13 Natural Ways & Home Remedies to Get rid of Bats [Step by Step]

Bats are mammals belonging to the order Chiroptera. They are the only flying mammals in the world. They are found everywhere except for the Arctic and the Antarctic. Bats make their home in caves, trees, barns, attics, and even inside your house if you let them.

Bats are nocturnal creatures which mean they are mainly active at night when they hunt for food. Bats eat insects and other small creatures like spiders, scorpions and lizards.

Unlike popular notions, bats are not blind. However, they rely less on their sight than other senses. Bats emit an ultrasonic sound to locate their prey and to navigate around objects. Bats play an important role in maintaining the ecological balance.

However, they can also be carriers of diseases like rabies. Bat infestation can be a problem in urban areas and to control it we have listed several natural methods.

13 Effective Home Remedies to Get Rid of Bats Naturally

1. Aluminum Foil

Using Aluminum foil (also called tin foil in the US) is an easy way to get rid of bats. Bats get disturbed by the shiny, reflective surface of the foil. The best way to use aluminum foil is by hanging strips near the bat-infested area.

The constant motion of the foil coupled with its reflective surface will make the bats uncomfortable and they will leave the area. Aluminum or tin foil is easily available in stores.

Required Material:

  • Aluminum Foil
  • Scissors

Step by Step Process:

  • Identify the area where you have spotted the bats.
  • Cut the aluminum foil into strips using scissors.
  • Hang the strips in the area where you saw the bats. If the roosting place is a tree, you can hang the strips on the branches. If the bats are in the attic or other indoor area hang the strips on rafters or any high objects nearby.
  • Keep the aluminum foil hanging there until you stop seeing bats.

Precautions:

Bat droppings, often called guano, can contain a fungus known as Histoplasma which when inhaled can cause a disease called Histoplasmosis. Avoid touching the droppings and wear a mask and gloves if possible.

2. Mirrors

Mirrors work the same way as aluminum foil in getting rid of bats. Any light reflecting from the surface of the mirror disturbs the bats.

By placing mirrors at strategic spots in a bat-infested area you will ensure the bats move away.

Required Material:

  • Mirrors

Step by Step Process:

  • Identify the area where you have spotted the bats.
  • Place the mirrors there in such a way that they reflect light towards the bats.
  • Have a light shining towards the mirrors while the bats are asleep. This will reflect towards the bats and they will not be able to rest well.
  • Keep the mirrors there until you stop seeing bats.

Precautions:

You can be sure there are bat droppings all over the place where they roost. Bat droppings, contains a fungus known as Histoplasma which when inhaled can cause a disease called Histoplasmosis. Avoid touching the droppings and wear a mask and gloves if possible.

3. Mothballs

Bats hate the smell of moth balls just like other pests. Moth balls contain the chemical naphthalene. The fumes released by the moth balls make bats sick.

This method works best if the bats are indoors. A few mothballs in areas infested by bats can ensure that they never come back.

Mothballs can be ordered online or are available in stores. This method has sometimes been criticized as being ineffective but you can give it a try and see if it works for you.

Required Material:

  • Moth balls

Step by Step Process:

  • Identify the areas where you have seen the bats.
  • Place a couple of mothballs in those areas.
  • Wait for a few days to see the results.

Precautions:

The fumes released by moth balls can be harmful to children and pets. Do not allow them in the area. Make sure to remove the moth balls once the bats have left for good.

4. Peppermint Oil

Just like other pests and rodents, bats detest the smell of essential oils. This is especially true of peppermint oil. Spraying a solution of peppermint oil and water can remove bats from the area.

The best time to spray is after sunset when bats leave their roosting place to hunt for food. Peppermint oil is easily available in stores or your local Walmart.

Required Material:

  • Peppermint Oil
  • Warm water
  • A spray bottle

Step by Step Process:

  • Identify the area where the bats are and their entry points.
  • Fill the spray bottle with warm water.
  • Add about 20-25 drops of peppermint oil.
  • Spray it all around the area.
  • Spray on surfaces near the entry points and the strong smell will prevent the bats from entering.
  • The more concentrated the peppermint oil, the more are the chances of success.

Precautions:

Take precautions when spraying near bat infested areas. Avoid any contact with bat droppings(guano) as they can carry diseases.

5. Cinnamon Oil

Just like peppermint bats also hate the smell of cinnamon. Spraying cinnamon oil near roosting areas is a good way of repelling bats.

The strong smell of cinnamon will drive the bats away. Cinnamon is easily available and is a good natural way of getting rid of bats. The best time to spray is after sunset when bats leave their roosting place to hunt for food.

Required Material:

  • Cinnamon Oil
  • Warm water
  • A spray bottle

Step by Step Process:

  • Identify the area where the bats are roosting as well as their entry points.
  • Fill the spray bottle with warm water.
  • Add about 20-25 drops of the cinnamon oil.
  • Spray it all around the roosting area.
  • Spray on surfaces near the entry points and the strong smell will prevent the bats from entering.
  • The more concentrated the cinnamon oil, the more are the chances of success.

