We Provide Bat Removal Services in Memphis & Surrounding Areas

Our Bat Removal Process Is Humane & Efficient

1. Complete an Inspection: We’ll first conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify the full extent of the bat intrusion. We’ll note any potential entry points and areas of activity, as well as determine how large the infestation is.
2. Install Exclusion Devices & Traps: Next, we’ll set up humane traps and exclusion devices at strategic locations to capture and safely remove the bats. We work hard to ensure no harm comes to them, while implementing devices that prevent any new ones from entering.
3. Monitor & Observe: Once the traps are set up, we regularly check them and exclusion devices, observing the area for any signs of remaining wildlife activity or new intrusions. This can take multiple days.
4. Seal Your Entry Points: Once all bats are removed, we take time to thoroughly seal all identified entry points with durable materials to prevent future access by wildlife down the line.

We’ll Also Clean & Sanitize Your Space

Did you know that bat guano, or bat feces, presents several hazards to human health and the environment?

• It can contain spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, leading to histoplasmosis, a respiratory illness with symptoms ranging from mild to severe – and particularly dangerous for those with weakened immune systems.
• Inhaling dust particles from dried guano can irritate the respiratory system and worsen conditions like asthma or bronchitis.
• As bat guano decomposes, it emits ammonia, which, in enclosed spaces with significant accumulation, can reach hazardous levels, causing respiratory irritation and damage.
• It serves as a vector for parasites such as mites, fleas, and ticks, which may transmit diseases to humans and pets upon contact, thus increasing the risk of illness.

In addition to health hazards, bat guano poses risks to your home and belongings because of its acidic nature that breaks items down and can cause structural damage.

Finally, excessive deposition of bat guano in roosting sites can lead to environmental contamination, impacting soil quality, water sources, and vegetation…and disrupting natural ecosystems.

Given these risks, it’s crucial to handle bat guano cautiously, which is why trusting a team of professionals who know how to properly remove it – without risk – is a must. Enlist the help of Coopertown’s wildlife removal experts for the job. We’re happy to help.

Do Bats Chew Wiring or Insulation?

Bats generally do not chew wiring or insulation. Unlike rodents such as rats and mice, bats do not have the same gnawing behavior. However, their presence can still indirectly lead to issues with wiring and insulation:

• Wiring Damage: While bats do not chew on wires, their movement and guano accumulation can attract other pests, like rodents, that do chew on wires, potentially causing electrical issues or fire hazards.
• Insulation Damage: Bats do not chew insulation, but their droppings and urine can contaminate and degrade insulation material, reducing its effectiveness and necessitating replacement.

What Are the Signs of a Bat Infestation?

Identifying a bat infestation early can help mitigate potential damage and health risks. Here are common signs to keep an eye out for:

• Visual Sightings: Bats are most active at dusk and dawn. If you see bats flying around your property or entering and exiting a building, it could indicate an infestation.
• Bat Droppings (Guano): Look for small, dark, pellet-like droppings near entry points, in attics, or around the house. Guano can accumulate quickly under roosting spots.
• Chirping or Squeaking Noises: Bats communicate with high-pitched squeaks. If you hear chirping or squeaking noises, especially at dusk or dawn, it may indicate a bat presence.
• Scratching Sounds: Scratching or rustling in walls or attics can also be indicative of bats moving around.
• Grease Stains: Bats have oily fur, which can leave dark, greasy marks around entry points where they squeeze in and out. Look for smudges around vents, chimneys, or roof edges.
• Foul Odors: Bat urine has a strong, pungent odor. If you detect an unusual smell, especially in attics or enclosed spaces, it might be from bat urine.
• Staining: Look for yellowish stains on walls or ceilings, particularly below potential roosting sites.
• Presence of Dead Bats: Finding dead bats inside or around your property can indicate a larger hidden infestation.
• Unusual Pet Behavior: Pets, particularly cats and dogs, may become agitated or fixated on certain areas where bats might be roosting.
• Presence of Insects: An increase in insects like flies and beetles can be a secondary sign of a bat infestation, as these insects are attracted to bat guano.

If you notice any of these signs, the sooner you reach out to the team here at Coopertown, the better. Bats can cause structural damage and pose health risks, so it’s best we act on any infestation quickly to avoid further issues.

Are Bats Dangerous to Humans?

