A few summers ago, your whole family probably got a good laugh about the bat in the house that dad had to chase and catch while wearing his bathrobe. It was funny after the fact recanting mom running screaming from the room.
The summer after that, dad wasn’t quite as amused about having to capture another one in the middle of the night. And he really wasn’t amused when he had to catch another one a couple days later.
It’s spring now and there’s already been one in the living room. Dad’s not a happy camper and mom is petrified of the growing problem.
The logical question at this point is why do bats keep coming in my house? We have an answer, but you might not like it.
Multiple Bats in my House
One random bat in the house doesn’t always mean anything. Most of the people that call us have had at least two or three instances of bats in the house over the last few years though. Multiple bats in your house is a very strong indication of an infestation.
Most bat colonies found in houses are maternal colonies. Each mother bat gives birth to one pup each year, although sometimes twins are born and some species (though not many) give birth to more than one a year.
What this means is that each year the bat colony living in your attic or walls is roughly doubling. By the time most people start seeing bats inside their living space, the bats have been roosting in your home for at least a few years. By the time most people realize there is a problem the colony is anywhere from 20 bats to a few hundred bats in size.
That’s the easy answer to why do bats keep coming in my house. To explain in a little more detail, there are a few other factors that drive a bat inside instead of outside:
- Weather – If it’s been raining for days on end, the bats are likely to not want to go outside. They will be getting up and moving around and exploring for lack of a better way to put it. They may wander inside your living space. The other circumstance is if in the transition time between seasons, especially winter to spring, it gets warm and then cold over and over. The bats sense the temperature to decide when to wake up or go to sleep around hibernation season. This up and down pattern tends to confuse them and as they are disoriented, we get a lot of calls about bats inside homes.
- Pup Season – Remember being a young, dumb teenager? Most mammals go through that stage and bats are no exception. When pups are first learning to fly, they stick close to mom. As they get a little older (teenager) and braver, they venture off on their own. They just aren’t as smart as they think they are and often get turned around and end up inside your home instead of outside with the rest of the colony. Sounds about right for a teenager, huh?
- Colony Size – This one confuses people sometime. So as simply as I can put it, sometimes a colony outgrows the small space they are living in and they need to find more room. If they are in your attic this may mean they find a way down an inside wall cavity. As this is unfamiliar territory, they end up in weird random places like the first floor of a two-story house or in the basement. Bats like to be up high and it’s not normal for them to be found in these lower areas of your house. This may be an indication that the colony is quite large and outgrowing their current roosting space.
What’s the Next Step
We know that wasn’t the answer you wanted to find, but it’s not the end of the world. We encourage all of our customers to do a twilight watch and see if bats come flying out of your house. That’s the best (and totally free) way to know for sure. We are also happy to come do an inspection and get you a proposal to handle the problem once and for all.
Don’t sit and wonder why bats keep coming in my house. We can help you fix this issue once and for all. Call our customer service to set up an inspection at 877-264-2287 or click the button below and we’ll call you.
Your local bat removal expert,
Michael Koski
Comments 70
KJ Kerr
February 13, 2023 |
We had a bat fly in our living room - we think through our fireplace and hoping that it was a mistake that won't happen again. But we opened the front door, it flew a few laps around the room and then flew out the front door. We don't think it left any excrement, but should we inspect harder? And do we need to clean or disinfect anything if it didn't leave excrement or land on anything?
Tori Bruce
February 14, 2023 |
Bat excrement (guano) looks like tiny mouse droppings and it will eventually dry up. So a few droppings that you are unaware of, are not a concern. The concern comes when it starts to accumulate, it will stink (kind of like ammonia), cause damage, and could lead to disease like histoplasmosis. I don't think you have to worry about this one bat incident. However, bats do like to roost in chimneys and they roost in colonies. If you suspect this is a possibility, you can set up an inspection with our company or feel free to call if you have more questions. 877-264-2287
Timmy
December 27, 2022 |
I have had 3 bats in the last 4 days should that worry me or have the bats found an entry way
Tori Bruce
December 27, 2022 |
It possible that you have a colony nesting in your home/building and their outside entrance is blocked for some reason. So when they want to go outside to eat, they have instead found an entry to your living space. Please call our customer service if you would like more help. 877-264-2287
Shawn Burns
August 24, 2022 |
For the last few years, I’ve had a least one bat a year, come into my upstairs rooms. This year I’ve had two within the past two weeks. I live in a rental, what should I do?
