We Can Help with Your Bat Problem
More than 15 species of bats live in Washington, from the common little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) to the rare Townsend's big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii). Head to tail, bats range in length from the 2.5-inch-long canyon bat (Parastrellus hesperus), to the 6-inch long hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus).
Bats in Washington state are highly beneficial to people, eating as much as their own body weight in insects each night during summer (including mosquitoes!). The danger posed by bats is very minimal: less than one bat in 20,000 has rabies, and no Washington bats feed on blood.
Bats in Your Home—In a Wall Space or Attic
It’s not uncommon for bats to roost in a house or attic if they can gain access. Some of our local Washington bat species actually prefer man-made structures to their natural roosts, while others are forced to roost in buildings when natural roosts, such as caves and hollow trees, are destroyed.
During the winter months, bats look for hibernation sites in large trees, caves, and yes—attics.
For many people bats are welcome neighbors. For others, bats can be a worry, especially when they become unwanted guests in an attic, inside a wall of a home, or inside the home itself.
Bat Exclusion
If you have bats in your home that you would like removed, please call us! Trying to remove the bats yourself can have severe consequences for these helpful little critters.
It is important not to disturb hibernating bats. If a bat rouses early from hibernation, it must use its fat reserves to increase its body temperature. If disturbed multiple times, hibernating bats may starve to death before spring. Also, it is important not to disturb roosting bats at any time of the year. In the spring, disturbing a maternity colony when flightless young are present may cause young bats to be dropped to their deaths, or abandoned, by panicked females.
The best way to remove bats is through a process called “exclusion,” which simply means allowing them to leave, but not return. We have extensive experience excluding bats in a smart and humane way, and we can also help with the decontamination and cleanup of any mess (droppings) the bats may have left behind.
Legal Status
All species of bats are classified as protected wildlife and cannot be hunted, trapped, or killed (WAC 232-12-011). The Department of Fish and Wildlife makes exceptions for bats found in or immediately adjacent to a dwelling or other occupied building. In such cases, these animals may legally be removed and no permit is necessary (WAC 232-12-011).