Why Bat Removal Must Be Legal, Safe, and Humane in Hampton Roads
Bats might not be something you want inside your attic space, but in Virginia, you can’t just chase them out whenever you want. Due to their ecological importance and population decline, bats are a protected species, and improper removal can be harmful, illegal, and dangerous. This blog will cover bat laws, health concerns, the benefits of humane removal, and why professional bat removal services are always the best option.
Why Bats Matter
The humid, seaside climate of Hampton Roads makes it a perfect habitat for bats. Bats are very important to our ecosystem, as they are excellent pollinators and crucial to seed dispersal. In addition, bats are a great natural pest control agent.
Bats will eat thousands of insect pests per night, keeping them off our crops. While bat exposures should still be treated as potential rabies exposures, bats are typically not aggressive, and no bats in Hampton Roads suck blood.
The Legal Side of Bat Removal in Virginia
Bats are under both federal and state protection in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This means it is illegal to harass, harm, or trap bats, even if they are inside your attic space.
Bat removal of any kind is prohibited during the bat maternity season of May through August, as this is when baby bats cannot fly. However, if a bachelor colony of all-male bats is discovered during this time period, they can be excluded.
Improperly removing or harming bats can incur serious fines, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to bats.
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Safety Concerns with DIY Bat Removal
Attempting to remove bats by yourself is never recommended. If you remove or exclude the bat improperly, you might end up trapping the bats inside, where they can create more property damage. Even worse, the bats might die inside your attic, creating horrible smells and health hazards from their decomposing bodies. Attempting to remove bats by hand is also very risky, as bats can spread rabies through scratches and bites so tiny that you might not even notice them. Don’t try to remove bat guano without the proper protective equipment, as bat guano can contain the spores that cause the fungal lung infection histoplasmosis. Always leave bat removal and bat guano removal to the experts at Summit Environmental Solutions.
Humane Bat Removal Methods
Humane methods of bat removal mostly revolve around the use of exclusion devices, which allow bats to leave the attic, but not get back inside. These one-way doors are often installed on the main entry point, after all the other entry points have been located and sealed. After all the bats are gone, the one-way door is removed and the final entry point is sealed up, preventing bats from returning in the future. Never use poisons or lethal traps, as these are both inhumane and highly illegal.
Why Hire A Professional
Hiring a professional wildlife removal company for bat removal is always a better idea, as licensed professionals understand seasonal timing and legal requirements. A professional’s knowledge of attic safety, proper sealing, and post-removal cleanup can ensure that your home is back in shape. Additionally, many professional bat removal companies like Summit Environmental Solutions will integrate other services like attic insulation replacement and sanitization after the bats and their guano have been removed.
Post-Removal Prevention
After you have a professional like Summit Environmental Solutions remove the bats from your attic space and perform exclusion work, there are a few other steps you can take to ensure that the bats stay out in the future. Installing bat houses on trees in your yard can attract bats but keep them out of your attic. Additionally, keeping an eye on your roof and doing routine inspections can help you catch a potential bat problem early.
Best Bat Removal in Hampton, Norfolk, and Newport News
Bats are under federal and state protection, and therefore, bat removal must be done legally, safely, and humanely. If you have bats roosting inside your attic space and you aren’t sure what to do next, contact the experts at Summit Environmental Solutions. We are experts in humane and compliant bat removal and attic restoration services in the areas of Hampton, Norfolk, and Newport News. Call us today to get started at 757-901-4455!