Tori Bruce
August 25, 2022 |
It sounds like you probably have a colony close by. https://www.getbatsout.com/what-if-your-landlord-will-not-fix-a-bat-problem/ has some good direction on how to work with your landlord.
Robert hamm
August 24, 2022 |
After brushing my teeth in my master bath , something flew by me . It had a large wing span and looked like a bat. I know I have a large colony of bats that are under my soffits on the second floor front. Do you service the new orleans,LA. Area .
Tori Bruce
August 25, 2022 |
We do have a technician in your area. Please call our customer service line at 877-264-2287 and they can give you more information.
Mike oxlong
August 19, 2022 |
I found 3 bats flying in my Living room but my windows and door were closed when I go in the garden at night there has been bats coming in and out of the attic and my highest count was 6 but I kept losing count because there Were lots of bats and I kept getting mixed up but there were more and more should I be concerned and where could they be hiding most likely
Tori Bruce
August 23, 2022 |
If you have seen bats coming and going from the attic, it is very likely there is a roost either in the attic or under the roof somewhere. Sounds like some are finding their way from there into your living space. The concern is the colony will continue to live there and you will get accumulation of guano which besides having strong odor, can lead to fungus related disease. It's less likely to be bitten by a rabid bat but it is also a possibility and not something to leave to chance. If you need help or want more information, please call our customer service line 877-264-2287.
Kelsi m
July 8, 2022 |
We just moved into our new home in November. We had a bat in February, April and 2 in June. We’ve had 3 different pest inspectors come in and all 3 said they didn’t see any bats living here. It doesn’t make any sense and we really need to get to the root of the problem . Thank you !
Tori Bruce
July 8, 2022 |
The bat activity in your home is evidence of either an existing bat colony (undetected so far), OR a colony was excluded before you purchased the house and the bats are trying to get back in. They will exploit open windows and doors that are not properly screened. Whoever does the next inspection should look for evidence of prior bat proofing (some people use yellow "Great Stuff" product, others use steel wool and/or hardware cloth, we use industrial spray foam that can be trimmed and painted to match. Any of those products on the exterior of their house could indicate prior bat work.) Please call our Customer Service at 877-264-2287 to see if we have an employee in your area if you would like us to schedule an inspection.
Gloria
February 11, 2022 |
I believe I have bats roosting on my side porch I have had bats come in when I open the door to take the dog out my husband would be on the couch I take dog out and he yells you let 2 bats in. It’s happened cpl years now. I am terrified of bats I will use another door this year one with no overhang. I have lots of flowers out there
Tori Bruce
February 16, 2022 |
I'm sorry to hear you are dealing with a bat issue. You might find some helpful tips here: https://www.getbatsout.com/a-bat-on-your-porch/
Laura Friedman
October 29, 2021 |
Had 2 bats within 3 months lived here more than 25 years never had this issue before
Tori Bruce
November 8, 2021 |
That is a little concerning. Unless you know of an open door or window, you likely have a colony. Weather events or regular aging of a home can open up tiny entries for bats. So it is not unusual to go for years with no issues and then you start seeing signs. If you have more questions, feel free to call our customer service line 877-264-2287.
Ben
September 6, 2021 |
We have bats living the crawl space above both bedrooms of our 2-story addition. They are interlocking tile drop ceilings. The bats are accessing area through a whole house can aluminum dome bent on the roof that the roofer failed to reinstall the screening on. Been up there about 5-6 yrs. I installed a steel mesh cage over the vent with a one way bag valve and witnessed 5 bats exit at dusk tonite. I have done due diligence in sealing up alternate gaps. How long should I wait to seal up the valve and can bats re-enter through these “one-way” valves?
