Bat removal in Troy, Michigan, is both humane and legal if it’s done by licensed professionals using proper exclusion methods. Michigan law protects bats, so killing or trapping them, especially during the summer maternity season, is illegal and unethical.
Bats are often misunderstood. In reality, bats are essential to Michigan’s ecosystem. A single bat can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes an hour, helping to naturally control pest populations. Species like the big brown bat and little brown bat are common in Oakland County, including Troy.
However, bats don’t belong inside your attic, chimney, or walls. They can spread diseases such as rabies and histoplasmosis (from bat guano). Over time, colonies can grow and cause structural damage or serious health hazards.
But before taking action, it’s crucial to understand that bats are protected wildlife in Michigan. That means killing or disturbing them, especially during certain times of year, is not only unethical—it’s illegal.
Michigan Law: What Makes Bat Removal Legal or Illegal?
1. Bats Are a Protected Species in Michigan
Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) classifies bats as nongame protected wildlife. This means they cannot be harmed, trapped, or killed except under strict regulations.
It is illegal to:
- Poisons or pesticides are prohibited, as it is illegal to kill bats using these chemicals.
- Trap or seal in bats during maternity season (typically May 16 to July 31).
- Perform exclusions without proper permits or knowledge of wildlife laws.
Bats in Michigan
2. What the Law Says About Bat Exclusion
“Exclusion” is the only legal way to remove bats in Michigan. This means allowing bats to leave the building on their own, through a one-way door method, and then sealing up their entry points once all bats have left.
Professional bat removal in Troy must:
- Hold a DNR Wildlife Damage and Nuisance Control Permit.
- Follow state guidelines for humane exclusion.
- Avoid exclusion during the protected birthing period.
3. Local Troy Regulations
Troy follows Michigan’s state wildlife laws. If you’re a homeowner or business in the area, you’re legally obligated to use humane methods and licensed providers for any bat removal.
Companies operating in Troy often carry builder’s licenses, pesticide certifications, and DNR permits.
What Does Humane Bat Removal Look Like?
1. Why “Humane” Matters
Humane bat removal in Troy, MI, is not just a legal requirement; it’s the right thing to do.
Bats reproduce slowly (only one pup per year) and play an essential role in our environment. Inhumane or illegal methods can lead to:
- Starving pups trapped inside.
- Bats are dying in your attic, causing odor and decay.
- Public health risks and fines.
2. Step-by-Step: The Humane Exclusion Process
Here’s how a legal and humane bat removal in Troy is done:
Step 1: Inspection
- Licensed technicians inspect the home for entry points, signs of guano, and colony size.
- Infrared or UV tools may be used for accurate detection.
Step 2: Install One-Way Devices
- Specialized exclusion tubes or netting are installed at main exits.
- These allow bats to leave at dusk but prevent reentry.
Our professional one-way door method for bat removal services
Step 3: Monitoring Period
- Devices stay in place for several nights to ensure all bats have exited.
- Homes are re-inspected to confirm no bats remain inside.
Step 4: Sealing All Entry Points
- Once the colony is gone, every gap, vent, chimney, and crevice is sealed using bat-proof materials.
Step 5: Guano Cleanup and Sanitization
- Professionals remove bat droppings and apply disinfectant to eliminate health hazards.
Step 6: Prevention
- Optional: install bat houses nearby to give bats an alternative roost.
- Homeowners receive advice on future prevention strategies.
This process ensures that no bats are harmed, and your property is protected long-term.
When Is Bat Removal Legal in Troy?
Exclusion Windows Matter
The DNR mandates a “no exclusion” period from May 16 to July 31 in Michigan.
This is the time when mother bats are nursing their flightless pups. Removing adult bats during this time could trap pups inside, which is considered inhumane and illegal.
If you spot a bat in summer:
- Call a licensed professional.
- They can assess and plan humane removal after July 31 or install temporary deterrents if safe to do so.
The best time for bat removal in Troy is outside of maternity season, when humane exclusion is legal, provided it’s done with the proper permits and methods.
FAQs About Bat Removal in Troy, Michigan
1. Can I remove bats myself?
DIY removal is not recommended. Without proper training and permits, you may violate Michigan law or harm the bats. Professionals have the tools, knowledge, and legal clearance to do the job right.
2. Do I need a permit to remove bats?
Yes, in most cases. Wildlife control specialists in Michigan must hold a valid DNR permit to remove bats from structures.
3. Is it safe to live with bats?
No. Bats may carry rabies, and their droppings can cause respiratory illness. You should not attempt to coexist with an indoor bat colony.
4. Will bats come back after removal?
Not if your home is properly sealed and maintained. Quality bat removal services include full home sealing and warranties of up to 5 years.
5. Can I install a bat house?
Yes! Installing a bat house nearby after exclusion is a humane way to help bats relocate and still benefit from their natural pest control.
6. How much does bat removal cost in Troy, Michigan?
Bat removal costs in Michigan typically range between $300 and $1,500, depending on the size of the colony, number of entry points, and condition of the attic. Prices may increase if guano cleanup, expert attic restoration, or long-term exclusion work is needed. Always choose a licensed wildlife professional who offers warranties and follows Michigan DNR guidelines.
Why Troy Homeowners Trust Michigan Bat’s Expert
At Michigan Bat’s Expert, we go beyond just removing bats, we provide ethical, science-based, and permanent solutions.
Our licensed bat specialists during our bat exclusion service
Here’s what sets us apart:
- DNR-licensed technicians
- 5-year guarantee on exclusion work
- Humane one-way devices and prevention plans
- Full attic cleanup and sanitization
- Over 30 years of experience serving Troy and Oakland County
We understand the local bat population, follow the strictest legal guidelines, and respect wildlife. Our reputation is built on doing things the right way, no shortcuts, no harm to animals, and no unresolved bat problems.
Troy residents are happy and satisfied with our quick response, thorough work, and respectful, humane bat removal methods—just read what one customer had to say:
Lance P was my expert and he showed me the spots where they could get in and where they would seal up places they could enter. He had a lot of knowledge on bat behavior and I was relieved to learn we had a small male colony. He was polite and respectful of our property as well. Update: See photos. We are buttoned up with two chutes, several vent screens, and caulking on the house and ridge vent. One week from when they came out for inspection and estimate. So relieved to have this done. They could be heard scratching and squealing. One word: “BYE”! 🦇🦇 — Lois Courter
Final Thoughts: Bat Removal Is Best Left to Professionals
Bat problems can’t be ignored, but they also can’t be handled the same way you’d handle a wasp’s nest or mice. Because bats are protected under state and federal law, and because they’re a vital part of our ecosystem, the only safe and legal option is humane exclusion performed by a licensed professional.
Don’t wait if you suspect bats in your Troy home. Early action can prevent costly damage, serious health risks, and legal issues.
Contact Michigan Bat’s Expert Today
Get a FREE Bat Inspection and ensure your bat removal is legal, humane, and permanent.
📞 Call Michigan’s Bat Expert team or request a quote to schedule your professional bat removal in Troy, MI.
Sam Sullivan is the owner and lead expert at Michigan’s Bat Expert, specializing in humane bat removal and exclusion services based in Oakland County, Michigan. With years of hands-on experience in wildlife control, Sam has helped countless homeowners and businesses protect their properties from bat and wildlife infestations while adhering to Michigan’s strict wildlife laws.
His expertise lies in exclusion and prevention, ensuring that bats and wildlife are removed safely and never return. Sam is dedicated to ethical and effective solutions, using proven methods that prioritize both property protection and wildlife conservation. His commitment to excellence has made Michigan’s Bat Expert a trusted name in the industry.