Precautions:

Take precautions when spraying near bat infested areas. Avoid any contact with bat droppings(guano) as they can cause diseases like Histoplasmosis which affect the lungs.

6. Bat Exclusion Netting

This is one of the most recommended methods to prevent bats from entering your home. Bat exclusion netting is used when you have bats roosting in places inside your house like the attic or lofts.

These nets have a mesh size of a quarter of an inch or smaller. When placed at entry points it works by allowing the bats to get out, but prevent them from coming inside. Bat exclusion netting is available in stores or your local Walmart.

Required Material:

  • Bat exclusion netting
  • Duct tape

Step by Step Process:

  • Identify the entry point from where the bats enter your house to roost.
  • Secure the top, left and right sides of the net to the entry point using duct tape. The bottom part must remain free.
  • The bat will try to get out and fall to the bottom of the netting from where it can fly out. However, it won’t be able to return the same way.

Precautions:

Bats give birth in the months of May and June. Bat exclusion should be done after August to prevent any pups from getting trapped inside and to give them a chance to leave.

7. Bat Cone

A bat cone works on the same principle as a bat exclusion net. It lets bats out, but prevents them from coming inside.

Instead of netting we use a cylindrical plastic tube with a base at one end. The bat cone is then mounted on the entry point.

Bats wishing to fly out can easily do so, but will not be able to re-enter because of the way the cone is shaped. You can purchase a bat cone from the store or even use a simple plastic pipe for the purpose.

Required Material:

  • Bat cone

Step by Step Process:

  • Identify the entry point of the bats.
  • Mount the base of the bat cone on the entry hole from outside and fix it there.
  • The bats inside the house will clamber out through the opening but will be unable to get inside the same way.
  • Keep the bat cone there for a few days until you are satisfied all the bats have left.

Precautions:

As with the bat exclusion net you have to use this method after August to make sure no bat cubs are trapped inside the house. It’s illegal to kill bats.

8. Plastic Jar

If you come across a bat in your house, don’t freak out. You can get it safely out using a plastic jar and a piece of cardboard. All you have to do is trap the bat in the jar and carry it outside.

Required Material:

  • Plastic jar
  • Cardboard piece

Step by Step Process:

  • Don’t try to catch the bat while it’s flying. Wait till it lands.
  • Take the lid off the jar and place the mouth of the jar carefully over the bat.
  • Slide the cardboard under it.
  • Turn the jar over so the bat falls inside it.
  • Place the lid on the jar so the bat gets trapped inside.
  • Carry the jar to a distant place. Once there open it and let the bat out.

Precautions:

Wear gloves to ensure you don’t get bitten by accident by the panicked bat. In case you get bitten keep the bat and have it tested for rabies. You also need to get medical help for the bite.

9. White Phenol

Bats hate the smell of white phenol. You can take advantage of this fact by spraying bat infested areas with phenol. The bats will find the smell unbearable and leave the place.

Required Material:

  • White Phenol
  • Spray bottle

Step by Step Process:

  • Identify the bat-infested areas as well as the entry points.
  • Fill the spray bottle with white phenol.
  • Spray on the areas and the entry points.
  • Continue for a few days till all the bats have gone.

Precautions:

Constant exposure to phenol fumes can be harmful to humans and pets. Keep children and pets away from the area while using this method. Protect your eyes from the spray by wearing glasses. Wear a mask and gloves if possible.

10. Water Spray

Killing bats is not only inhuman but in most parts of the US it is illegal. If you have a bat colony in or around your house, a simple way to discourage them is to spray water in their roosting area.

Water does not harm them, but the bats get disturbed enough to leave the area and seek greener pastures.

Required Material:

  • Water
  • Spray bottle

Step by Step Process:

  • Identify the area where the bats roost.
  • Fill the spray bottle with water.
  • Spray directly on the bats while they are asleep. They get disturbed and fly away.
  • Continue for a few days till all the bats have gone.

Precautions:

Make sure there are no baby bats as they may not be able to fly and can get hurt. You can wait till the end of August when all the pups have been weaned and are ready to fly.

Wear gloves to prevent getting bitten accidentally by the panicked bats. Wear a mask to prevent inhaling bat droppings or guano as they can affect the lungs.

11. Floodlights/ Bright Lights

Bats are nocturnal creatures. They prefer dark places where they can be sure predators cannot see them. That’s why they are attracted to places like attics and lofts.

A good idea to try if you have a bat infestation is to deny the bats a safe, dark place. This can be done by installing bright lights in dark areas. Outside the house, you may even install floodlights to light up the area. The bats will fly away from the brightly lit places.

