Living with wild animals like squirrels or bats invading your Houston home can be frustrating and concerning. While they may seem cute from afar, these uninvited guests can cause considerable damage to your property. Rather than using cruel extermination methods, humane squirrel and bat removal services offer an ethical solution for evicting these animals from your home. This article will explore the challenges of squirrel and bat infestations, as well as the most effective and humane bat and squirrel removal in Houston area.
Understanding Squirrel Infestations
Squirrels find their way into homes and attics through tiny holes and crevices. Once inside, they can breed rapidly. Telltale signs of a squirrel infestation include scampering noises in the walls or ceiling, damaged insulation, and small holes in soffits where squirrels enter. Squirrels are notorious for chewing on electrical wires, which creates a serious fire hazard. Their droppings and urine can also spread diseases.
To remove squirrels, it’s not as simple as setting traps to catch and release the animals outdoors. Squirrels are persistent, and will quickly find their way back inside if all entry points are not sealed shut. Mother squirrels with dependent young will be even more determined to re-enter an attic or wall space. A thorough exclusion process is required.
Removing Bats Humanely
Like squirrels, bats often enter homes through tiny exterior holes, cracks, or gaps around chimneys. Bats roost in dark, quiet areas like attics or unused sheds. Signs of infestation include bat droppings, squeaking noises at night, and dark stains from body oils around entry holes.
Bats play an important role in ecosystems by consuming insects, pollinating plants, and dispersing seeds. But bats can transmit rabies or hantavirus, and their droppings create unsanitary conditions. Bat removal must be done carefully, as bats are protected species in most states.
Exclusion is the preferred bat removal method. This involves finding and sealing all gaps where bats access the structure, then monitoring with exclusion devices and ensuring all bats have exited before completing repairs. Trapping and relocating bats is often ineffective, as they can easily find their way back or invade another home nearby.
Choosing Humane Squirrel and Bat Removal
Rather than opting for lethal methods like poison or snap traps, Houston homeowners should choose a wildlife control company that practices ethical exclusion and eviction techniques. Here are some signs of a humane squirrel and bat removal service:
- Uses non-lethal exclusion methods based on detailed inspections to find entry points.
- Performs live trapping and release of animals found inside, usually at dusk when bats leave to feed.
- Leaves orphaned young with their mother before sealing entry points.
- Knows proper handling techniques to avoid injury when removing animals.
- Transports and releases animals safely away from homeowner’s property.
- Legally licensed for wildlife removal and rabies vector species.
- Experienced with squirrel and bat behavior patterns to prevent re-entry.
Choosing a company accredited by the Humane Society is an excellent option. Technicians should also follow CDC protocols to protect against diseases.
Exclusion Process for Squirrels and Bats
Once a thorough inspection locates all possible entryways, the exclusion process can begin:
- Live trap animals and release outside (except nursing mothers). Monitor traps daily.
- Seal attic vents, soffits, roof and chimney holes, cracks, and crevices with heavy-duty materials like steel mesh, copper mesh, caulk, foam, or hardware cloth.
- Install and close one-way exclusion doors in main entry/exit areas. This allows any remaining animals to exit but not re-enter.
- Monitor with remote cameras and more trapping until satisfied all animals have left, and no additional entryways exist.
- Complete permanent repairs and sealants to all possible exterior entry points.
- Clean and decontaminate attic or walls by removing all droppings, nesting materials, and anything squirrels or bats touched.
By using these humane exclusion techniques under the guidance of licensed professionals, Houston homeowners can safely resolve unpleasant wildlife infestations without harming local squirrel and bat populations. A strategic and animal-friendly approach leads to an effective long-term solution.
Conclusion
When squirrels or bats invade your home, don’t resort to dangerous poisons or traps. A licensed wildlife control company can humanely remove them using proven, non-lethal exclusion methods. By sealing exterior openings, monitoring with cameras, and practicing eviction techniques based on animal behavioral patterns, humane removal prevents re-entry and protects both your home and local wildlife. Contact a reputable company today if you’re facing a squirrel or bat infestation. A customized humane squirrel and bat removal plan will have your home pest-free once again.
