If you are hearing scratching or chirping noises in your attic or seeing bats flying around your roofline at dusk, you may have a bat colony living in your home. Bats commonly enter through small openings along rooflines, vents, and siding and can remain hidden in attic spaces for long periods of time. New England Wildlife Control provides professional bat removal and bat exclusion services throughout Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts. Our team performs detailed inspections to identify entry points and uses humane exclusion methods to safely remove bats and prevent future wildlife entry.
Many homeowners do not immediately realize bats have moved into their home. Bats are quiet animals and often remain hidden in attic spaces, soffits, or behind siding. However, there are several signs that may indicate a bat colony is present.
Common signs of bats in a home include:
Small droppings (guano) accumulating in the attic or below entry points
Chirping or scratching sounds near the roofline, especially around dusk or dawn
Staining around vents or roof gaps caused by oils from bats’ fur
Seeing bats flying near the roofline at sunset
Strong ammonia-like odor caused by guano accumulation
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to have the home inspected by a professional wildlife specialist.
Bats only need a very small opening (as small as 3/8 inch) to enter a structure. Because of this, homes can develop entry points over time as materials shift or wear.
Common bat entry points include:
Ridge vents
Roof vents
Gable vents
Gaps where siding meets the roofline
Chimney gaps
Fascia or soffit openings
During an inspection, we carefully evaluate the entire roofline and exterior to locate active entry points and potential secondary openings.
Bats cannot be trapped or poisoned. The only safe and humane method of removal is a bat exclusion.
Our exclusion process typically includes:
Full home inspection to locate bat activity and entry points
Installation of one-way exclusion devices that allow bats to exit but not re-enter
Sealing of secondary gaps and openings around the structure
Monitoring activity to ensure the colony has left
Final sealing of primary entry points
This process allows bats to safely leave the home while preventing them from returning.
Bat removal is regulated to protect bat populations, especially during the maternity season when baby bats cannot fly.
In most cases, exclusions cannot be performed between late spring and mid-summer because flightless pups may be present in the colony.
If bats are discovered during this restricted period, an inspection can still be completed and a removal plan scheduled for the appropriate time.
The cost of bat removal can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the home, the number of entry points, roof accessibility, and the size of the bat colony.
Bat removal typically involves more than simply removing the animals. A proper bat exclusion requires identifying all possible entry points and sealing them so bats cannot return once they leave.
Factors that influence cost include:
Size and height of the home
Number of rooflines and dormers
Condition of vents and ridge lines
Number of potential wildlife entry points
Amount of exclusion work required
Because every home is different, the best way to determine cost is through a professional inspection. After identifying entry points and areas that need to be secured, we provide a detailed estimate for the recommended work.
Several bat species are commonly found in New England homes. The most frequent species encountered in residential structures include:
Little Brown Bat
This is one of the most common bats found in attics throughout the Northeast. They often form maternity colonies and prefer tight spaces along rooflines or behind siding.
Big Brown Bat
Big brown bats are slightly larger and are known for their ability to overwinter inside buildings. They often roost in attics, barns, and wall voids.
Both species are beneficial to the environment because they consume large numbers of insects each night. However, when bats move into homes, professional exclusion is necessary to safely remove them and prevent future entry.
Occasionally a bat may accidentally enter the living space of a home. This often happens when a bat becomes disoriented or finds its way from an attic or wall void into the interior of the house.
While this situation can be alarming, bats are generally not aggressive and are usually trying to find a way back outside.
If you discover a bat inside your home, follow these steps:
1. Stay calm and keep your distance
Avoid attempting to catch or handle the bat directly.
2. Isolate the room if possible
Close interior doors to prevent the bat from flying into other parts of the house.
3. Open a window or exterior door
Turn off interior lights and allow the bat an opportunity to leave on its own.
4. Do not swat or chase the bat
This can cause the bat to become more disoriented.
If the bat does not leave on its own, or if you suspect bats may be living in your attic, a professional wildlife inspection is recommended to identify how the bat entered the home.
New England Wildlife Control provides bat inspections and humane bat exclusion services throughout Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts to safely resolve bat issues and prevent future entry.
Bat activity around the home can be frustrating, but identifying the source of the problem is the first step toward resolving it. A professional inspection allows us to evaluate the roofline, attic areas, and exterior of the home to determine where bats may be accessing the structure.