Tori Bruce
September 6, 2021 |
Hi, we recommend leaving the one way device up for at least a week with at least 3 days in a row with no rain and above 40 degrees. If the valve is installed properly, bats should not be able to enter. Many times you'll see them hanging around right outside it because they are persistent.
Alex
September 1, 2021 |
I found a dead bat in my cellar. Nothing else, no sightings. Walked around the finished cellar, no sighs of urine or droppings that I can see. I have spaces where they could get inside the house. What do I do from here, wait and see if I see more?
Tori Bruce
September 1, 2021 |
So it either flew in an open window or door and ended up down there (we hope it's this scenario), or there is a colony using the "spaces" to get in and this one got lost on the way out. We recommend doing a watch outside your house at dusk. If bats are using your home as their home, they will leave to eat at dusk, and hopefully you would see them. It sounds like you looked for signs of guano inside but also look for signs outside directly under the openings you mentioned.
Karen Richardson
January 18, 2023 |
I get a bat in my home once for the last 2 years, I've learned to open the front door and let it fly out, but if it did not go out will turning on the lights effect them in anyway?
Tori Bruce
January 19, 2023 |
Hi, actually we have found better success in turning out lights IF they are in the room with the open door, since the light can disorient them. However, if they are not in a room with the open door, sometimes using lights to funnel them towards the door can help. For more information you can look at step 5 here: https://www.getbatsout.com/steps-to-take-if-there-is-a-bat-in-your-house/
Logan Moody
August 4, 2021 |
I was awoken to a weird sound and my cat led me to this thing next to the cable box. It was a bat I would like some help. Please help I have a child in remission for leukemia I also have a cat and a chinchilla so this is very important please get in contact with me.
Tori Bruce
August 4, 2021 |
Hello, I'm sorry about your urgent bat situation. If you think your child or pets have been in the same room with the bat, you should call the child's pediatrician and ask for direction. I am unclear if the bat is still in your house, but if it is and you think there is any chance that it came into contact with anyone (including pets), you should try to capture it and contact animal control. We are an exclusion company for when people have a colony of bats, but we do not remove single bats that may have flown in through an open door or window.
Ray
July 6, 2021 |
We see a small amount of what we think is bat droppings in the same place on our porch off and on. Sometimes a couple days in a row and then it may be 4-6 days without anything. Where the droppings are on the floor, there is no holes above. Do you think we have bats inside?
Tori Bruce
July 7, 2021 |
It's always possible that they are inside, but they would need an exit of some sort. You could do a watch at dusk to see if you spot them leaving (they will leave every night). Another possibility is that they find your porch safe and comfortable for a temporary resting spot, but it's not where they spend their days. If you feel certain you are dealing with bats and would like more help, please don't hesitate to call our knowledgable customer service team at 877-264-2287.
Exhausted home owner
May 24, 2021 |
Do you have any suggestions for people who have done bat excursion and still have a problem? I live in Michigan. We paid 2 companies to seal up the entrinces/install one way doors, and clean up our attic. After the first company failed to fix the issue 3 years, we gave up on our warranty and called a, hopefully, more competent company. Last year was the first we didn't hear bats in our walls. As soon as I said I think they fixed the problem... we had another bat. They seem to be roosting on our front and back porches, so I haven't ruled out that one came in as we brought our dog in from outside. We are exhausted though, this has been a long process of 4+ years, and really expensive. We will have the company out again to check for gaps. Is there anything that can be done to make a house less desirable?
