Why Bats in Your Attic Should Never Be Ignored

July 11, 2025

At first, you might only hear a light fluttering sound in your attic at night. Maybe you spot a small dropping here or there near your roofline. It might not seem like a big deal. But when it comes to bats, even a minor sign of their presence is a reason to take action — and quickly.

At Pal Pest, we specialize in residential bat control and exclusion for homes in Lincoln, Nebraska. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: ignoring bats in your attic leads to bigger problems than most homeowners expect.

🦇 How Bats Get In

Your home might seem secure, but bats only need a hole the size of a dime to squeeze inside. Common entry points include:

  • Roofline gaps

  • Ridge vents

  • Chimney openings

  • Damaged siding or fascia boards

  • Gaps around vents or pipes

Once inside, attics provide the perfect shelter: dark, quiet, and protected from the elements.

🛑 Why You Shouldn’t Wait

Here’s what can happen when bats are left unchecked:

1. Guano Buildup

Bat droppings — known as guano — aren’t just messy. Over time, they accumulate and break down, releasing toxic ammonia fumes that can spread through your HVAC system.

Even worse, guano can harbor fungal spores that cause histoplasmosis, a potentially serious lung disease that can affect children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

2. Structural Damage

Bat urine and droppings can soak into insulation, drywall, and wooden support beams. Left long enough, this causes moisture damage, rot, and even ceiling staining — often leading to expensive repairs.

3. Parasites and Secondary Pests

Bats can carry mites, fleas, and bat bugs (which are similar to bed bugs). These pests can spread into your living space, compounding the infestation.

4. Risk of Rabies

While it’s rare, some bats do carry rabies. Even if you never directly interact with them, their presence in your home is considered a public health risk, especially if a pet or child could come into contact.

🔍 How to Tell If Bats Are in Your Home

  • High-pitched squeaking or fluttering sounds at dusk or dawn

  • Guano on the attic floor, window sills, or near eaves

  • Grease stains or smudges around entry points

  • Unusual smells from the attic (ammonia-like odor)

  • Seeing bats fly out of your roof at night

If any of these signs are present, it’s time to take the next step.

✅ How Pal Pest Removes Bats — Safely and Humanely

Pal Pest doesn’t just kick bats out — we exclude them using proven, humane methods. Our approach to bat control and bat exclusion ensures your attic is bat-free without harming wildlife.

We install one-way exclusion devices that allow bats to exit but not return. Once they’re gone, we seal every entry point with durable materials like hardware cloth, caulk, or mesh to prevent future infestations.

We also offer RIDGE-GUARD® installation — a permanent ridge vent protection system that stops bats, mice, and large insects from entering at the roofline. Learn more about RIDGE-GUARD® here.

🏠 Serving Lincoln, Nebraska — That’s It

We don’t spread ourselves thin. Pal Pest proudly serves only Lincoln, Nebraska, which means you get quick response times, knowledgeable service, and local expertise. No surrounding towns. No exceptions.

📞 Don’t Wait — Contact Pal Pest Today

If you even suspect bats are roosting in your home, it’s time to take action. Ignoring the problem can result in costly repairs and potential health risks.

👉 Contact Pal Pest now to schedule your inspection or learn more about our bat control and exclusion services. We’ll help you reclaim your attic — safely, legally, and for good.

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