A Guide to Bats for North Carolina Homeowners

Bats are small, flying, nocturnal mammals that are common throughout North Carolina. Although bats play a beneficial role in our ecosystem by controlling insect populations, they can also become household pests. When bats roost in your attic, they will cause serious damage with their droppings (called “guano“) and place your household at risk of rabies transmission.

Bat Roosting Season in Raleigh, NC

Each year, pregnant female bats gather to give birth to their pups in a safe, sheltered place. Unfortunately, the attics of our homes provide mother bats in the Raleigh area with exactly the sort of shelter they’re looking for. Bat roosting season in Raleigh lasts from May 1 to July 31. During this three-month period, bat removal is illegal. Because of this, it’s recommended to take measures to prevent bats from entering your home before roosting season begins.

Identifying Signs of a Bat Infestation

Homeowners in the Raleigh area often become aware of a bat infestation when the stench of guano becomes apparent. Bat guano has a strong musty scent similar to ammonia, and this scent will become overpowering as guano accumulates in your attic space. Another common sign of a bat infestation is actually seeing bats flying around your roofline at dawn and twilight, when they go in and out to feed on insects. If you listen carefully, you may also hear the bats squeaking and fluttering around in your attic.

Ethical Bat Removal

As a beneficial wildlife species, bats are protected by law in North Carolina and cannot be killed without a permit. If bats enter your home, your best option is not to kill them, but to have them humanely removed by a local wildlife control company. Wildlife management technicians can also bat-proof your home to prevent future problems with these winged critters.

Benefits of Working with Bat Control Professionals

Professional bat control technicians in the Raleigh area are licensed and specially trained to remove bats from local homes. These experts know how to get rid of bats in ways that are humane for the animals and safe for your property. Bat removal companies can also clean up your attic and other infested spaces, removing guano – which can be a health hazard – and replacing soiled insulation.