Bats in the Belfry

I have often been told I have this condition but it seems my mother's house has them literally. They are actually quite prolific. Evidently they are sighted at least everyother day. I have seen them there as well, in the house, fluttering around like giant creepy moths. There is also a high rabies count in MA so jokes aside there is some genuine concern here. My question is how do you get rid of them? They seem to be occupying the unfinished space in the attic. Mom spoke to an exterminator and they want an exorbitant sum, over $1500. The exterminator claims that once bats have occupied an area it does no good to simply remove them. As soon as they are gone another colony will move in. He also claimed that these bats can get in the tiniest of holes, as small as 1/2" diameter. Evidently they mark the area they are in as being bat friendly and they will try to return up to 3 years. Supposedly only one colony at a time will be there as they are territorial. So the obvious question... How do I get rid of them without spending thousands of dollars? Anyone here who has any suggestions would be greatly appreciated Thanks!

 

The exterminator is spendy because bats are so troublesome to get rid of. Here in Wisconsin it's actually illegal to kill them, which makes getting rid of them even more expensive. I think the best option is to bite the bullet and pay the exterminator. Of course, nothing wrong with getting a couple more bids to make sure the original estimate is reaonable.

 

A friend of mine in virginia where it is also illegal to kill them had the same problem. He had an old house that had been added on to multiple times. Replacing the entire roof solved his problem - eliminated their access.

While I don't know the methods involved in erradicating them, I do believe it is critical to close up all access points to keep them out.

 

This article might help "a little"

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/animalproofinghouse

 

I don't think replacing the 20sq roof or so is an option lol. As far as killing them is concerned where as I don't care about the law in this case from what I understand it would do no good. More would just come in. I'm thinking naphthalene based deterrents? Sonic chasers? Sealing all access in that old house would be difficult when they can get in a hole the size of a dime. Lock a couple cats in the attic? (just kidding PETA people relax) The naphthalene seems to be illegal in MA but not In VA so maybe I will have some sent to a friend there and have them send it to me. Thanks for the ideas. This problem is enough to drive you batty. Couldn't resist. I know not funny.