How to Get Rid of Bats
Summary: Bats can find nesting spots in the most surprising locations. Learn how to get rid of bats without causing harm to these animals that are so important to our environment.
Maggie C; Nashville, TN asks: On our deck we have a table with an umbrella in the center of the table. The top is vented and bats keep getting into the top of it at night after we put it down. Can you tell me how to get rid of bats in this situation?
Dear Maggie: Learning how to get rid of bats will take a little creativity. I suggest trying the following method to discourage the bats, yet leave them unharmed.
Take a small square of cheese cloth approximately five inches by five inches. Put a cup of mothballs in the middle of the cheese cloth
 Little Brown Bat |
The odor from the mothballs will quickly discourage the bats, yet leave them unharmed. Once the bats get the idea that you don't want them around they should vacate the umbrella and you can remove the mothball sack.
You may have to do this more than once because bats have a habit of returning to old nesting sites.
Comments
28 Jul 2008, 14:27
28 Jul 2008, 15:28
Sealing bats out is, without question, the best method. There are some great new one-way exit devices available online that allow the bat to leave, but keeps it from reentering.
Hardware cloth is the sealing product of choice. It's cheap, easy to shape and secure in place. You can buy rolls of the stuff at any Home Depot store. When you ask for hardware cloth the store employee will look at you with a blank stare. Just ask them where the chicken wire is kept and you'll find the hardware cloth sitting next to it on the shelf.
There are also some light systems you can purchase. The lights strobe on and off are are supposed to upset the sleeping bats.
I also read about some success using fans directed at the bats. Evidently, the cool air disturbs the bats to the point that they leave. More likely, they just move to other, quiet corners.
I cannot vouch for any specific product you find on the web, but you can judge for yourself.