Top 10 Things to Know About Bat Removal in Alabama

Here are some key points to know about Alabama bat removal:

1. Importance of Bats: Bats play a vital role in the ecosystem as they are natural pest controllers, consuming large quantities of insects such as mosquitoes and agricultural pests. Bats are essential pollinators and insectivores. They help to control populations of mosquitoes, moths, and other insects. Bats also play a role in seed dispersal and pollination.

2. Both federal and state laws protect bats due to their ecological importance, so it is crucial to follow proper procedures when dealing with bat infestations.

3. Common Bat Species in Alabama: Alabama is home to several bat species, including the little brown bat, big brown bat, Eastern red bat, and the federally endangered Indiana bat. These bats may roost in attics, barns, caves, or other dark, secluded areas. If you are unsure which bat species are roosting in your home, talk with a bat removal specialist.

4. Bat Exclusion: Rather than extermination, bat removal focuses on exclusion techniques. Bat exclusion involves sealing off entry points, allowing bats to exit, and preventing re-entry. Find out more here. 

5. Hire The Right Professionals: There are a lot of cowboys in the bat removal field. A few tips to help you find a professional bat removal company in Alabama. Ensure they are members of NWCOA, the National wildlife control operators association. Find a specialist that only does bat exclusions. Ask for referrals, insurance documentation, and a timeline. A deposit is generally required to schedule a bat removal project, but make sure you have a signed contract and read the contract’s fine print before you sign. Gather bids from a few competitors and avoid going with the lowest bidder if possible. Some real horror stories exist of lowballers starting a bat removal project and never showing up to finish it. We often hear this from customers who ask us to help complete their projects.

6. Hiring Professionals: Hiring a professional wildlife removal company experienced in bat exclusion is advisable. As seasoned professionals with over 25 years of experience, we have the knowledge, skills, and equipment to safely handle bat removal while adhering to legal requirements. CTA – Learn More About Get Bats Out.

7. Legal Considerations: Bats are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act, and in Alabama, they are further protected by the Alabama Nongame Wildlife Program. This means it is illegal to kill or harm bats or disturb their roosting sites without proper permits or during their maternity season, typically between April and August.

8. Maternity Season: During the bat maternity season, female bats gather in colonies to give birth and raise their young. It is crucial to avoid disturbing these colonies during this time to ensure the survival of bat populations. If the colonies are disturbed during this time, the pups can become disorientated and end up in your living spaces.

9. Guano Cleanup: Bat infestations often result in the accumulation of guano (bat droppings), which can pose health risks due to the potential for fungal spores. Professional bat removal companies can also assist in safely and adequately cleaning bat guano to minimize health hazards.

10. Histoplasmosis: Histoplasmosis is a lung infection caused by a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum. The fungus is found in areas where there are large amounts of bird or bat droppings. People can get histoplasmosis by breathing in the spores of the fungus. If you have had a bat colony living in your attic for an extended period, there is a chance this fungus is present in the guano. Have your contractor test the air quality and the guano for Histoplasma capsulatum before and after they perform the guano clean-up. 

Remember, when dealing with bats or any wildlife, it is essential to prioritize their well-being and follow the appropriate legal guidelines to protect these valuable creatures and their habitats, as well as you and your family. 

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Your Local Bat Removal Specialist,

Michael Koski