How to Check for Bat Entry Spots

There are more than 1,100 species of bats on Earth. If you live in the northern United States, you may encounter little brown bats, while those in the southern part of the country are more likely to see free-tailed bats. Your home may have its own colony, or the bats may be using your home as a resting area during migration. Before you can get rid of them, you must identify their entry spots. Bats can squeeze through an opening as small as three-eighths of an inch.

Plastic sheet
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Instructions

- 1
  Stand at one corner of the home about one-half hour before dusk. Station another person at the corner that is diagonal to yours. Watch the building carefully for bats leaving the structure, particularly chimney areas and the roof. Make a note of any possible entry points. Continue watching the building for about an hour after you see the first bat.
- 2
  Look for dark stains around the exterior and interior perimeter of your home. Bats cause these stains by rubbing against the entry points as they exit and re-enter. The stains typically consist of guano, oil and dirt.
- 3
  Turn on all of the lights in your attic or upper floor at dusk. Walk outside and inspect the perimeter for areas where you can see light shining through. These spots are also potential bat entry points.

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