Can I Remove Bats Myself? Why Professional Help Is Essential
If you've discovered bats in your attic, chimney, or walls, you might be wondering: “Can I just get rid of them myself?” It's a common question, especially for homeowners looking to save money or handle the issue quickly. But when it comes to bats, DIY removal often does more harm than good—for both you and the bats.
In this article, we’ll explore why professional help is not only safer and more effective, but often required by law.
1. It’s Illegal to Remove Bats the Wrong Time of Year
In many states, including Colorado, it's illegal to remove bats during certain times of the year—especially when pups (baby bats) are still nursing and unable to fly. Blocking bats out during these times can separate mothers from their young, leaving the pups to die inside your home, which creates a bigger health hazard and legal issue.
A professional knows your local bat laws and understands seasonal protections.
2. Bats Are a Protected Species
Most bats in North America are protected under federal or state wildlife conservation laws. Improper removal can lead to hefty fines or criminal charges. Professionals follow exclusion methods that remove bats humanely and legally, without harming them.
3. You Could Be Exposing Yourself to Health Hazards
Bats can carry rabies—a deadly virus that is transmitted through bites or scratches. While encounters with rabid bats are rare, the risk is real. Guano (bat droppings) can also carry histoplasmosis, a serious respiratory disease that spreads through airborne fungal spores.
Professionals use protective equipment, maintain vaccines, use proper cleaning protocols, and utilize training to minimize exposure to these risks.
4. You Probably Don’t Have the Tools or Training
Successfully removing bats requires more than a ladder and some caulk. It involves:
Identifying every active and potential entry point.
Installing one-way exclusion devices.
Sealing the structure at just the right time and in the right sequence.
Understanding bat behavior to avoid trapping them inside.
It takes years of experience to know how to fully “bat-proof” a building. A missed gap the size of a dime is enough to allow bats back in.
5. DIY Fixes Often Create Bigger Problems
Homeowners who try to remove bats themselves often end up:
Trapping bats inside walls or attic spaces.
Forcing bats deeper into inaccessible areas.
Missing seasonal windows and prolonging the issue.
Making the eventual professional job more complex—and costly.
Hiring an expert early can save you both time and money in the long run.
6. It’s About More Than Just Removal
Bat exclusion is a process, not a one-time fix. A true professional will:
Inspect your entire home—roof, vents, eaves, soffits, and siding.
Identify colony size and droppings to determine contamination.
Recommend guano cleanup if necessary.
Ensure your structure is sealed for the long term.
You’re not just paying for removal; you’re investing in peace of mind.
Conclusion: Call a Professional So It’s Done Right the First Time
While it may be tempting to try bat removal on your own, the risks far outweigh the rewards. From health hazards to legal consequences and ineffective sealing, it’s a job best left to trained professionals.
If you're serious about solving your bat problem safely and permanently, call a licensed bat removal expert. We’re here to help make sure your home is bat-free: legally, humanely, and for good.