The Top 4 Signs of a Bat Infestation in the Attic

When you see a bat on your property, perhaps hanging from an eave or perching on a tree branch, chances are, they are between flights, and just taking a short rest before their final destination. These bats are not likely to cause harm or pose any threat. However, a bat infestation, namely a colony of bats in the attic, is another story.

Bats are highly destructive and messy. Consequently, the longer the infestation continues without rehabilitation, the more costly and invasive the bat removal project will be. Although bats in the attic commonly go unnoticed for long periods of time, they do tend to bring attention to themselves by causing certain changes in your home’s environment.  

If you have spotted a few bats around your house on more than one occasion in the recent weeks, it could be your very first sign that you have a bat infestation. Continue reading to learn the top 4 signs of a bat infestation, particularly in attics.

Indianapolis Bat Removal and Control
Indianapolis Bat Removal and Control 317-847-6409

How to Tell if There are Bats in the Attic

There are many signs that suggest you might have a nuisance bat problem in or around your house. However, the top 4 signs are the most telling, as they cannot possibly be mistaken for anything else but a colony of roosting bats. Here is what to look out for specifically, when conducting an inspection of your property under the suspicion that you have bats in the attic:

Spotting Bats Frequently

We have already mentioned that one of your first indications that you might have a bat problem on your property is if you start seeing them often. One bat every now and then is not usually strong evidence of an infestation, or the beginnings of one. However, multiple bat sighting on a regular basis can mean that your home is their headquarters. It could also mean that they are surveying your home as a possible roost.

Sounds of Fluttering or Shuffling

Listen carefully to your walls and ceilings. If you hear fluttering, shuffling, or flapping noises from the hours of dusk to dawn, you could be dealing with a bat roost. Of course, it could also be birds, but birds are less likely to use wall voids to access attic spaces. Also listen to your chimneys, as bats tend to use them as entry points as well.

Stains on Walls, Ceilings, or Siding

Bat fur leaves behind an oily stain that is usually black or dark grey in color. If you see these marks on your roof or siding, it could be from bats squeezing in and out. Another stain to look for is one that is caused by accumulated bat droppings. Brownish to yellow stains on walls and ceilings can be a telltale sign of bats are roosting in the attic.

Bat Guano Piles

Bat droppings are called guano, and they look quite similar to rodent waste, except smaller. If you see piles of mysterious fecal matter outside of your house, along door frames, windows, or roof edges, or inside near vents, it could be from roosting bats. Do not touch the guano, but do keep it for an excellent garden fertilizer!

How to Get Rid of Bats in the Attic in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 to get rid of animals in the attic, such as bats, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our DNR licensed bat removal and control specialists retain the proper resources and training to safely extract bats and protect your property from further intrusions. Best of all, we maintain economy-based prices, so you can afford our services. We also offer cleanup services and restoration and repair for animal damages, and can even provide insurance claim work. Start with a free estimate or advice, today!

Modern Wildlife Control Indianapolis, Indiana
Modern Wildlife Control Indianapolis, Indiana

How to Protect Bird Feeders From Hungry Squirrels

Your bird feeders are a valued feature of your landscaping, as it is a focal point that can be enjoyed through the harsh Indiana winters. So, when thieving squirrels pillage your feeders after you’ve taken the time to carefully fill them all up, it can leave you feeling frustrated in the least. So, be sure to do your part this season and prevent yard squirrels from stealing all the bird seed from your feeders.

Continue reading to learn how to protect bird feeders from hungry squirrels this winter, and next.

Squirrel Removal and Control Tennessee
Squirrel Removal and Control in Tennessee 615-336-5503

Best Practices for Bird Feeder Protection

Squirrels are very cute, but they are also very cunning. They will go to great lengths to get a snack, and bird feeders are a common target. Not only does this deplete your feeders, but it also scares all the birds away, which makes for some very boring bird-watching. Fortunately, we are smarter, and many homeowners have already developed several tactics to stop this common nuisance squirrel behavior.

Here is what you can do to prevent squirrels from eating all of the seed inside bird feeders:

Choose a Location Away From Trees

Squirrels live in trees. Trees are their interstate to everything around them. So, do not make it easy fro them to access your bird feeders by hanging them near trees. Instead, choose a location central to your yard, far from any trees or structures squirrels can climb.