Tori Bruce
May 26, 2021 |
I'm so sorry you've had such a long and difficult experience having your bats excluded. I would guess you had a very established colony and they spent enough time there that they are quite determined to get back in. Since they can't get in, they are settling for your porches. (this blog has some tips for moving them away from the porch https://www.getbatsout.com/a-bat-on-your-porch/ ) Bats instinctively desire to have their babies in the same place that they were born, and they live a long time so they will keep trying year after year. Bat exclusion is expensive! It's important to hire a company with lots of experience and one that offers warranty on their work. Sounds like you made very good effort on both of those points. There are things like home maintenance or really bad weather that can undo the exclusion technicians work. I really hope you are correct and your bat was brought in or flew in from the porch!
P yuiska
May 23, 2021 |
We found. A dead bat in our toilet. We have never seen one in the house before. We have no pets in the house.
Tori Bruce
May 24, 2021 |
If you've never had one before, it likely flew in an open door or window. However if more show up, you might have a bigger issue. It is a good idea to consult with your physician if you think there was any chance it was in the room with someone sleeping, or with children, or someone disabled.
Hrutalee
May 5, 2021 |
I've found 5 small bats in my house. I think there are more. I don't know how to deal with it. Please help us.
Tori Bruce
May 6, 2021 |
We would be happy to help you. Please call our customer service department at 877-264-2287. They will be able to give you good advice on what to do.
Ananya Verma
January 30, 2021 |
We live in a somewhat outer area full of fields. At least 1 bat comes to our house but only after sunset. Don't know how.
Tori Bruce
February 2, 2021 |
If the bat is coming inside, we would be happy to help you figure it out. Please call our customer service number if you need help. 877-264-2287.
alexia keoppen
August 24, 2020 |
I have lived in my 120 year old house for 15 years. Over the years I've had anywhere from 2-3 bats in the house to none for years at a time. I've had a "bat expert" at the house who couldn't find a roosting spot. Just this week I've had 3 bats. One was unable to fly, but I'm not sure whether it was injury or illness. I should have called Animal Control but didn't. I'm now 70 years old & it is getting hard to help them get outside once I find them flying around the house. What do you suggest?
Tori Bruce
August 24, 2020 |
From what you've said, it does sound like you have a bat colony. Our best recommendation is to bring in a new bat expert, as frustrating as that may be, perhaps a new set of eyes will find what the other fellow missed. Please feel free to call our customer service number if you'd like to talk over your situation. (no strings attached of course!) 877-264-2287
Liz
April 14, 2021 |
I had a single bat get into my apartment about 2 months ago I called my landlord and it was removed. My wife just called tonight and said another one came through by our vent. That’s 2 bats within 2 months. Should I be concerned? My landlord had terminix come and patch up all the holes on the outside of the building after the first bat got into our apartment.
Tori Bruce
April 14, 2021 |
If they sealed up the holes without installing one way exit devices, they very likely trapped the bats inside. Which is terrible in all respects because the bats will be desperate to get out (and may wander into the living space) or they just killed a colony (bats are endangered so you are always supposed to "exclude" not "exterminate".) If your landlord hired a company that deals specifically in bats, they would also be concentrating on clean up of guano to keep all the tenants safe from histoplasmosis. If you want to talk to our customer service department, they will be happy to give you more information. 877-264-2287
Erika
August 16, 2020 |
I have been in this house a little over 3 yrs and we have bats just about every night and once in a while during the day and the landlord putting netting over the chimney and they thought they are comimg from our side door bit we haven't been using it since thats where they thought they were comimg in at and they put a new roof on
Tori Bruce
August 17, 2020 |
Hmmm, it sounds like the problem isn't fixed. You might find this article interesting: https://www.getbatsout.com/what-if-your-landlord-will-not-fix-a-bat-problem/
Ken
August 14, 2020 |
Live in upstate ny - Albany area- live in downtown area 100 year old brownstone-3 stories-have had bats in house over the past few years. Mostly one-offs- been very hot this summer and we had a few bats over the months- hired a bat control person who recently “sealed” the outside of the building- wire meshed the chimney - have had two bats in past two days.
