Getting bats out of your chimney can be a delicate process, as bats are protected species in many regions. The steps provided here strike a balance between humane treatment of the bats and reclaiming your home space. Always check local regulations regarding bat removal before starting this process.
## Step 1: Determine the Presence of Bats
Before attempting any eviction process, confirm that there are indeed bats in your chimney. You might hear scratching or chirping sounds, especially at dawn or dusk when bats are most active.
Another sign is bat guano (droppings) around the fireplace opening or on the roof near the chimney.
## Step 2: Identify the Bat Species
Identifying the bat species can be helpful to understand their behavior, such as when they roost or migrate, which is crucial information for humane removal.
If you can safely observe the bats at dusk or dawn without disturbing them, try to note features such as size, color, and ear shape. You can compare this information with local wildlife guides or consult a professional.
## Step 3: Wait for the Right Time
Bats are often protected, and removing them during their breeding season can be illegal and harmful to their population. It’s important to wait until the bats have naturally left the chimney before sealing it off to prevent them from returning.
Summer is typically a bad time to evict bats as it is their breeding season. Late summer or early fall, after the young can fly, is usually the best time to attempt removal and exclusion.
## Step 4: Provide an Alternative Home
Before driving the bats out, providing an alternative like a bat house can encourage bats to leave your chimney voluntarily. Install a bat house on a tree or pole at least 15 feet off the ground, near the chimney but not directly above where people might walk.
This gives the bats an alternative roosting site to move to when they are excluded from the chimney.
## Step 5: Use Exclusion Devices
An exclusion device allows bats to leave the chimney but prevents them from returning. It should be a one-way valve or netting. Installing it at the bottom of the chimney, the part that the bats use to exit and enter, ensures they can’t get back in after their nightly feed.
Exclusion devices should be left in place for at least a week to ensure that all bats have left the chimney.
## Step 6: Seal the Chimney
After confirming that all bats have left, seal any entry points to prevent them from coming back. Use materials like metal mesh, caulk, or chimney caps that bats cannot chew through or move.
Make sure to seal any cracks or openings in the chimney itself as well as the chimney cap.
## Step 7: Clean the Chimney
Once all bats have been excluded, it’s important to clean the chimney to remove any remaining guano or nesting material. Bat guano can be hazardous to human health, so wear protective gear and consider hiring a professional to do the cleaning.
Thoroughly clean and disinfect the area to eliminate odors and any parasites or pathogens that might be present in the guano.
## Step 8: Monitor the Chimney
After evicting the bats and sealing the chimney, monitor the area to ensure that the bats have successfully relocated and are not trying to re-enter. If necessary, additional adjustments to the exclusion devices or seals may be required.
Regularly check for signs of bat activity, such as noises or guano, around the chimney area.
Remember, bat removal should be done carefully and humanely to respect wildlife and adhere to legal requirements. If the situation is particularly challenging or if you’re unsure about local laws, it’s always best to consult with or hire a wildlife professional who specializes in bat exclusion.