Bats in the attic

Symptoms

• High-pitched squeaking or scratching sounds, especially around dusk
• Small dark droppings (guano) that crumble easily, often found near an entry point
• Bats seen leaving the roofline at dusk in a steady stream

Likely causes

• CommonSmall gap at the roofline, soffit, or ridge ventBats can squeeze through openings as small as three-eighths of an inch.
• CommonAttic offering a warm, sheltered roosting siteAttics mimic the caves or hollow trees bats naturally roost in, especially in warmer months.
• PossibleMaternity colony established in spring or summerFemale bats often form maternity roosts, which affects the legal and practical timing of removal.

What to do

1. Avoid direct contact with bats, and do not attempt to handle, trap, or remove them yourself.
2. Watch at dusk from a safe distance to see roughly how many bats are exiting and from where, which helps identify the entry point.
3. Understand that in most US states, bats are protected and cannot be excluded during maternity season (typically late spring through summer) when flightless young may be present.
4. Contact a licensed wildlife control professional experienced with bats, since timing and method matter both for effectiveness and legal compliance.
5. Have any area with accumulated droppings professionally cleaned, since bat guano can pose a respiratory health risk if disturbed and inhaled.
6. Follow up on exclusion device installation (typically a one-way valve) and confirm all bats have left before the entry point is sealed.
7. Have entry points sealed properly afterward to prevent bats from returning the following season.

When to call a pro

Call a licensed wildlife control professional experienced with bat exclusion; this is not a DIY project both for safety and legal reasons.

Safety