Bat removal companies often perform live exclusion in Michigan to safely and legally remove bats from homes. But one question many homeowners ask is: Will the bats come back?
The short answer is: Not if the exclusion is done correctly.
Bats are persistent, but with proper sealing, follow-up, and seasonal awareness, homeowners can keep them out for good.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore how live exclusions work, why bats return in some cases, and how to make sure your Michigan home stays bat-free year-round.
What Is a Live Bat Exclusion?
A live bat exclusion in Michigan is a humane method used to remove bats from a building without harming them. It’s not only ethical, it’s the law in Michigan.
Here’s how it works:
- One-way doors (often netting or exclusion tubes) are installed at key bat exit points.
- These devices let bats exit safely, but they can’t re-enter.
- After a few days (once all bats have left), all potential entry points are permanently sealed.
MBE’s exclusion tubes installed during live bat exclusion service in Michigan
This method is most effective when done outside of maternity season (typically mid-May to mid-August), when baby bats (pups) are unable to fly.
During that period, exclusions are restricted under Michigan’s wildlife protection laws to avoid orphaning young bats. It is primarily a must to know the best time to safely remove bats in Michigan.
Why Do Bats Enter Homes in Michigan?
Before understanding if bats will return, it helps to know why they chose your home in the first place. Common bat species in Michigan—especially the big brown bat and little brown bat—are cavity dwellers. They look for warm, dark, protected places to roost.
Common reasons that attract bats to your Michigan homes:
- Gaps in soffits, fascia boards, or ridge vents
- Chimneys with no cap
- Unscreened attic vents
- Cracks in the siding or foundation
- Missing or damaged roof flashing
These gaps may be as small as 3/8 inch—just enough for a bat to squeeze through.
Common entry points to check out in your Michigan homes
Will Bats Come Back After Exclusion?
✅ If the live exclusion in Michigan was done right: No.
Bats are creatures of habit and excellent navigators. They will attempt to return to the same roost for years. But if every potential entry point has been sealed, they’ll eventually move on and find another place to roost. Ideally, one in the wild.
❌ If the exclusion was incomplete: Yes.
There are several reasons bats may return after an exclusion attempt:
- Missed secondary entry points
- Improper sealing or damaged materials
- Exclusion is done during the maternity season
- Inexperienced DIY or non-specialist work
Bats may circle the structure for days or weeks, looking for ways back in. If they find even one missed gap, they’ll likely exploit it.
How Long Do Bats Try to Return?
Bats don’t give up immediately. After being excluded:
- They may try to return for several days to a few weeks.
- Some colonies revisit their previous roost the next spring, especially if it was a maternity roost.
- Big brown bats, which hibernate in buildings over winter, might return year after year if the structure isn’t properly sealed.
That’s why professional bat removal companiesoften include multi-month or even multi-year guarantees because they know how persistent bats can be.
Signs Bats Have Returned After Exclusion
If you suspect the bats are back, look for:
- New droppings (guano) on attic floors or near entry points
- Squeaking or rustling sounds at dusk or dawn
- Strong ammonia odor from bat urine
- Visible bat activity at dusk around the roofline or chimney
If these signs of a bat infestation appear after an exclusion, call a licensed bat specialist immediately for a follow-up inspection.
How to Prevent Bats From Returning
1. Hire a Michigan Bat Exclusion Specialist
Professionals know the local species, the seasonal laws, and the exact places where bats enter Michigan homes. They also know how to:
- Identify every access point, even the hard-to-see ones
- Use bat-safe exclusion materials
- Time the exclusion properly based on bat breeding cycles
- Offer long-term bat removal warranties
One of our licensed and insured bat removal specialists during live exclusion in Michigan
2. Seal Every Possible Entry Point
This includes:
- Eaves, soffits, fascia, and roofline gaps
- Chimney flues and vent pipes
- Ridge and gable vents (with fine-mesh screen)
- Cracks in siding, brickwork, or foundations
High-grade materials like metal flashing, hardware cloth, and bat-proof sealant should be used to withstand Michigan’s weather and the bats’ persistence.
Before and after we installed the gable vents
3. Follow Up With Inspections
A good bat control company will offer follow-up visits after the exclusion to:
- Check for new activity
- Confirm that the sealing holds up to weather and time
- Ensure no new gaps have formed
Some even offer seasonal maintenance plans to prevent future infestations.
Seasonal Considerations for Bat Return in Michigan
Michigan has distinct seasons, and each affects bat behavior differently:
| Season | Bat Behavior | Exclusion Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | Bats return from hibernation, seek roosts | Best time for exclusion is before the pups are born |
| Summer (May–Aug) | Maternity season; baby bats present | Best time for exclusion before the pups are born |
| Fall (Sept–Oct) | Bats prepare for hibernation | Second-best time for exclusion |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Bats hibernate in attics/crawlspaces | Exclusions are not allowed during this time |
Timing your live exclusion in Michigan outside of the maternity window is critical to prevent returns and avoid harming bats.
Legal Protections for Bats in Michigan
Bats are protected under the Michigan DNR’s Wildlife Conservation laws. It is illegal to kill bats in Michigan or exclude them during restricted periods; this can result in fines.
All exclusions must follow humane standards and respect seasonal no-exclusion windows. This is another reason why working with a licensed, insured, and experienced bat control expert is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I do a bat exclusion myself?
- Technically, yes, but it’s not recommended. Without proper training, you might miss entry points or break exclusion laws. DIY jobs often lead to bats returning or being trapped inside the home.
- What’s the bat removal cost in Michigan?
- It varies based on home size and bat infestation. Most exclusions in Michigan range from $500 to $2,000, depending on complexity. Full sealing and warranties add long-term value.
- How do I know if all the bats are gone?
- Experts look for bat exit patterns over several days. They may use infrared cameras or bat detectors to confirm that no bats remain before sealing.
- Is it normal to see bats outside after an exclusion?
- Yes, bats live in Michigan’s environment. Seeing them fly around at night doesn’t mean they’re in your house. Only continued sightings near entry points or signs of guano indicate they may have returned.
- Do bats damage homes?
- Yes, bat droppings can cause diseasesand destroy insulation, and urine can cause wood rot. Over time, this can lead to structural damage and foul odors.
Michigan’s Bat Expert Bat Specialists
Trust the Experts: Keep Bats Out for Good
In short, bats won’t return after bat removal in Michigan if the job is done right. But that’s the key—doing it right means:
- Sealing every possible gap
- Timing it outside the maternity season
- Using durable materials
- Following up with inspections
At Michigan’s Bat Expert, we specialize in safe, legal, and lasting bat exclusion. Our team is trained and licensed, and educated on Michigan regulations.
One of our satisfied customers says:
The visit was extremely thorough, and super informative. Michael went above and beyond my expectations. He went into a very tight space in my attic, provided photos of what was going on in the problem area…. Then he even got on the roof and identified multiple entry points photographing them along the way to show proof… I’d highly recommend this company to anyone dealing with unwanted houseguests of a fury variety. –– EDGEWOOD DOLLA
Think you still have bats? Don’t wait.
Call Michigan’s Bat Expert (248) 923-4762 today to schedule a FREE bat inspection.
Let’s make sure your bat problem is solved for good—the first time.
Serving professional bat removal in Oakland County, Macomb County, Livingston County, and more surrounding counties in Michigan.
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.