Tori Bruce
August 17, 2020 |
Sounds like they may have trapped them in. The bats are now desperate to find a new way out. Hopefully I'm wrong and they installed one-way doors because bats are endangered so a reputable company would never trap them in (which would kill most of them).
Guy 674
August 14, 2020 |
I live in upstate NY and about 2 months ago I found a bat in my upstairs bedroom, I thought it flew inside when I went to go let the dog out and figured it was a fluke, tonight I found another batt flying around my house and never seeing a batt before 2 months ago I felt something must be going on that I now have seen 2 bats with in 2 months and figured they must be getting in somewhere. And then I read your story about the colony and hope that’s not the case. If it was a colony does it make sense this time of year that I would see 2 bats with in 2 months? I’m gonna check out the roof and see where they could be getting in, I don’t have an attic tho so my thoughts is they may be living in my basement.
Tori Bruce
August 17, 2020 |
This is definitely bat busy season. So, yes, this is when bats will be most likely spotted inside homes. If you are going to do an outside inspection, watch for signs of guano (very similar to mouse droppings) and urine staining (or an ammonia-like odor), sometimes that is an indicator of where they come and go out of the house. If you need more help, please call our customer service number: 877-264-2287
Barbara Blain
July 30, 2020 |
I had a bat in the house a few months ago and now I just saw one. What can I do so I don’t have this problem?
Tori Bruce
July 30, 2020 |
It's possible that a bat can fly in through an open door or window. But if you have more than one sighting, the chances are greater that you may have a colony residing in your house. The first step would be examining the perimeter of your home, even having someone get up on the roof and look around. There are usually signs (guano or staining from urine) of where bats are entering and exiting. You can even do an evening watch, as it is dusk, bats will exit to eat. If you find the entry you need to bat proof WITHOUT trapping the bats inside. They are endangered and so you have to be very careful to not kill them. We would be so happy to tell you more or help you accomplish those steps if you call our customer service number. 877-264-2287
Connie
July 6, 2020 |
Have had 2 bats within the last 2 months. I have a cat. I usually find them dead.
Tori Bruce
July 7, 2020 |
As a precaution, we recommend keeping your cat's rabies shots up to date and don't handle the dead bats with your bare hands. I had a cat that actually brought the bat in from outside, but if that is not the case with yours and you think you might need help an infestation, please give us a call 877-264-2287.
Maryhelen Linwood
July 5, 2020 |
Bats on my home and none knows where they come from, I suspect the basement. I’ve had about 6 over 2 yrs. In PEO. IL please help me!
Tori Bruce
July 6, 2020 |
I will pass your info onto customer service. For fastest assistance please fill out the form on this page: https://www.getbatsout.com/residential-bat-removal/. Hopefully we'll be able to help you!
Julie A Alonso
July 9, 2020 |
I have multiple bats in my easement the tip of my roof. Its been several years and the poop and pee damage. I have inquired but nobody knows what to do. I know there are several by their squeeks and dusk they fly about. I have 2 dogs, 1 cat and 2 kids! Do you charge for estimating what to do?
Tori Bruce
July 9, 2020 |
We can definitely help you. If you call our customer service number at 877-264-2287 they can give you advice and details about how we can help. Your homeowners insurance might even cover things if you have damage.
Jesss
September 1, 2020 |
I also have had a lot of bats I live in Peoria IL as well I moved in feb 3 2020 and have had 20+ bats in my home since moving in, 4 dead and the rest alive and flying in my home always on first floor. Terminex has come but the problem has not resolved itself, I’m very frightened. I definitely think I am about to have to move
Tori Bruce
September 2, 2020 |
Hi, you definitely have a bat infestation. It's possible that Terminex made your situation worse by trapping bats in. I highly recommend having a professional trained specifically in humane bat removal come out to help. There is a form you can fill out on this page: https://www.getbatsout.com/residential-bat-removal/ if you would like to get the inspection process started.
