Learn how to handle bats in Michigan with humane removal methods. Protect your home and discover expert tips tailored to Michigan’s unique wildlife challenges.

Bats are essential to Michigan’s ecosystem, helping control insect populations and contributing to the environment’s balance. However, when these winged mammals make their way into homes across Oakland, Macomb, or Wayne counties, they become more than an ecological benefit—they become a problem. 

If you’ve ever found yourself startled by the sound of wings flapping in your attic or basement, you’re not alone. Bats are a common issue for Michigan homeowners, especially during the fall and spring months when they seek shelter or migrate.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through understanding why bats invade homes, the steps you can take to remove them humanely, and how professional services like Michigan’s Bat Expert can help solve the problem effectively

Why Are Bats a Common Problem in Michigan?

Michigan’s varied climate and abundance of wooded areas make it an ideal home for several bat species, including the Little Brown Bat and Big Brown Bat. These species are often found in suburban areas like Novi, Rochester Hills, or Sterling Heights, where homes offer warm, sheltered spaces like attics, eaves, and chimneys.

Bats typically enter homes for three reasons:

• Search for Warmth: As the weather cools, bats look for insulated spaces to hibernate.
• Maternity Colonies: Female bats often seek safe locations to raise their young.
• Accidental Entry: Open windows, unscreened vents, or gaps in roofing can inadvertently invite bats inside.

Understanding these habits is the first step to addressing the issue.

Is It Legal to Remove Bats in Michigan?

Yes, but with some important caveats. In Michigan, bats are protected wildlife, and removal must be done humanely. This means that methods like poisoning or trapping are not only unethical but also illegal. 

Certain bat species are further protected during specific times of the year, such as the maternity season (typically June through August) when it is illegal to remove bats to avoid harming baby bats.

DIY attempts can often lead to unintentional violations of these laws. That’s why working with a licensed, humane wildlife removal service like Michigan’s Bat Expert is essential.

Effective Steps to Get Rid of Bats in Michigan Homes

Removing bats safely and legally requires a strategic approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Inspect Your Home

Check common entry points like attic vents, gaps in siding, and chimneys. Pay attention to areas with stains or droppings, as these are signs of bat activity. In cities like Troy or Farmington Hills, older homes often have more vulnerabilities due to aging structures.

2. Install One-Way Exclusion Devices

These devices allow bats to leave your home but prevent them from re-entering. They are best installed at dusk when bats are most active and leaving to forage. We recommend using an open-airway system versus using a flapper or a hinge door device.

3. Seal Entry Points

Once you’ve confirmed all bats have exited, seal every possible entry point. Use caulking, mesh, or professional-grade sealants to close gaps as small as ¼ inch.

4. Clean and Restore

Bats often leave behind guano (droppings) which can pose health risks. Professional attic restoration services can safely clean and sanitize the area, ensuring your home is safe and odor-free.

Benefits of Professional Bat Removal in Michigan

Trusted by Bat Conservation International and highly rated on Home Advisor, our company has proudly served Oakland County for over 30 years. As a locally owned and operated business, we employ certified, licensed, and insured technicians to deliver the highest quality wildlife and bat removal services with professionalism and care.

Here’s why working with professionals makes a difference:

• Expertise: Professionals can identify hidden entry points and understand bat behavior specific to Michigan’s climate and species.
• Compliance: They ensure all methods are legal and humane, avoiding costly fines or ecological harm.
• Warranty: Services come with full 5-year warranties, giving you peace of mind against future invasions.

Efficiency: With tools and experience, professionals complete the job faster and more effectively than DIY methods.

How to Prevent Bats from Returning

After removal, preventing future infestations is crucial. Here are some tips tailored for Michigan homes:

• Inspect Your Home Annually: Especially before winter, check for any structural vulnerabilities.
• Install Bat Houses: Providing an alternative habitat can help deter bats from entering your home.
• Secure Vents and Chimneys: Use metal mesh or covers to block access.
• Trim Trees Near Your Home: Bats often use overhanging branches to access rooftops.

Common Questions About Bat Removal in Michigan

How much does bat removal cost in Michigan? Costs depend on the labor, materials, and complexity of repairs needed for your home. The number of bats does not affect pricing, as all exclusions follow the same humane and thorough process regardless of colony size.

What attracts bats to homes? Bats are drawn to warm, dark, and quiet spaces that mimic their natural roosting habitats.

Can I use repellents to get rid of bats? Repellents are generally ineffective and not recommended. Exclusion and sealing are the most reliable methods.

Why is humane bat removal important? It’s both a legal requirement and an ethical responsibility to protect Michigan’s bat population while ensuring safety for homeowners.

Call Michigan’s Bat Expert Today!

If you’re dealing with bats in your home, don’t wait. Contact Michigan’s Bat Expert at (248) 923-4762 for fast, reliable, and humane bat removal services. Serving communities from Ann Arbor to Shelby Township, we’re here to make your home bat-free and secure.