What is a Bat Cone and How Does it Work?
A bat cone is a device designed to let bats out, but keep them from re-entering.
Most bat cones are cylindrical pieces of plastic (tubes) with a base at one end which is used for mounting purposes. They are mounted over an opening that bats use. Because of their length and cylindrical shape, once bats exit they can’t get back in. It is one of the preferred ways of bat removal and is used instead of netting.
This video shows what a bat cone looks like and how bats use it.
This video was shot the first evening it was installed. The bats can be seen leaving the attic, but they will not be able to get back in. They can’t get back in because there is no way for them to land and scoot up through the tube. They will fly towards the rear end of the tube where their former access was and be blocked.
Bat Exclusion Timing and Preparation
Seems simple enough, right? Put a tube over their opening and they can get out but not back in.
And while the theory is simple, putting it into practice takes some thought and effort.
Here are two important concepts to think about:
Timing: This video is our first exclusion of the “bat removal season”. We put that in quotes because there is no formal season. However, it is important to realize that bats are protected and this should never be done until bat pups are done nursing and are capable flyers. This is a matter of ethics and law. They are going to have to find a new spot to roost until they go to their wintering spots once the weather turns cold.
Prep work: Bats can fit through very small openings (3/8 inch is generally sighted). Additionally, they detect subtle air currents (drafts) to locate openings. That being said, if you don’t want the bats going in at some other access point, all possible access points (small gaps) need to be identified and blocked prior to the exclusion. This often entails a lot of work. Through a combination of caulking gaps and making small repairs (like screening vents), a house can be “buttoned up” eliminating options for them to get back in. Attention to detail and using quality products are key.
Installing the cone itself, is actually one of the last steps in the art of bat removal.
Bat Removal for Summit, Stark, and Portage Counties
September and October are great times to do bat exclusions. If you aren’t thrilled about getting up on the ladder and roof, finding and filling all those little openings, and putting a bat cone in place, give us a call.
We are ethical, experienced bat removers and make quality, professional repairs.
In addition to keeping the bats out, the work/repairs will look good. We guarantee the repairs we make!
Please check out more on Bat Removal for Akron, Canton, and Kent area at the following pages:
