Bat Removal in Houston: A Homeowner’s Guide

Bats are one of the most common nuisance wildlife issues that Houston homeowners face. While bats play an important role in the ecosystem, they can cause problems when they roost in attics or buildings. Bat droppings and urine can damage insulation, walls, and ceilings. Bats also have the potential to transmit diseases to humans. For these reasons, bat removal in Houston is often needed in homes.

Common Bat Species in Houston

There are several species of bats that make their home in the Houston area:

Brazilian Free-Tailed Bats

Also called Mexican free-tailed bats, these are the most common species in Houston. They form large colonies and roost in attics, barns, under siding, and bridges.

Big Brown Bats

The big brown bat is a larger species that lives throughout Texas. They will roost in man-made structures and can be found alone or in small groups.

Evening Bats

These medium-sized bats have dark brown to reddish fur. They roost in tree cavities and under roof shingles and siding.

Tri-Colored Bats

As their name suggests, these small bats have three different colored fur. They use trees as roosts but may find cavities in buildings.

Signs of Bats in Your Home

Watch for these signs that bats may have infested your home:

• Bat droppings – These look like dark rice grains and accumulate in attics or porches.
• Bat sounds – High-pitched chattering at night indicates roosting bats.
• Rub marks or grease stains – Marks on walls or vents from bats entering the building.
• Bats exiting at dusk – Bats leaving en masse to forage at night points to a daytime roost.
• Odd smells – The scent of bats comes from the accumulated urine and guano.

If you observe any of these signs, it’s likely there are bats roosting on your property. An inspection and removal should be done as soon as possible.

Health Risks from Bats

Bat infestations can create two major health issues:

• Rabies – Bats are the most common source of rabies in Texas. Their teeth and claws can transmit rabies through even a small scratch.
• Histoplasmosis – This lung infection is caused by fungus that grows in accumulated bat droppings. It is stirred up by disturbances and can be inhaled.

These diseases are serious health hazards, so bat colonies should never be contacted directly. Always use protective masks and gloves if exposure to droppings is possible.

Do-It-Yourself Bat Removal Dangers

Attempting to remove bats yourself may seem like a money-saving option, but this often creates more problems:

• Bats chased out of one entry point will simply find another way back in. All entrances must be identified and sealed.
• Improper bat exclusion techniques can trap bats inside, creating odor issues, health hazards, and possible property damage.
• DIY removal risks exposure bites and scratches that can transmit rabies. Special training and protective gear is essential.
• Bat colonies have state and federal protections. Only properly licensed removers can handle bats.

For these reasons, bat removal is a job that is best left to trained and certified wildlife professionals.

When to Remove Bats

To ensure a successful elimination and prevent bats from returning or being trapped inside, removal should only be done at certain times of year:

Spring – After pups can fly but before females migrate to summer sites. This is the ideal time to allow exclusion without separating mothers from pups.

Fall – After pups are self-sufficient but before hibernation. Females leave roosts at this time, allowing for full colony exclusion.

Winter – Bats have migrated away or are hibernating, allowing safe roost cleanup and sealing.

Avoid removing bats during summer maternity season when flightless pups are present. Wait for migration seasons for humane, effective removal.

Professional Bat Removal Process

A professional bat removal involves multiple steps performed over two visits:

Inspection

Locating all bat entryways into the home using visual checks and special equipment. This identifies the scope of the problem.

Initial Exclusion

Installing one-way exclusion devices over entry points. These let bats exit at night to forage but cannot re-enter. This begins the eviction process.

Final Exclusion

After confirming all bats have exited, sealing all remaining openings permanently with exclusion netting, foam, flashing, steel mesh, and caulk. This prevents re-entry.

Guano Cleanup

Once bats are excluded, decontaminating roost areas by removing guano droppings and urine safely using proper protective gear.

Follow-up Inspection

Conducting final inspection to ensure no bats remain trapped inside and all openings are successfully sealed. Monitoring for any new attempted entries.

Professional bat removal takes patience over multiple visits. Rushing the process creates the risks of bats returning, contamination exposure, and property damage.

Cost of Professional Bat Removal

Professional bat removal costs on average $600-$1,200 in the Houston area. However, exact pricing depends on:

• Number of entry points needing exclusion
• Location of entry points
• Amount of accumulated guano and urine present

Larger infestations or difficult access areas may cost more. Get a site inspection and free estimate before booking any bat removal services.

How to Choose a Bat Removal Company

When selecting a Houston bat removal service, look for:

• Licensing – Choose a company licensed specifically for nuisance wildlife control by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.
• Experience – Look for at least 5 years handling Houston-area bat infestations. Check how many bat jobs they perform annually.
• Reputation – Read online reviews on Google, Facebook, and the Better Business Bureau. Look for responsiveness to issues.
• Humane methods – Ensure they humanely exclude rather than harm bats and do not use risky poison or fumigation.
• Insurance – Pick a contractor insured for liability and workers compensation in case of property damage or injuries.
• Guarantee – Opt for a company that guarantees their exclusion work and provides free follow-up inspections.

Hiring a qualified, ethical bat removal company ensures the bats are dealt with properly while eliminating health hazards and property damage.

Preventing Future Bat Problems

To help avoid future bat invasions after removal is completed:

• Identify and fix deficiencies in roofing, siding, vents, and trim that allow easy entry.
• Seal any gaps or crevices greater than 1/4 inch using exclusion netting, caulk, foam, or steel mesh.
• Trim back any tree branches touching the home.
• Keep gutters clean and proper drainage around the home.
• Install exterior lighting with motion sensors and ultrasonic deterrents.

Taking proactive exclusion measures deters bats from invading your home again later. Catching issues early also allows for easier removals.

Conclusion

While bats naturally serve a role in controlling insects, professional wildlife removal is recommended once they have roosted in your home. Only licensed specialists should handle exclusions due to rabies risks. With proper removal and follow-up sealing repairs performed at the right times of year, homeowners can successfully get rid of invasive bats and prevent future colonies from taking up residence.