How To Keep Bats Out Of Barn

How to Keep Bats Out of Your Barn: A Comprehensive Guide

Bats in your barn can be a nuisance, but it's crucial to remember that they're also beneficial creatures and often protected by law. Evicting them requires a humane and legal approach, focusing on exclusion rather than harmful methods. This guide will walk you through effective and ethical strategies for keeping bats out of your barn.

Understanding the Problem: Why are Bats in My Barn?

Before you start any bat removal, it's important to understand why they're choosing your barn as their home. Common reasons include:

• Shelter: Barns offer dark, secluded spaces perfect for roosting, especially during colder months.
• Food Source: The presence of insects near your barn attracts bats seeking a meal.
• Accessibility: Gaps, cracks, and openings in your barn's structure provide easy access for bats to enter.

Identifying these factors is the first step in effectively deterring them.

Humane Bat Removal: Ethical and Effective Solutions

Crucially, avoid harmful methods like poisons or pesticides. These are inhumane and often illegal. Instead, focus on exclusion techniques:

1. Identify Entry Points

Thoroughly inspect your barn's exterior and interior. Look for any cracks, gaps, holes, or openings—no matter how small—that bats might be using to enter. Pay close attention to:

• Rooflines: Check for gaps around vents, chimneys, and roofing materials.
• Walls: Inspect for cracks, holes, or damaged siding.
• Foundation: Look for openings near the base of the barn, especially around doors and windows.

2. Seal Entry Points

Once you've identified all access points, seal them using appropriate materials. Consider:

• Steel wool: Stuffing cracks and crevices with steel wool prevents bats from chewing through and gaining entry.
• Caulk: Apply high-quality caulk to seal gaps and cracks effectively.
• Hardware cloth: Use this sturdy mesh to cover larger openings, ensuring it's securely fastened.

Important Note: Only seal entry points after bats have left for their nightly foraging. Trapping bats inside is illegal and inhumane. The best time to seal is during the colder months when bats are less active.

3. Encourage Natural Departure

While sealing entry points is crucial, it's important to allow bats a safe exit. This often involves temporarily leaving a small opening until they've found their way out naturally. Monitor this carefully to ensure they've vacated.

4. Prevent Future Infestations

Once the bats are gone, maintaining a bat-free environment requires ongoing vigilance:

• Regular inspections: Periodically inspect your barn for new openings or signs of bat activity.
• Preventative maintenance: Repair any damage to your barn's structure promptly.
• Reduce insect populations: A reduction in insects near your barn will make it less attractive to bats. Maintain clean surroundings and consider natural pest control methods.

When to Call a Professional

If you're dealing with a large bat colony or are unsure about how to proceed, it's best to contact a wildlife removal professional. They have the experience and expertise to handle bat removal safely and humanely, adhering to all local and federal regulations.

Remember, bats are beneficial creatures. By employing humane and effective exclusion methods, you can protect your barn and coexist peacefully with these nocturnal animals.