Although bats benefit the environment, they can also be a nuisance, especially when they take shelter in our homes. If you discover bats nesting in your chimney, taking action quickly for their safety and yours is essential. In this blog post, our chimney masonry repair team discusses how to identify signs that there may be bats present, as well as prevention and removal tips to keep in mind.
Reasons for Bats in the Chimney
Bats prefer to nest in areas that provide warmth and protection. Chimneys, in particular, make fantastic homes for them due to how these areas retain heat, which is important when these aerial mammals need to regulate body heat at night. In addition to protecting them from predators, chimneys offer easy access for bats into a comfortable environment.
To check if there are bats in your chimney, listen carefully to loud, chirping noises. Inspect for droppings, and once-white little “pills” as well. If there is no other evidence, check outside at night to see if other animals are lurking.
How to Prevent Bats From Getting Into Your Chimney
The best way to reduce the likelihood of bats entering your chimney is to make specific changes.
- Exclusion tubes. Installing an exclusion tube is a great option to keep bats away. Exclusion tubes are metal or plastic vents with small openings that can be installed at the top and bottom of your chimney, making it difficult for bats to gain entry.
- Regular maintenance. Having regular maintenance done by a chimney sweep professional ensures there is no leftover food in your chimney that may attract bats.
What to Do With Bats in Your Chimney
In case there are bats in your chimney, there are two options for you to consider: a DIY removal or professional assistance.
- DIY Removal – We don’t recommend doing bat removal by yourself since certain bat species carry viruses that can affect human health. However, you can try exclusion tubes and keep family members away during this process.
- Professional Assistance – Getting a professional chimney maintenance and repair company to check for bats would be worth considering. Some companies offer animal removal services from chimneys along with chimney masonry repair and relining.
Get the Help Your Chimney Needs
Bats can become a nuisance if they make their home in your chimney, but proper prevention and removal methods can help keep them away. Professional assistance is the best option if they have already entered your home. If you’re in this tricky bat predicament, put your trust in the chimney relining and sweeping specialists at Chimney Doctors of Saratoga Springs, NY. Call us at (518) 882-5009, or through our online contact form for an appointment today. We can make sure to remove the critter safely for you.