Apply a Non-Toxic Repellent

There are certain scents, spices, and sensations that squirrels absolutely hate, like menthol, cayenne, cinnamon, and eucalyptus. You can combine some of these ingredients and make a homemade squirrel repellent spray. This recipe is non-toxic since it is made with natural ingredients and water. Simply combine with water into a spray bottle, and spray the pole of your feeders, or the areas that squirrels use to get to them.

Install a Baffle

You can purchase a device called a squirrel baffle that hinders a squirrel’s ability to access a bird feeder on a pole. It is basically a dome with a hole in the center, and it is installed under the bird feeder. Squirrels have trouble climbing over the dome and accessing the bird feeder.

Feed the Squirrels Separately

As the old saying goes, “if you can beat ‘em, join ‘em.” Set up separate squirrel feeders, away from the bird feeders, and add squirrel watching to your list of at-home landscaping pleasures. You can buy squirrel feeders and feed at any local home improvement or garden store, or online at your trusted retailer.

Where to Get Professional Squirrel Control Service in Nashville, Tennessee

Call Modern Wildlife Control at 615-336-5503 to get rid of squirrels in Nashville, Tennessee and surrounding areas. As a qualified Nashville wildlife control company licensed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA), we strictly adhere to all industry-accepted standards and best practices, and operate within all state and federal regulations that govern wildlife. Request a free estimate or advice, today.

Modern Wildlife Control Nashville Tennessee
Modern Wildlife Control in Nashville, Tennessee 615-336-5503

How to Spot the Signs of Raccoons Around Your House

Do you want to know whether or not your home is secretly subjected to raccoon trespassing and infestation? Well if it is, the signs are certainly out there, you just have to know where to look and what to look for. Raccoons are clever and nimble mammals, but they are not savvy enough to make a clean escape. Raccoons leave behind signs of their visit; evidence that can be used to confirm a raccoon problem.

Continue reading to learn about the types of evidence raccoons leave behind after trespassing onto your property.

Indianapolis Raccoon Removal and Control
Indianapolis Raccoon Removal and Control 317-847-6409

Common Signs of Raccoon Mischief

A comprehensive inspection is the best place to start when it comes to either confirming or tackling a raccoon problem. In fact, routine inspections are the best preventative maintenance for raccoon infestations and trouble. This is especially true for homes with wooded lots or homes located near heavily-wooded areas.

During your inspection, you will need to address outdoor and indoor areas of the home. This includes outdoor sheds, storage units, tree houses, and any other place a wild animal could hide or access. Be sure to inspect the major areas of the home first, such as the roof, garage, crawl space, attic, areas beneath the porch or patio, and the interior of the walls. These are common places for raccoons to nest, feed, and reproduce. 

Typical Evidence of Raccoon Activity:

🦝 Outdoor paw tracks (use a coat of flour to detect mammal tracks)

🦝 Structural damages (i.e. Fallen roof shingles, bent gutters, scratch marks, etc.)

🦝 Animal scat

🦝 Visibly spotting a raccoon or raccoons

🦝 Sounds or scuffling noises (i.e. on the roof, inside the walls, in the attic, etc.)

🦝 Pillaged outdoor trash cans and pet bowls

🦝 Missing vegetables from the garden

🦝 Potted plants dug up

🦝 Outdoor pet food missing

🦝 Lingering odors coming from attic or other interior area of a home

During the inspection, it is important to locate and identify vulnerable areas that could be accessed by wild animals like raccoons, and seal these areas fast. Seal gaps in siding, windows, and doors, and close off any access points to under porches and patios. Also, replace loose or broken roof shingles and remove all outdoor attractions like garbage and pet food. It is strongly encouraged to hire a professional Indiana wildlife control company for accurate inspections and services.

How to Safely Get Rid of Raccoons in Indiana at a Price You Can Easily Afford

Call Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for affordable wildlife removal and control services for raccoons in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. Our DNR licensed and insured wildlife rescue and control specialists offer safe and humane squirrel abatement services, clean up and minor restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, and free estimates. Get started by requesting a free estimate or advice, today.

Modern Wildlife Control Indianapolis, Indiana
Modern Wildlife Control Indianapolis, Indiana