Required Material:

  • Bright lights/ Floodlights

Step by Step Process:

  • Identify the area in the house where the bats roost.
  • Install some bright lights in the area.
  • Install the floodlights outside the house.
  • Switch on the lights and keep them on.
  • Continue this process till all the bats have gone.

Precautions:

While installing the lights, wear a mask to prevent inhaling bat droppings or guano as they can cause diseases which affect the lungs.

12. Bat Box/ Bat House

You can build or get a house for bats to roost just like you do for birds. With a house of their own bats are less likely to invade yours.

The advantage of having bats outside the house is that they get rid of insects. Bat houses can be purchased online if you don’t want the trouble of building one yourself.

Apart from that such bat houses are designed to attract bats. You can install the bat house on a pole or on a wooden post.

Required Material:

  • Bat box kit with custom cut wooden parts, fasteners and mounting brackets

Step by Step Process:

  • Identify the area where you want to build the bat box. Poles, wooden posts and sides of buildings are good places to install it.
  • Assemble the bat box kit according to the instructions.
  • The bats will start roosting in the bat box.

Precautions:

Avoid placing the bat house on trees as the branches will restrain the movements of the bats. Clean out the droppings regularly as they can be detrimental to health.

13. Heat Treatment

Bats, like other creature are susceptible to extreme heat and cold. Hibernating bats require a temperature ranging from 35-40 Fahrenheit. Temperatures above it slowly drains them of energy while temperatures below it can freeze them.

Hence it can be a good idea to increase the heat in their roosting areas just enough to make them uncomfortable.

The bats will then leave the area in search of better places to hibernate. You can install a room heater in the roosting area to increase the temperature.

Required Material:

  • Room Heater

Step by Step Process:

  • Identify the area where the bats have begun hibernating.
  • Plugin the heater into an electric socket nearby and switch it on.
  • Keep on increasing the heat till the bats feel uncomfortable and begin to leave.
  • Continue this process till all the bats have gone.

Precautions:

Make sure to use this method in October-November when the bats begin to hibernate. Wear gloves to prevent getting bitten accidentally by any bat. Wear a mask to prevent inhaling bat droppings or guano as they can affect the lungs.

5 Natural Ways to Prevent Bats

We have looked at some of the best natural methods of getting rid of bats. Now let’s talk about natural ways of preventing them from visiting your home.

1. Eliminate the food source

Bats feed on insects and other pests. They are naturally attracted to any place where food is in abundance. Keep control on the insect population in your area.

Get rid of flies, ants, wasps and other insects which act as the food source of bats. Besides insect’s certain species of bats feed on fruits.

An abundance of fruits in the area would attract them. Remove fallen fruits from the ground. Keep the area around the house clear of waste which attracts insects which in turn attracts bats.

Besides food bats also like to stay where there is sufficient water. Remove any such water from the area.

Standing water also attracts mosquitoes which bats feed on. Get rid of any water in containers around the house.

Make sure to change your pet’s water daily. Removing their food and water source is a key part of preventing bats from infesting your place.

2. Eliminate roosting places

Bats are fond of dark, quiet places. Whenever they find such places, they roost there. Attics, lofts, roofs and other dark places are generally where bats are found inside the house.

Check these areas regularly for signs of infestation. Droppings on the floor are a sure sign that bats have made their home in the area.

Check for any openings or holes which may serve as entry points for bats. Plug these openings or have them sealed with a sealant.

Pay special attention to areas where wires enter the house and ensure there are no cracks. With all entry points closed bats are not likely to enter.

3. Repair or close all entry points

Damaged walls with holes in them can provide bats with access to the house. Make sure to repair the walls and seal off cracks and holes with sealants.

Inspect other places like the roof and sides of the house to see if there are any gaps or holes which serve as entry points to bats. Pay special attention to the areas where wires enter the house.

Close or block these openings or use a sealant to seal them off. With all entry points blocked bats will not find a way inside. 

4. Inspect barns and sheds

Barns, sheds and other such places outside the house are a favorite roosting place for bats. The dark interior with little disturbance attracts them.

Inspect these areas regularly for any sign of bats. Keep the interior free of clutter. Check for any openings that serve as potential entry points for bats. Seal off any such opening if you find one. Keep the barn or shed closed when not in use. 

5. Fiberglass Usage

A good way of preventing bats from entering is to insulate walls, floors or other surfaces with fiberglass. Fiberglass material causes irritation to bats’ skin and acts as a deterrent.

Fiberglass can be placed in walls, ceilings, roofs, floors, doors, paneling or any other surface. Apart from deterring bats fiberglass also insulates against temperature changes as it slows the spread of heat and cold. 

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Final Words:

Bats are an essential part of the eco system. They help by feeding on insects and other pests. However, bat infestation poses great danger as bats are carriers of rabies and other viruses.

Knowing how to control bats, therefore, becomes essential. Hopefully, the methods we have listed here will come in handy for you.