Kate
July 1, 2020 |
Hi we’re hunting a bat down right this moment and this had been the third bat. We had one a year ago but this is the third one in the span of just a week. We are in upstate ny what should I do. And we have a two story old farm house with a basement. I’d also like to know your prices.
Tori Bruce
July 1, 2020 |
I agree, one bat can be an accident, but it sounds like you have a colony. We would be happy to help you and talk about prices. Please call our customer service number at 877-264-2287 or fill out our form on this page: https://www.getbatsout.com/residential-bat-removal/ . I hope we can help!
Sarah Robson
June 30, 2020 |
hi Do you have any technicians within Essex? My sister has had bats from pups to adults pop up through out her house. Its only happened recently, they have lived within the house for over year and never saw anything while they where working on the house. Pretty sure there is a colony in the loft. Would love an idea on the next best step. Please help.
Tori Bruce
July 1, 2020 |
From the information you've gathered, I agree she probably has a bat colony. Our customer service office will be able to tell you if there is a technician in your area or one headed that way for a job. Please call at your convenience: 877-264-2287.
Kris forst
June 30, 2020 |
I've been in my house about 9 years about 3 years ago I had a bat on the 2nd floor got rid of it now I get a bat about once a year and they come from the basement need help
Tori Bruce
June 30, 2020 |
Hi, we would be happy to help figure out your bat situation. Please call our customer service number at 877-264-2287 or fill out our form on this page: https://www.getbatsout.com/residential-bat-removal/ and you can get a consultation followed by an inspection if needed.
Melinda Hedges
June 25, 2020 |
What state are you located?
Tori Bruce
June 25, 2020 |
We are a Nationwide company. We have trained technicians across the country. If you are interested in contacting a technician near you, please call our customer service number or fill out our form on this page: https://www.getbatsout.com/residential-bat-removal/
Zach
May 26, 2020 |
Hi, I have tried contacting you guys a few different times but cannot get an answer or a call back. I believe we have a bat infestation, please reach out if you can help us. Thank you.
Tori Bruce
May 26, 2020 |
Hello, I'm so sorry you haven't had success reaching us, it has been an extra busy bat season. If you fill out and submit the form on this page: https://www.getbatsout.com/residential-bat-removal/ it will expedite the process and we will give you a call back during our business hours.
Debb Watson
November 24, 2019 |
Hello. I remember a bat in a house when I was younger. Tonight, I had the 2cnd bat in my house within a couple months. This one tonight seemed to be a larger/adult size bat. I believe it was coming from the basement tonight...... although, the last time I am not sure because it was in the middle of the night. Do you suppose I should get up before daybreak and perch outside to see if any bats leave from my my area? I have lived here for 9 years and never had any problems before. I live in an old farmhouse with a basement and an upstairs (plus an attic.... of course). Would appreciate any information possible to help with my situation so it will not get outta control. Thank you.
Tori Bruce
November 25, 2019 |
Hi, Sometimes the "bat watch" at dusk is very beneficial, however where you live and how cold it is right now will greatly affect the results this time of year, even possibly making the watch irrelevant. I highly recommend that you call our customer service number at 877-264-2287 for more information. They can give you some good guidance on how to proceed with the information you have.
Debbie James
November 10, 2019 |
Ive had 3 bats in my house 2 within the last 3- 4 months and 1 was tonight. Dont know where they come from but maybe the basement. I have a 3 year old granddaughter that occassionally spends the night so i need to resolve this asap. Can you help?
Tori Bruce
November 12, 2019 |
Hi, yes, we can help. Having that many bats in indicates that it is likely that you have a bat infestation somewhere in the house. We can send a technician out to inspect around your house and find the spot that is likely their entry/exit. Please call our customer service number and we can give you more information. 877-264-2287
Joyce Cox
July 21, 2019 |
I live in Oregon, but our cabin is in Wasington. I hope you can help us!
GetBatsOut
July 22, 2019 |
It looks like we were just waiting for some photos you were sending us. If you already sent, please call our customer service at 877-264-2287 so we can figure out how to get you taken care of.