Common Methods to Deter Bats from Lingering or Hanging

Even after a successful bat exclusion, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to see bats lingering around the exterior of their property. While professional exclusion significantly reduces the number of bats living in your home, it doesn’t always stop these wild creatures from flying nearby or briefly roosting on porches and decks. In this article, we’ll explore common methods to deter bats from lingering and hanging, reviewing both research-backed techniques and practical approaches from our experience at Durand’s Bat Removal.

Scent-Based Deterrents

Natural Repellents

Many homeowners try to use natural scents to deter bats. Common suggestions include:

• Cinnamon Sticks:
  The strong odor of cinnamon is thought to be unpleasant for bats. Some people place cinnamon sticks around areas where bats might roost.

• Moth Balls:
  Moth balls release a potent chemical scent that can repel bats. However, be cautious as moth balls can be toxic to pets, children, and the environment if misused.

• Peppermint Extract:
  Another popular scent is peppermint extract. Spraying a diluted mixture around entry points or roosting spots is often recommended.

Effectiveness and Limitations

Research and field experience indicate that these scents can have a temporary repelling effect on bats. However, bats are remarkably adaptable. If the same scent is used continuously, they tend to become habituated and may eventually ignore it. One strategy that has shown promise is alternating scents weekly—using cinnamon one week, moth balls the next, and peppermint extract the following week. This approach can help keep bats from getting used to any one odor, although it still may not provide a permanent solution.

Ultrasonic and Light-Based Deterrents

Ultrasonic Devices

Ultrasonic bat repellents are designed to emit high-frequency sounds that are supposed to deter bats. These devices claim to create an unpleasant environment by producing sound waves that disrupt bat echolocation.

• Research Insights:
  Studies and user experiences have generally found that while bats may initially react to the unfamiliar noise, they quickly adapt. In practice, ultrasonic devices often fail to provide consistent or lasting results in deterring bats.

Light Deterrents

Some homeowners believe that increased lighting, such as floodlights or motion-activated lights, will scare bats away. The logic is that bats prefer the cover of darkness and will avoid well-lit areas.

• Research Insights:
  In reality, lights may attract more insects, inadvertently drawing bats to the area for feeding. While lights might help in some situations, they are not a reliable method to keep bats at bay and may even exacerbate the problem if insects are attracted.

Physical Barriers: Bat Netting

Bat netting is a physical deterrent that prevents bats from landing or roosting in specific areas of your property. It’s a fine mesh barrier that, when installed properly, blocks access to porches, decks, or other vulnerable spots.

• Optimal Placement:
  Bat netting should be installed across appropriate hot-spots for hangers. Not all spaces are ideal for bat netting, and at times you may need to install netting in multiple areas.

• Secure Attachment:
  Our professional team ensures that the netting is securely attached using appropriate hardware and techniques, making it both effective and durable. For example, if there is even small openings around the area where the netting is secured, bats can squeeze through.

Types of Bat Netting

There are generally two options available:

• Budget-Friendly Netting:
  A simpler, less expensive option that is easier to install and remove, though it may not offer the most polished appearance.

• Premium Cable-Stretched Netting:
  A more sophisticated system that uses cables to ensure the netting is taut and aesthetically pleasing. This option is more durable and long-lasting but comes at a higher cost.

Bat netting provides a reliable physical barrier that can deter bats from landing in targeted areas. While it may not prevent bats from flying near your property, it is effective at reducing their presence in specific roosting spots.

Integrated Approach: Combining Methods for Best Results

Professional Bat Exclusion as the Foundation

It’s important to remember that no single deterrent method is foolproof on its own. The most effective approach is to start with professional bat exclusion. By sealing all entry points in your home, you remove the primary roosting sites for bats. Once this has been achieved, additional deterrents can be used to reduce any lingering bat activity.

Supplementing with Deterrents

After exclusion, you might still notice some bats hanging around as they search for new roosting sites or feed on insects attracted to your property. In such cases:

• Alternate Scent Deterrents:
  Rotate between different scents (cinnamon, moth balls, peppermint) to keep bats from getting habituated.

• Consider Physical Barriers:
  If specific areas, such as porches or decks, are consistently used by bats for resting, installing bat netting can provide an effective physical barrier.

• Be Cautious with Ultrasonic and Light Devices:
  While these may offer minor benefits, they should not be relied on as the primary means of deterrence.

Why Bats May Still Be Seen Around Your Home

It’s essential to understand that bats are wild, mobile animals. Even after successful exclusion, they may still fly near your property in search of food or alternative roosts. This behavior is normal and does not necessarily indicate a failure of your bat exclusion efforts.

Environmental Factors

• Feeding Grounds:
  If your property is near natural insect hotspots, such as water bodies or fields, bats will naturally be drawn to the area to feed.

• Seasonal Activity:
  During peak feeding times, bats are more active, and even a well-sealed home may have occasional bat visitors.

Just as a fence cannot completely stop birds from flying overhead, a properly bat-proofed home cannot prevent bats from occasionally flying near or resting temporarily on external structures. The goal is to ensure that bats do not roost or establish a colony in your home.

Conclusion

While there are many methods available to deter bats from lingering around your property, no approach is entirely foolproof. Scent-based deterrents, ultrasonic devices, and light-based methods may offer temporary relief, but bats are adaptable and persistent. Physical barriers like bat netting provide a more reliable solution in targeted areas, especially when used as part of a comprehensive strategy that starts with professional bat exclusion.

At Durand’s Bat Removal, we recommend focusing on thorough exclusion to secure your home first, and then considering supplementary deterrents only if necessary. Remember, bats are wild creatures that will naturally roam in search of food and shelter. The aim is not to completely eliminate bat activity around your property, but to prevent them from establishing a roost in your home.

By understanding bat behavior and using a multi-faceted approach, you can reduce the risk of bat infestations and maintain a safe, bat-free living environment. If you have concerns about bats lingering near your home, consult with a professional bat removal service for a comprehensive assessment and tailored solutions.