The Trickiness of Bat Proofing

At Frontline Animal Removal, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality wildlife removal services throughout the Canton, Akron, and Kent, Ohio areas.

Bat proofing is one of the more challenging aspects of our job, and it’s one that we take very seriously.

If anyone tells you that bat proofing is easy, they’re not telling the truth. The reality is that bat entrances are often subtle, and their entry points can be frustratingly difficult to find.

However, we’re committed to making sure your home is free of bats—and we back up our efforts with a warranty.

Why Is Bat Proofing So Tricky?

Bats are small creatures that can fit through incredibly tiny gaps, sometimes as narrow as 3/8 of an inch. Their preferred entry points aren’t always obvious and can be located in places you wouldn’t expect, such as behind fascia boards, gaps in rooflines, or even under loose shingles. These small openings are often the result of natural wear and tear on a building, such as weathered mortar or loosened siding.

One of the trickiest parts about bat proofing is that finding all the potential entry points requires meticulous inspection.

No two homes are alike, and each structure has its unique set of vulnerabilities that need to be identified and addressed.

While we strive to seal every possible entry on the first visit, we are upfront in acknowledging that occasionally, a bat entry point may be missed. This happens despite our best efforts because of the sheer number of hiding spots that bats can exploit.

A Real-World Example of Bat Proofing in Action

A recent bat job illustrates the challenges of bat proofing and why our warranty matters. In this case, Ryan initially inspected the structure and sealed up all the visible bat entry points. However, after the homeowner reported hearing bat activity again, Ryan went back to take a closer look.

It became evident that bats were still using the building, but where exactly were they getting in?

Ryan took the extra step of removing a gutter from the structure to gain better access and visibility. Sure enough, there it was—a small, hidden gap under the roofline that had gone unnoticed during the first inspection. The bats had been slipping in through this tiny space created when a metal roof was placed overtop the old asphalt shingled roof.

Once the entry was discovered, it was quickly sealed, completing the bat proofing process.

Take a look at the job yourself and see how we approach situations like this.

While it was frustrating for both the homeowner and us to have to revisit the site, the important thing is that we stick with it until the issue is resolved.

Our warranty ensures that when we encounter a situation like this, the homeowner won’t have to bear any additional costs. We’ll come back and continue our efforts until the bats are completely excluded from the building.

The Methods We Use for Effective Bat Proofing

Our bat proofing methods combine thorough inspections with carefully targeted sealing techniques. Here’s a look at how we approach the process:

• Comprehensive Inspection: We start by inspecting the entire structure for potential bat entry points. This includes looking at roof edges, soffits, chimneys, fascia, vents, and any other areas where bats may find access.  If we miss something, we’ll inspect again.
• Exclusion Devices: In some cases, we install one-way exclusion devices that allow bats to exit but not return. Once we are sure that all bats have vacated, we then seal these openings.
• Sealing Gaps: Using specialized materials, we seal up gaps, cracks, and holes that could serve as entry points for bats. This may include caulking, flashing, or other methods designed to withstand weather conditions.

Why Our Warranty Matters

While we aim to get it right the first time, bat proofing is a complex task.

That’s why we offer a time-frame warranty on all our bat exclusion jobs.

If bats reappear within the warranty period, we will come back out to find and address the missed entry point—at no extra cost to you. This is an essential service because, as you can see from the example above, sometimes even the most thorough inspection can miss something.

If you’re considering hiring a company for bat proofing, make sure they offer a similar warranty. It’s a sign that they stand behind their work and are committed to fully resolving the issue.

At Frontline Animal Removal, we take bat proofing seriously and won’t rest until your home is bat-free. If you’re dealing with a bat problem, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is ready to take on the challenge, and we’ll stand by our work every step of the way.