Bat exclusion means letting the bats leave your attic or walls on their own through a one-way device, then sealing the gaps so they can’t get back in. Timing matters: when mothers are raising pups that can’t fly yet, an exclusion can trap the young inside. That is why exclusions are planned around maternity season rather than done the day bats are found.
This is a general guide for homeowners in The Woodlands and elsewhere. Critter Gitters is based in Crockett and serves Houston County and nearby East Texas towns; see our service area to check your address.
Signs You Have Bats
- Squeaking or scratching in the attic or walls around dusk.
- Droppings piled below a gap, vent or roofline.
- Dark, greasy rub marks around a small opening.
- Bats flying out of the same spot at sunset.
How Bat Exclusion Works
- Inspect. Find every gap bats are using: gable vents, soffits, roof joints and chimneys.
- Seal the extras. Close the openings they aren’t using now.
- Install one-way devices on the active openings so bats can get out but not back in.
- Seal for good once the bats are gone, then clean up droppings where needed.
Why Maternity Season Changes the Timing
In late spring and summer, mother bats raise pups that can’t fly yet. Excluding then can leave the young trapped inside, where they die and smell. The safer plan is to wait until the pups can fly, then exclude. Texas Parks and Wildlife has guidance on bats and their protections; check it before doing anything yourself.
Why Not Do It Yourself?
Sealing the wrong hole first can push bats into the living space. Bats can also carry rabies, so never handle one with bare hands. If a bat is found in a room where someone was sleeping, call your doctor or local health department.
Bats are part of our wildlife removal and exclusion work, and Joey Baker is NWCOA bat certified.
Bat Exclusion FAQ
Can bats be removed during maternity season?
The exclusion usually waits until the pups can fly, so none are trapped inside. Sealing extra gaps and planning can start sooner.
Will bats come back after exclusion?
Not through the openings that were sealed. That’s why the inspection looks for every gap, not just the one you saw them use.
Does Critter Gitters serve my area?
Critter Gitters is based in Crockett and serves Houston County and nearby East Texas towns. Check our service area, or call 936-261-7965 to ask about your address.
