A Homeowner’s Guide To Safe & Legal Bat Removal in Minnesota
Bats may play a vital role in Minnesota’s ecosystem, but they don’t belong in our homes! Bats cause many issues, including strong odours, staining, and serious health risks such as rabies. They can even bring other pests into your home, such as fleas, mites, or other parasites.
If you’ve heard strange scratching or squeaking sounds at night, or spotted one fluttering in your living space, you could be dealing with a bat infestation. But don’t panic! This homeowner’s guide will tell you everything you need to know about bat removal in MN, so you can remove bats safely and legally. You’ll also learn how to bat-proof your home to stop them returning in the future!
How to Identify a Bat Infestation in a Minnesota Home
Minnesota is home to many bat species, including the Little Brown Bat and Big Brown Bat, both of which like to roost in your home! Unlike rodents or raccoons, bat infestations are more subtle, but there are still telltale signs of an infestation:
- Scratching or fluttering sounds from walls or attics, especially at dusk or dawn
- Bat droppings (guano) near entry points or attic floors
- Ammonia-like odour from bat droppings
- Noticing bats flying in and out of your home at sunset
- Greasy smudges near small openings or vents where bats squeeze through
If you notice one or more of these signs, you need to act fast! Don’t wait any longer and call now for a free quote.
But are homeowners allowed to remove bats? Let’s find out.
Are Homeowners Allowed to Remove Bats?
Bats are a protected species in Minnesota, which means you cannot kill or harm them. Homeowners are not allowed to remove bats from their property without adhering to strict state and federal regulations. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulates how bats can be removed from homes. Although the Migratory Bird Treaty Act doesn’t cover bats, state laws do offer specific protections to prevent harm.
It is illegal to remove bats during maternity season, which runs from May 15 to August 1. During this time, female bats give birth to their young, and the pups are flightless, which means they can get trapped inside your home during exclusion.
According to the DNR guidelines, bat exclusion in Minnesota is only allowed between August 1 and May 14. During this time, bat-exclusion methods, such as installing one-way exit devices, can be performed as long as they don’t harm the bats.
Killing bats is prohibited unless there is a confirmed public health emergency, such as a rabies outbreak. Disturbing hibernating bats, which you often find in Minnesota during winter, is illegal and can harm their survival. It might be tempting to remove bats yourself to save some money. But with so many laws and regulations, hiring a licensed bat exterminator in Minneapolis is the best way to ensure safe, legal bat removal!
Why Is Exclusion the Only Legal Bat Removal Method in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, exclusion is the only legal method for bat removal because of the state and federal wildlife protection laws we just discussed. It’s the only method that guarantees safe and legal bat removal in MN. Exclusion is a humane process that allows bats to exit your home while preventing them from re-entering. This method is considered the safest for both bats and homeowners.
Bat exclusion makes sure that bats are not trapped or killed and that their natural behaviour patterns aren’t disrupted. It also guarantees that all entry points are securely sealed once the bats have safely exited, preventing future infestations!
Step-by-Step Professional Bat Exclusion
When you hire a bat exterminator in Minneapolis, they will be able to carry out safe and legal bat removal for you. Here is how the exclusion process goes:
1. Inspection
A licensed technician will thoroughly inspect your home, including attics, chimneys, vents, and soffits, to identify entry and exit points.
2. Bat Count & Timing
They’ll assess the bat colony’s size and determine a safe, legal time for exclusion.
3. Installation of One-Way Devices
Specialised exclusion devices are installed at key exit points. Bats leave at night to forage, but can’t get back in.
4. Sealing Entry Points
Once all bats have safely exited, which usually takes a few nights, technicians seal all gaps and crevices, typically as small as ¼ inch, using caulk, mesh, or flashing.
5. Cleanup & Sanitation
Professional MN bat removal teams will finish off by cleaning and deodorising areas with bat guano, which can pose health risks due to histoplasmosis spores.
Once that’s done, your home is bat-free again!
Ready to secure your home? Contact Exclusive Bat Proofing today via the contact form at the bottom of the page.
Health & Safety Risks for Minnesota Homeowners
Bats are not usually aggressive, but they can pose some serious health risks to you and your family. Even though it’s rare, bats can carry rabies, so never touch one without proper safety gear, including gloves and a mask. Bats also bring the risk of histoplasmosis, a respiratory disease caused by fungal spores in bat droppings. And they can carry mites and fleas into your home!
Trying to trap or kill a bat yourself increases your risk of exposure to these health risks. That’s why you should always leave bat removal to experienced professionals in Minnesota!
How To Bat-Proof Your Home
Once the bats are gone, it’s important to make sure they don’t come back again. A certified bat exterminator in Minneapolis can help you bat-proof your home and make it less attractive to future colonies. Some of the best bat-proofing methods include:
- Sealing Gaps: Bats can squeeze through openings the size of a dime. Weatherproof caulk, wire mesh, and foam sealant can be used to seal up any gaps around your home.
- Install Vent Screens: Cover your attic vents, chimneys, and soffits with screening.
- Close Off Attic Access: Ensure attics and crawl spaces are secured.
- Maintain Your Roofline: Regularly inspect shingles, flashing, and eaves for damage.
A great way to catch potential bat activity before it becomes an infestation is to schedule annual inspections in early spring or late summer.
What to Do If You Find an Injured, Dead, or Live Bat Indoors
If you find a bat in your home, handle the situation carefully! If the bat is alive and flying, start by closing interior doors to confine it to one room. Try opening the windows to encourage the bat to fly outside. If it doesn’t leave on its own, it’s best to call a licensed wildlife control professional who can safely remove it.
If you find a bat that is injured or dead, never handle it with your bare hands! Make sure you wear thick gloves or use a container to gently trap it. Contact the Minnesota DNR or a wildlife rehabilitator for guidance on the next steps. If there is any chance the bat has come into contact with humans or pets, you must assume possible rabies exposure and immediately contact the Minnesota Department of Health for advice. In some cases, the bat may need to be tested for rabies, and individuals who may have been exposed to it may require post-exposure rabies treatment. Taking these precautions protects both your well-being and the bat’s while complying with state regulations.
Book a Minnesota Bat Exclusion Inspection
If you suspect you have a bat infestation in your home, act quickly and responsibly! The safest and most effective way to address a bat problem in Minnesota is by booking a bat exclusion inspection with a licensed professional. Hiring a bat exterminator in Minneapolis or elsewhere in Minnesota ensures the removal process is both legal and humane. Professionals are trained in proper techniques for excluding bats without harming them and understand the many federal and state laws governing it.
When choosing a bat removal expert, look for a licensed wildlife control company that specialises in bat exclusion. Check that they have experience with Minnesota’s specific laws and regulations. You should also ask about their methods to ensure they follow safe, legal protocols, such as performing exclusions only during the appropriate time of year and using non-lethal methods, such as one-way exit devices. A reputable company will also offer a thorough inspection and provide preventive measures to seal potential entry points, preventing future infestations.
If you’re hearing squeaking and scratching in your attic at night, don’t wait! The longer an infestation is left untreated, the more damage bats can cause. Book a bat exclusion inspection today to ensure your home is bat-free and protected for the future!
Contact Exclusive Bat Proofing Today
Fill out our contact form, and one of the Exclusive Bat Proofing experts will get back to you as soon as possible. Or call now to talk to a bat-proofing professional.
Contact
Contact Form
"*" indicates required fields