Arkansas Bat Removal Guide - Tips for Safe and Effective Control

Understanding Bat Behavior in Arkansas

As one of the most biodiverse states in the country, Arkansas is home to several species of bats. While bats play an important role in controlling insect populations, they can become problematic when they roost in buildings or other man-made structures. Bats have very specific needs in terms of roosting habitat, so understanding their behavior is key for effective removal and exclusion.

Why Bats Roost in Buildings

There are several reasons why bats may choose to roost in buildings and other structures in Arkansas:

• Lack of natural roosting spaces - Deforestation and development has reduced the availability of places like caves, trees and rock crevices for bats to roost.
• Warmth - Bats need warmth to raise their young, and attics or wall voids can mimic the hot caves bats would naturally use.
• Shelter - Buildings provide protection from predators and elements like wind or rain.
• Proximity to food and water - Bats roost near areas with abundant insects and accessible water sources.

Common Bat Entry Points

Bats can squeeze through very small openings to gain access into buildings. Some common entry points in Arkansas include:

• Open chimneys
• Gaps in siding or roofing
• Spaces around plumbing vent pipes
• Open or poorly-fitted attic vents and soffits
• Cracks around windows or doors

Effects of Roosting Bats

While most Arkansas bats do not pose any direct threats to humans, having them roost in a building can cause some problems including:

• Noise and odor from guano and urine accumulating in roosts
• Structural damage from bat urine and oil secretions
• Potential rabies transmission if bats interact with pets
• Annoyance from darting bats emerging at dusk

Large bat colonies can also present health concerns from accumulations of guano and debris. The pungent ammonia fumes can even attract stinging insects.

Choosing a Bat Removal Method in Arkansas

If you have identified signs of bats roosting in your Arkansas home or building, it's crucial to take steps to remove them safely and humanely. Here are some removal methods to consider:

Exclusion

Exclusion involves carefully sealing up all possible bat entry points while ensuring no bats are trapped inside. This is often the most effective long-term solution since bats are unable to return and re-establish roosts once excluded. Exclusion should not be attempted when young pups may be present (usually May - August) since dependent young may be trapped inside.

Eviction

Eviction techniques encourage bats to leave on their own by altering roost conditions. This may include lighting up roost areas or the use of one way exclusion devices that let bats out but not back in. Eviction allows bats to leave the roost gradually but prevents them from returning. It is vital all bats exit before sealing up entry points.

Removal by Trapping

Trapping involves placing one-way exclusion devices or nets to safely capture emerging bats and relocate them. Since bats have high site fidelity, relocated bats may try returning, so sealing up points of entry is still necessary after trapping. Trapping requires special training to ensure bats are handled safely.

Repellents

While sonic bat repellents are often sold, most research indicates they do not work effectively. Chemical repellents like naphthalene or ammonia-soaked rags may disrupt roosting bats temporarily but will not result in permanent removal. For this reason, exclusion or eviction are preferred over repellents.

Poisoning

Poisoning bats is illegal and unethical. Not only do poisons often kill indiscriminately, they also cause bats to die within inaccessible roosts leading to odor issues and secondary poisoning of other wildlife.

Timing Your Bat Removal

When dealing with bat evictions or exclusions, timing is very important in Arkansas:

• Spring: April-May is when bats are establishing maternity colonies to birth pups.
• Summer: Late May-August bats are raising flightless young, so exclusions should be avoided.
• Fall: September-October bats are leaving summer roosts for winter hibernation sites.
• Winter: November-March most bats in Arkansas are hibernating in caves and tunnels.

Late fall is often ideal for bat removal projects before winter hibernation. During summer, any exclusions or evictions should wait until after August when pups are self-sufficiently flying and foraging.

Preventing Future Bat Problems

Even after successful bat removal, bats will be eager to re-inhabit familiar roost sites. Here are some prevention tips once your initial Arkansas bat issue is resolved:

• Identify and seal up all possible entry points with appropriate exclusion materials.
• Install one-way exclusion devices to allow any remaining bats to exit while keeping others out.
• Trim back tree branches or shrubs that provide roosting spots near buildings.
• Improve attic and roof ventilation to make the area less hospitable.
• Use wildlife-proof chimney caps.
• Repair loose roof shingles, boards, or tiles that could create gaps.

Be sure to monitor any sealed-off entry points in the future for any evidence of bats chewing or clawing their way back in. Quickly repair any new openings before colonies re-establish roosts.

When to Call a Professional

Because bats are highly mobile, difficult to fully exclude from a building, and carry disease risks, bat removal can be complex. Professional wildlife control companies have the expertise and legal permits necessary to:

• Properly identify bat species to ensure no threatened or endangered bats are harmed.
• Determine the extent of bat activity and locate all entry points.
• Offer options for effective exclusion, eviction or trapping.
• Safely capture and relocate any orphaned pups.
• Legally handle bats and access restricted areas like attics.
• Provide advice on preventing future bat issues.

For large infestations or colonies that have been roosting for years, hiring professionals can help resolve the issue once and for all. They can also properly clean and decontaminate areas after removal.

Living Near Bats in Arkansas

While having bats roosting inside buildings is undesirable, bats play a vital ecosystem role in controlling insect pests and pollinating plants. Acknowledging the benefits of bats while humanely removing them from structures helps sustain bat populations and minimize problems. With some prevention and prompt response when bats first appear, Arkansans can coexist with these fascinating creatures.

FAQs

What times of year are best for bat removal in Arkansas?

Late fall before hibernation starts is ideal. You should avoid May-August when flightless pups may be trapped during exclusions. Winter when bats are hibernating is another option.

How can I tell if I have bats in my attic or walls?

Look for signs like bat droppings, greasy stain marks, squeaking noises at night, and bats exiting at dusk. You may also notice a musty, ammonia-like odor from guano accumulation.

What risks do bats pose?

While bats rarely attack people, bat droppings can spread histoplasmosis mold spores leading to lung infections if inhaled. Bats can also transmit rabies through bites, although this is uncommon.