Catch of the Week: Urbandale Bats
September 18, 2017
As the weather starts to cool down, we start to see more pests trying to make their way inside homes in preparation of hibernation through the winter. Bats are no exception! We've had a lot of calls from people who are finding bats in their house. Our latest run-in with these critters was inside a home in Urbandale.
Prevent Bats From Finding a Way Inside
Bats can fit through surprisingly small spaces, so it's important to check for any nooks and crannies around the outside of your house. The most common entry points would be through the overhang of roofs, areas with missing bricks, damaged siding and in drain pipes. Any small crevice is a potential entry for bats.
Although bats have very bad vision, they find these tiny spaces using their other heightened senses. These pests are very responsive to air currents that leak out from the crevices around your home.
Signs of Bats in Your Home
Once inside, bats have a very hard time finding their way around due to their poor vision. This means they are very likely to run into walls or doorways, and typically leave guano, or bat droppings, behind. Guano is usually brown or black in color, but don't worry, if you are unable to see the guano, you will eventually be able to smell its strong scent. Another clue to finding bats in your home is the scratching sounds from the claws on their wings as they move throughout your attic or in your walls.
Once you find a bat in your house they can be difficult to get rid of, especially if their friends have followed them inside and decided your house is their new roost. It's best to contact a professional to safely take care of the problem. Preferred Pest Control knows what to look for and has trained professionals to take care of any bat removal services you need.
Fast Facts About Bats
- There are over 40 different species of bats in the U.S., and nine of these species can be found in Iowa
- The most common bats found throughout Iowa are the little brown bat, big brown bat, hoary bat, silver-haired bat and red bat.
- Most bats are insect eaters, but others eat fruit, fish or even blood!
- Bats that feed on insects can eat up to 2,000 mosquitoes in one night.
- There are only three species of vampire bats that feed exclusively on blood.
- Bats are nocturnal, meaning they are active at night, and use their echolocation to "see" in the dark.
- Some bats live alone, and other species live in roosts with thousands of bats in a cave.
Pest Control for the Des Moines Area
If you think you could have a bat problem like this Urbandale homeowner, Preferred Pest has the bat control services that can help. Our pest professionals offer quality service and will take care of any bat problems quickly and safely. If you think you're detecting bats in your home, call Preferred Pest Control today at (515) 415-5550 or schedule an appointment online!
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