Bat Identification

What are bats?

Bats are warm-blooded mammals and are the only mammal that flies. Bats are well known for their leathery wings, which are void of hair. Unlike other mammals that have arms or front legs, bats have wings. Interestingly the bones found within their wings look similar to the bones found in a human hand. Often misunderstood and even feared by people, bats are incredibly eco-important, and help to reduce populations of dangerous and nuisance insects. 

Are bats dangerous?

The bat is a pest that is both dangerous and damaging when living on your property or in your home. When bats decide to roost either on or in your home, it will cause a buildup of urine and excrement. Their waste causes staining and unpleasant odors.

More than structural damage, the presence of bats causes health risks. Bat feces contain dozens of diseases and fungi that are dangerous to humans and can cause lung problems and other health issues. Also, in the Dallas area, bats are among the animals that expose people to rabies. You can contract rabies from a bat through a bite or scratch or by coming in contact with their blood or saliva.

Why do I have a bat problem?

With more than 1,000 species of bats live worldwide and over 30 species living in the state of Texas, it is safe to say that bats can become a problem for any homeowner. Bats are primarily nocturnal, eating a diet made up mostly of insects like mosquitoes. Properties with a lot of standing water and mosquito activity may be especially prone to problems with bats.

Where will I find bats?

Bats are nocturnal and spend their days resting and hiding in roosts. They choose dark, secluded areas to roost that keep them well hidden. Some of their favorite roosting sites include tree hollows, caves, rock crevices, spaces under bridges, and in the eaves of barns and warehouses. When bats choose a home to roost in, they often choose chimneys, attics, wall voids, and roof eaves.

How do I get rid of bats?

Bats have increasingly become a common problem in the Dallas, Plano, Allen, Frisco, and McKinney area due to the rapid land development and property growth. Since bats are a protected species, only professionals are qualified to handle bat removal and control.

To get rid of bats from your property, partner with the bat control experts at Brinker Animal Removal. Our professionals will come to your property to inspect and perform customized services, exclusion work, and bat proofing. If bats have become a problem in or around your home, reach out today and let our experts help you maintain a bat-free property!

How can I prevent bats in the future?

While you should always allow a professional to handle bat issues, there are things you can do around your property to make it less attractive to these destructive and dangerous pests:

• Keep tight-fitting caps on chimneys to stop bats from moving into them.
• Repair holes along the roofline and at roof intersections.
• Fix loose or missing roof shingles or siding on your home.
• Fix any opening you discover in your home’s exterior walls. Bats can fit through space the size of your pinky finger.
• Repair any loose or torn screens.
• Place bat houses on your property, away from the outside walls of your home.
• Reduce areas of standing water on your property that will attract large numbers of mosquitoes, a staple in the bat’s diet.

Learn more about our residential animal removal and commercial wildlife services.