thorough inspection is conducted to identify entry and exit points used by bats to access the building. This usually involves looking for bat droppings, urine stains, and listening for bat sounds at dusk when they leave to feed. We determine the species of bats, as some species may have specific legal protections.

2. Timing: We perform exclusion during the appropriate season. Avoid exclusion during the maternity season (typically late spring to early summer) when baby bats (pups) are present and cannot fly. Late summer or early fall is usually the best time.

3. Sealing Entry Points: We identify and seal all potential entry points except the primary ones that the bats are actively using. Materials like silicone caulk, spray foam, steel wool, or hardware cloth are used to seal gaps, cracks, and openings.

4. Installing One-Way Exclusion Devices: We install one-way exclusion devices such as bat cones, netting, or tubes over the primary entry points. These devices allow bats to exit but prevent them from re-entering.

5.Monitoring: Monitor the exclusion devices for a few nights to ensure all bats have left. Bats typically leave their roost at dusk to feed and return before dawn.

6. Final Sealing: Once we are confident that all bats have exited, remove the exclusion devices and permanently seal the entry points.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

1. Removing Bat Guano: We safely remove bat droppings (guano) and sanitize the area. Bat guano can harbor harmful fungi that cause histoplasmosis, so it’s important to use proper protective equipment like gloves and masks.

2. Decontamination: We clean and disinfect the affected area to remove any residual odor and reduce the risk of disease transmission.