Pests are pretty common, even in a first-world country like the United States. They can be found in almost every state. Pests can be a nuisance, and if not taken care of, they can cause severe damage to your home.
There are many types of pests, but the most common ones include ants, bees, cockroaches, flies, mice, rats, and spiders. Each pest has its own unique set of characteristics and behaviors.
Some pests are more harmful than others. For example, bees can sting you and cause an allergic reaction. Cockroaches can spread diseases like salmonella. Mice and rats can carry fleas and other parasites. But there is no other pest that’s more dangerous than bats.
Bats as Pests
Bats are inherently known to be pests. Most are known to be pest controllers, as their diet usually consists of insects and other pests. However, there are various reasons why they can be considered pests.
The most common reason is that they tend to live close to humans. This means that they are more likely to come into contact with humans and transmit diseases. They are also known to invade homes and roost in attics and other dark places.
Another reason why bats are considered pests is that they can be pretty noisy. They make a lot of noise when they fly and when they roost. This can be quite disruptive, especially if you’re trying to sleep.
Lastly, bats can be aggressive and have been known to attack humans. While most attacks are not fatal, they can still cause serious injuries. In addition, they can spread all sorts of diseases, such as rabies.
Bats also tend to nest almost anywhere. As a result, they can quickly infest your home if you’re not careful. Here are five ways to keep bats from nesting inside your house.
Fix Your Roof
The most common way bats nest inside people’s homes is through their roofs. The roof is their primary access point because they are flyers. Plus, they enjoy the dark comfort of the attic. You’ll need to fix your roof if you want to keep bats away from your home.
The first step is to inspect your roof. Look for any cracks or holes. These are perfect entry points for bats. If you find any, seal them with caulk or repair the hole.
You should also make sure that your eaves are in good condition. Bats like to roost under eaves because they’re protected from the weather. If you have damaged or loose eaves, bats can nest there easily. Ensure that your eaves are in good condition by regularly inspecting them and repairing them when necessary.
If you think this is too much work, you can hire a professional to help you out. For example, a residential roof repair service can do everything above and more in just a few days. They know what they’re doing and might even give you tips on how to keep bats away from your home.
Keep Your Home Clean
Another way to keep bats away is by keeping your home clean. Bats are attracted to homes that are cluttered and dirty. They’re also attracted to homes that have a lot of food residue. To keep bats away, you must ensure your home is clean and free of clutter.
You should start by decluttering your home. You can start decluttering by getting rid of anything you don’t need. Once your home is decluttered, you can focus on cleaning it. Make sure to sweep and vacuum regularly. You should also wipe down surfaces and wash dishes as soon as you’re done using them.
A clean home is less likely to attract bats and other pests. It’s also a lot more pleasant to live in. So, take the time to declutter and clean your home if you want to keep it bat-free.
Use Pest Control Methods
There are a variety of pest control methods that you can use to keep bats away from your home. These include using traps, baits, and chemicals.
An ultrasonic bat repellent is one of the most effective traps you can use. This device emits high-frequency sounds that only bats can hear. The sound is so annoying that they stay away from the area where it’s being used.
You can also use baits to trap bats. Bat bait usually consists of cornmeal, oats, and water. The bats are attracted to the bait and then get trapped when they try to eat it.
There are also a variety of chemicals you can use to keep bats away from your home. These include bat repellents and insecticides. You can find these products at your local hardware store or online.
Bats aren’t inherently known to be pests, but once they start nesting in their home, a bat infestation can happen. Arming yourself with the necessary knowledge can help you keep bats away from your home and avoid an infestation. Then, implement the tips listed above to keep bats at bay.