Bat season is currently in full swing in the Valley of the Sun, and as local residents who spend time outside at dusk or dawn know, these small flying mammals are often seen darting about the sky. While they are a beneficial predator that eat mosquitoes and other pests, the experts at Burns Pest Elimination warn it can be quite harmful if they fly indoors. So, how can Arizona residents keep bats out of their house?

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“While bats almost never cause health issues and very rarely carry the rabies virus, they can cause a slew of other issues for homeowners,” said Mike Boyle with Burns Pest Elimination.

To help area homeowners get through bat season, Burns shared insights and advice on what people need to know about discouraging bats from taking up residence in their homes.  

First, he noted, it’s important to learn the signs of bat activity around a home. “These include hearing

scratching or squeaking noises at dusk or dawn, which is when bats are waking up and then settling down,” Boyle said. “Also, people may find bat droppings, called guano, near the eaves or on attic floors, and they might notice an ammonia-like odor, which is also from bat poop.”

Spotting greasy stains around potential entry holes can also indicate that bats have been getting inside, he added.

As for how bats get inside, Boyle said they look for holes in the wall, roof or window screens.

“Anywhere that bats can get in, they will. They are looking for the urban version of a cave in which they can roost,” he said.

If bats do make it inside, Boyle said the main concern will be the piles of guano they will leave behind.

To keep bats from getting inside a home, Boyle suggests the following tips:

• Seal all gaps larger than ½-inch near the roofline and siding

• Install chimney caps and attic vent covers

• Replace damaged screens

• Avoid leaving porch or attic lights on, which attract insects—and in turn, bats

If homeowners find a bat in their home, or evidence that they are interested in moving in, Boyle advises them to call the experts to help rather than trying to take care of it themselves.

“It’s a big nasty job that has to be done right,” Boyle said. “It’s important to remember that it’s illegal to hurt the bats because they are a protected species, and you must make sure all that guano gets removed.”

For more information on Burns Pest Elimination and their services, or to get a free quote, contact 602.971.4782 or visit www.burnspestelimination.com.