Northern Michigan is known for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife—but sometimes that wildlife finds its way into places it doesn’t belong, like your attic. Bats are a common issue for homeowners in Traverse City, especially during the warmer months when these nocturnal mammals seek safe roosting sites. While bats are essential to the ecosystem, their presence inside your home can lead to health risks, property damage, and legal complications if not handled properly.
At Critter Control of Traverse City, we specialize in safe, humane, and effective bat removal, as well as permanent prevention strategies to keep them from returning. Whether you're hearing strange sounds in the ceiling or have spotted droppings in your attic, we’re here to help.
Why Bats Roost in Attics
Bats are incredibly resourceful creatures. Your attic offers everything a bat colony needs: warmth, shelter from predators, and a quiet, dark space to raise their young. Small entry points—such as loose siding, attic vents, or roofline gaps—are all it takes for a bat to squeeze into your home.
Michigan is home to several species of bats, including the Little Brown Bat and Big Brown Bat, both of which frequently roost in man-made structures. They’re especially active in spring and summer, during which time maternity colonies form as females give birth and raise their pups.
Signs You May Have Bats in the Attic
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Scratching or squeaking noises, especially at dusk or dawn
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Guano (bat droppings) collecting in attic spaces or around entry points
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Stains or dark marks from oils around cracks and gaps in the roofline
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A strong, musky odor from accumulated waste
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Visual sightings of bats leaving your home at sunset
The Dangers of a Bat Infestation
While bats are not aggressive, having them in your home can pose serious risks:
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Health Hazards: Bat droppings can harbor a fungus that causes Histoplasmosis, a serious respiratory illness. Additionally, although rare, bats can carry rabies.
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Property Damage: Guano and urine can soak into insulation and wood, leading to long-term structural damage and odors that are hard to eliminate.
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Legal Protection: Bats are protected under Michigan wildlife laws. Removing them improperly—especially during maternity season—can result in fines or violations.
Because of these concerns, bat removal should always be handled by licensed professionals who understand the legal and ecological complexities involved.
Our Humane Bat Removal Process
At Critter Control of Traverse City, we use proven, humane techniques that comply with state regulations and prioritize the safety of both your family and the bats.
Here's how we handle a bat issue:
Comprehensive Inspection
We begin with a thorough evaluation of your home to determine how bats are getting in, identify the species involved, and assess the extent of the infestation.
One-Way Exclusion
We install specialized one-way doors or exclusion devices that allow bats to exit—but not re-enter—your attic. This process may take several days to ensure all bats have left.
Timing Matters
During maternity season (May–August), special care must be taken to avoid separating mothers from their pups. We schedule removals around these sensitive periods or install exclusion devices only when it’s safe and legal to do so.
Sealing Entry Points
Once the bats are out, we carefully seal all identified and potential re-entry points using durable, weatherproof materials suited to Michigan’s climate.
Guano Cleanup & Sanitation
We remove contaminated materials, clean affected areas, and sanitize the space to eliminate odor, pathogens, and attractants that could draw wildlife back.
Bat Prevention Tips for Homeowners
Even after professional removal, prevention is key to keeping your attic bat-free in the long run. Here are some steps you can take:
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Seal Cracks and Gaps: Inspect your home for openings near the roof, eaves, vents, and chimneys. Bats can squeeze through spaces as small as ⅜ of an inch.
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Install Chimney Caps and Vent Covers: Secure mesh screens over vents and chimney flues to block access.
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Check Soffits and Fascia Boards: Repair any loose or damaged sections where bats could gain entry.
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Trim Trees Away from Rooflines: Overhanging limbs can serve as launchpads for bats.
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Schedule Annual Inspections: Regular inspections from a wildlife professional can detect vulnerabilities before they become infestations.
Why Choose Critter Control of Traverse City?
With years of experience in wildlife management and a deep understanding of Michigan’s protected bat species, we offer:
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Licensed, humane removal methods
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Customized bat exclusion plans
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Expert guano cleanup and restoration services
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Long-term prevention solutions
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Emergency services available
Whether you’re dealing with a full-blown colony or just a few bats, Critter Control of Traverse City is your trusted local partner for fast, ethical, and effective bat control.
Contact Us Today
If you suspect bats in your attic or want to bat-proof your home before the next season hits, give us a call or schedule an inspection online.
Don’t let bats turn your attic into their home. Let the experts at Critter Control of Traverse City take care of the problem—humanely and permanently.