Bats are not typically aggressive and generally avoid human contact, but they can pose certain risks to humans. Here are the main concerns:

• Rabies Transmission: Bats are one of the primary carriers of rabies, a potentially fatal disease. Although not all bats have rabies, the risk is significant enough to warrant caution, especially if a bat is acting unusually tame or aggressive.
• Risk of Disease: Histoplasmosis is one example of a respiratory disease caused by a fungus that grows in bat droppings (guano). Inhaling the spores from disturbed guano can lead to serious lung infections.
• Bites & Scratches: Bats may bite if they feel threatened or are mishandled. Bat bites can be very small and hard to detect, but still pose a risk of rabies transmission.
• Pest Attraction: Bat colonies can attract other pests such as mites, fleas, and ticks, which can then infest homes and pose additional health risks.
• Allergies and Asthma: The accumulation of bat guano and urine can trigger allergies and asthma in sensitive individuals, especially when dried guano is disturbed and particles become airborne.

What Should I Do If I’m Bitten By or Exposed To a Bat?

Immediately wash the affected area with soap and water and seek medical attention. Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is highly effective if administered promptly. In addition, report any bat bite or significant exposure to local health authorities, as they may need to test the bat for rabies.

Are There Any Legal Protections for Bats?

Yes, many species of bats are legally protected in various parts of the world due to their ecological importance and declining populations. Many regions have specific protections during the maternity season (usually spring and summer), when bats are giving birth and raising their young. Disturbing bats during this time can be particularly harmful.

Violating bat protection laws can result in significant fines and penalties, including legal action. In most cases, specific activities involving bats (such as removal or research) require permits from wildlife authorities to ensure compliance with legal protections.

If you have a bat infestation, it’s crucial to hire a professional wildlife removal provider that understands and complies with local laws and regulations. Here at Coopertown, we know how to handle bat removal humanely, so that the creatures can be safely and appropriately relocated.

What Time of Year Are Bats Most Prominent in Memphis, TN?

Here in the Memphis, TN area, bats are most prominent during the warmer months of the year – typically from late spring through early fall. Here’s a full rundown of their habits throughout this time of year:

• Bats begin to emerge from hibernation as the weather warms up, and they become more active as they search for food and suitable roosting sites.
• By late spring, female bats are pregnant and start forming maternity colonies where they will give birth and raise their young.
• Summertime is the peak period for bat activity. The warm weather and abundant insect populations provide ample food, making bats very active during this time.

Then, as temperatures start to cool again in fall, bats begin preparing for hibernation. They eat heavily to build up fat reserves. There is often an increase in activity as bats search for suitable hibernation sites. You may see them more frequently as they prepare for the colder months.

During the winter, bats enter hibernation and their activity significantly decreases. They seek out hibernation sites that provide stable, cool temperatures, such as caves or abandoned buildings. In some cases, they may also use attics or other parts of homes if conditions are suitable.

How Can I Prevent Bats From Returning After Removal?

Like we’ve said, we’ll inspect your home for any gaps, cracks, or holes, especially around the roofline, eaves, vents, and chimneys, then take appropriate measures to seal entry points and prevent the reentry of bats or any other wildlife.

That said, there are other measures you can take to further protect your property from bats:

• Regularly inspect and maintain the exterior of your home, including replacing damaged shingles, repairing loose siding, and fixing any structural issues.
• Trim tree branches and remove any ivy or other climbing plants near your home to eliminate potential roosting spots and reduce access points.
• Apply bat repellents such as naphthalene (mothballs) or ultrasonic devices, but note that their effectiveness can vary and they are not a permanent solution.
• Invest in bright lights or flood lights to discourage bats from roosting, as they prefer dark, secluded areas.
• Reduce insect populations around your home by using bug zappers, maintaining a tidy yard, and eliminating standing water where insects breed.
• Consider installing outdoor lighting that attracts fewer insects, thereby reducing the food supply for bats.
• Install bat houses away from your home to provide bats with an alternative place to roost. This can help keep them away from your property while still allowing them to benefit the environment by controlling insect populations.

Memphis Bat Removal: We’re the Team To Trust

When it comes to bat removal in Memphis and the surrounding areas, Coopertown Services is dedicated to providing top-notch service, ensuring that your property stays free from bats and protected against future infestations.

Don’t let bats compromise the safety and integrity of your home. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and learn more about our humane bat removal services. Let us help you restore peace of mind and create a safer, bat-free environment for you and your family.

Call or book online today.

 

Our wildlife removal technicians are experienced in removing all kinds of unwanted critters from your home, including squirrels.