Do you hear strange noises coming from your attic at night? Maybe it’s a faint rustling, a high-pitched squeaking, or even the occasional fluttering sound. If you’re wondering what kind of creature is using your attic as a rent-free crash pad, there’s a good chance bats could be the culprits. 

But how can you be sure? Let’s take a look at the signs of a bat infestation and how to distinguish them from other attic-dwelling pests.

Bat Nesting & Breeding Habits

Bats are nocturnal creatures that love dark, quiet spaces—making your attic the perfect spot for them to set up camp. They typically enter through small gaps or holes in your home’s exterior and settle into rafters or behind insulation. Once they’ve found a cozy spot, they establish roosts, often in colonies.

Breeding season takes place in the spring and summer, with females gathering in maternal colonies to give birth. If you’re hearing more noise in your attic during these months, it could mean a group of baby bats (called pups) are present. These young bats rely on their mothers until they can fly on their own, usually in late summer.

How to Tell If Bats Have Made a Home in Your Attic

So, how do you confirm whether you have bats or another unwanted guest? Here are some telltale signs:

• Noises at Night: Unlike rodents that scurry around all hours of the day, bats are most active after sunset. If you hear scratching or flapping noises at dusk or dawn, that’s a major clue.
• Guano (Bat Droppings): Bat droppings look similar to rodent droppings but tend to be shinier and crumble easily due to the insects they eat. You’ll often find guano in piles beneath their entry points.
• Staining Near Entry Points: Bats leave behind grease marks on their bodies as they squeeze through small openings.
• Unusual Smell: A strong, ammonia-like odor coming from your attic could be due to accumulated guano and urine.
• Sightings at Dusk: If you see bats flying out of your home at sunset, they’re likely using your attic as their daytime shelter.

Signs of a Different Pest

Before you blame your attic noises on bats, consider that other pests can create similar disturbances. Here are some common attic invaders that may be masquerading as bats:

• Mice & Rats: Rodents scurry and gnaw at wood and insulation, making scratching noises. They also leave behind droppings, but theirs are smaller and more scattered than bat guano.
• Squirrels: These guys love to nest in attics, and their movements are more sporadic, with heavier thumping sounds from jumping around.
• Raccoons: If you hear loud thuds and growling, you might have a raccoon problem. These animals are much bigger and can be aggressive.
• Birds: Some birds may find their way into attics and make chirping noises, fluttering, and scratching.
• Opossums: A sign that an opossum is in your attic includes loud, slow-moving footsteps, scratching sounds, and a strong, musky odor from their nesting area.

If you’re unsure which pest is causing trouble, a professional inspection can determine the cause.

The Dangers of Bats in Your Home

While bats play an important role in our ecosystem (more on that in a bit), they don’t belong in your attic. Here’s why:

• Health Risks: Bat droppings can carry fungi that cause histoplasmosis, a respiratory disease. Bats are also potential carriers of rabies.
• Structural Damage: Over time, accumulated guano can damage insulation, wood, and other materials in your attic.
• Odor & Staining: The smell of bat urine and droppings can become overwhelming, and the stains can be tough to remove.

Because of these risks, it’s important to address a bat infestation as soon as possible.

Bat Protections & Their Importance to Our Environment

Before you rush to get rid of bats, it’s crucial to understand that bats are protected in many areas, including Michigan, due to their environmental importance. Bats are natural pest controllers, consuming thousands of insects—including mosquitoes—every night. 

While we appreciate being your go-to pest control company, we have to speak highly of our flying competitors. By consuming these harmful insects, bats are vital in protecting human health. One study even found that a reduction in the bat population may have led to an increase in infant mortality, demonstrating their importance.

Humane and legal methods must be used when removing bats. This typically involves a process called bat exclusion, where professionals install one-way exits that allow bats to leave but not return. Since it’s illegal to remove bats during maternity season in many regions, timing matters. A professional wildlife removal service will ensure compliance with regulations while keeping the bats—and your home—safe.

For more information regarding bat removal and prevention, be sure to check out our guide on bat exclusion.

Want to Evict a Bat? Consider Building them a Home

If you need to remove bats from your attic, why not offer them a more suitable place to live? Bat houses are an excellent alternative that provides these helpful creatures with a safe roosting site while keeping them out of your home.

We’re not talking about Castle Dracula—bat houses are simple wooden structures designed to mimic natural roosting spots like tree bark and caves. Placing them on a pole or the side of a building at least 10-15 feet off the ground gives bats a secure, warm, and predator-free environment. They’re especially beneficial because they encourage bats to stay in the area, continuing their role as natural insect control while keeping them from returning to your attic.

A number of studies have been conducted on the effectiveness and safety of bat houses by conservation groups across the globe, proving their benefits for both homeowners and bats. 

If you’re interested in installing a bat house, choose a design that meets the needs of local bat species. Many wildlife conservation groups provide free guides and plans to help homeowners create the perfect bat-friendly space.

What to Do If You Suspect Bats in Your Attic

If you think bats have taken up residence in your attic, don’t panic! The best course of action is to contact a professional bat removal service like Creature Control. Our team will inspect your attic, confirm the presence of bats, and use safe, humane methods to evict them while ensuring they don’t return.

Need help identifying what’s making noise in your attic? Contact Creature Control today to schedule an inspection!

Trust Creature Control for Winter Pest Control in Michigan

Creature Control is an industry leader in pest control services, providing humane and effective solutions to keep rodents like mice and rats out of your home. Focusing on environmentally friendly practices, Creature Control’s experts handle pest problems carefully, ensuring a thorough solution while maintaining local biodiversity.

If you’re dealing with unwanted winter pests or need professional advice on pest prevention, contact Creature Control. Our experts can inspect your home, identify entry points, and apply targeted treatments to protect your home during winter.

To learn more about our pest control services and how we can keep pests outside where they belong, call Creature Control at 1-800-441-1519.