Regional Bats
Residents may spot several types of bats in this part of the Tar Heel State, including the northern long-eared Bat, tri-colored bat, big brown bat, evening bat, eastern red bat, hoary bat, Seminole bat, northern yellow bat, Rafinesque’s big-eared bat, southeastern bat, and northern long-eared bat. Depending on the exact species, colors can range from light to deep brown to gray and darker to black, but some may exhibit shading in other colors.
Homeowners looking to see if bats may be present on their property can go in search of roosts, where bats take shelter. Caves, dead trees with open knots or cavities, abandoned structures, and rock crevices are choice roosting areas. Concerned about bats in and around the primary residence? Attics, balconies, porticos, fascia boards, and soffits are some of the select areas bats may find appealing.
Potential Risks
Even if these flying mammals are not technically roosting within the home but find shelter in a detached garage, barn, or another outbuilding, they pose certain dangers. Urban legends of rabid bats may run rampant, but the reality is that documented rabies cases are pretty rare. However, many other health dangers with bats are not uncommon. A fungus found throughout bats’ waste can cause histoplasmosis. Droppings also attract cockroaches bringing another element of trouble onto the property. The presence of bats draws bat bugs and bat mites. While these bat pests prefer to bother bats, they can bite humans as well.
Preventing Bats
Removing bats once they become problematic can be quite an undertaking that you should leave to the professionals. Taking these three specific measures to address bats before they become pests is one idea of how to keep bats away from your Wilmington property:
- Act During The Right Seasons: Many bats hibernate during the colder months, so take advantage of this time. Autumn and winter are ideal times to make the house less attractive to bats, so if they return, other places will seem more hospitable, and they won’t linger.
- Bat-proof The Residence: Thoroughly inspect the home for possible entrance points, then seal or block them. Install a chimney cap and window screens. Pay special attention to the attic; louvers and vents may need upgrading or screening. Fascia boards and soffits may also provide ways indoors, so go over these as well.
- Remove Attractants: Like all other living things, bats need water and food. Make these two necessities harder for them to get; chances are these little guys may fly elsewhere. Focus attention on dripping spigots, birdbaths, and livestock troughs. Bats can fill their bellies on night-flying pests like mosquitoes, moths, beetles, and flies.
Controlling these pests also helps control bats; it’s a win-win for North Carolina homeowners!
Sending Bats On Their Way
Bats can pose risks but, in some instances, are protected by law. So what’s a homeowner to do about these winged creatures? Wondering how to keep bats away from your Wilmington property? Reaching out for professional help is the safest and easiest way to manage bats permanently. Our experienced technicians at Bug-N-A-Rug Exterminators have the knowledge and resources to take the worry out of the equation when dealing effectively with bats.
