Bat’s and Homes – February Pest Control
February is the time of year in which bats begin to migrate northward. Most, overwinter in caves in Mexico, and as the weather warms, the night-flying insects begin to emerge. Some insects also migrate South for the winter and north again as the weather warms. That cycle can cause havoc for homeowners as migrating bats need a place to roost during the day. Attic space is one of their favorite places to roost.
The Problem with Bats
Bats are primarily a beneficial mammal. They hunt and eat insects that might otherwise pester us or destroy crops. When they find a roosting spot in a home, they become pests. Bats require a certain set of parameters for roosting. It cannot be too hot or too cold. Because they are mammals, they generate body heat through digestion, just like we do. What that means is that they need a shelter that helps them maintain body heat. An attic or chimney can do that for them; however, they make a terrible mess. If the roosting goes on for a long while, you are looking at mounds of guano and a lot of urine.
Both guano and bat urine are highly acidic, and they will damage wood, sheetrock, and begin to leach down the walls and subfloor to stain ceilings on lower levels. The repair process is expensive, and 100% avoidable.
Bat Control
Bats do not have to be exterminated. They simply need not to have access to the roosting location. That means a little bit of home repair and a little bit of pest control. If you have a bat problem, give us a call. We provide comprehensive pest control services throughout Bryan and College Station. We offer one-time service calls and an affordable monthly service contract that keeps all emerging pests in check.
