Getting rid of bats

I may have asked before, if so I don't remember. Anyways, does anybody know of the best way to get rid of bats? They have gotten into my attic and have decided they like it there. I've already tried several socks full of moth balls, to run them off, as I have seen suggested in several places, but that hasn't worked. I know where they are getting in, but am afraid to seal it until I have a chance to let them out. In other words I'm danged if I do, and danged if I don't at the moment. I want them gone, but really don't want to kill them as they are a real benefit to the area in the form of insect control (and we have more than our share of mosquitoes already......

Any ideas would sure be appreciated. Thanks.

Build some houses for them outside away from your house, there are lots of plans online.

How are they getting in? Usually attics have screening on vents to prevent their entrance.

Temperatures in your area probably have the bats still active. I've heard to plg the hole after a couple hour of nitefall. They should all be out feeding. Bat poo is bad stuff I believe. Becareful cleaning up after them. my .02 cents worth. gobble

NCWayne,Here is some good info
Get Rid of Bats

seal up "ALL" the cracks with either expanding foam or caulk with the exception of the opening that they are using , then bore a hole in that place to insert a length of 1 and a half inch pvc pipe just about flush with the inside extending out about a foot and wire on a piece of rubber like inner tube and have it draped over the outside opening like flap of sorts, the bats will make their way out but won't be able to re'enter. Maybe building bat houses before doing so might be beneficial if you would like to keep them around .

Oops!. I had to reread your OP and while writing tomturkey posted some of my info. lol
There are three species of bats that are the most frequently found in North Carolina attics, The large brown bat, the little brown bat, and the Brazilian Free-Tailed bat.

Some bats migrate, others don't. I suggest you look on the net and find which species you have as some are protected species. There is lots of information on getting rid of bats in your house and there is specific info for North Carolina. All of this will determine your course of action.

(that is Free-Tailed bat not retail rack)

Wait till well after dark and then go up there and look around to make sure they are gone then close off where they get in. They should be out by an hour or so after dark if not before then. A few bat housed built and set up out side will help keep them around which is a good thing. My self I do not have to worry about bat houses I have 3 caves on the place so they have houses already

like the pvc pipe approach. If you hang screen over where they are leaving. They drop out when leaving. Use plastic screen which is more flexable.

Late at dusk/early dark start making noise like you are coming up. Open the access to attic, etc. Any left in there should move to the opening and leave. Then seal it up. Caulk any cracks. Etc.

I get a hoot out of that response below. Sorry bud, but once it enters my attic it is no longer a "protected species" and I will do what is needed to protect my property.

Nobody mentioned divorce?

That's for getting rid of "the old bat", not bats in general.

I was hired to gut a third floor just to get rid of bats! Every day I would find one, call the Humane Society, and they would come get them. They told me they live in colonies of 16! They can get in thru a hole the size of a dime! This particular house they were coming on thru a crack between the brick chimney and the wood siding-you could see day light thru it! Stuffed it with steel wool-no more bats!

Sulfur candles got rid of them from my garage apt. attic. Garden supply catalogs or hardware store.

Wayne, you might try contacting the local Agricultural Extension Office. Sometimes they are able to help, sometimes they are almost clueless.

good ideas given.
If you have an old house, it's a battle.
like said, the tiniest crack or hole....they'll find it.
the pipe trick works, but in extreme cases, ya need to do
what Old said.
get your spotlight and find the entrances they are using,
then get up there in the dark and seal them.(wear gloves and a hoodie) Just like a horror movie with them all around you up there.
They won't hurt you, ya just have to control your flinch reflex...it's a long way down.
It's not a live and let live situation... Established colonies will grow and return every summer and their waste will stain and collapse ceilings...and it smells just nasty. And they will make even the bravest kids and wives cry when they get in.....so do what ya gotta.
couple tips
keep after them, you are never done. Your house is their home and they know where home is...they will look endlessly for another entrance.
Do your best to seal up the inside of your house before the battle. A few bats will get trapped and they [i:51c260ad91]will[/i:51c260ad91] find their way in looking to escape.
stupid bats, routinely find them on my oil furnace air filter.
and this fall...started my furnace...loud!...dang.
Tore into it to see if I could fix it. found a bat carcass wedged inside the squirrel fan in the [i:51c260ad91]burner[/i:51c260ad91] assembly!?!

I'm a country hick, but I sure wish I could get the time back I've spent battling rats, mice, chipmunks, squirrels, bats, woodchucks, wasps, and hornets... :lol:

I was told if you know where they are getting in to use a cone so they can get out but not in. You can get the cone from a exterminator.

My friend had them in his attic. H used a piece of screen larger than the access on the outside so they could get out but no in. Then sealed up.

Had a bunch invade my mud room,came in through the dog door I guess, tried moth balls etc.
Now I just leave the light on, no more bats.

JMS/MN If you do that in Washington state, you might as well sell the farm and all the assets, and use up the money first!