If you’ve ever heard faint scratching in your attic or seen a small shadow flutter across your living room, you might be dealing with bats in Michigan.
Bats are an important part of the ecosystem here, but when they take up residence inside your home, they can cause problems. Knowing how to safely and legally handle bat removal is essential, especially since many Michigan bat species are protected.
Here’s what you need to know about getting rid of bats in Michigan and how to keep them from coming back.
Key Takeaways
- Bats are protected in Michigan, and removing them improperly can be illegal and harmful to both bats and people.
- Late summer to early fall is the best time for safe bat exclusion—never attempt removal during maternity season.
- Professional removal is strongly recommended to ensure all bats are out, entry points are sealed, and cleanup is done safely.
- Installing bat houses nearby can give displaced bats a new roost and support declining populations.
Common Michigan Bat Species You Might Encounter
Michigan is home to several species of bats, many of which play a key role in controlling insect populations. Some of the most common bat species you may encounter include:
- Big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus)
- Little brown bat
- Hoary bat
- Indiana bat (an endangered species)
- Northern long-eared bat (also endangered)
- Silver-haired bat
- Tri-colored bat
- Eastern red bat
- Evening bat
The big brown bat and little brown bat are the two species you’re most likely to find roosting in homes. Both can form maternity colonies in attics and wall voids during the summer.
Why Bats Are in Your Home
Bats look for warm, safe places to roost, especially during their active months. Homes in Michigan, particularly in southern Michigan and older structures in the Upper Peninsula, provide easy access to attics, soffits, and wall cavities.
As natural bat habitat disappears, more bats look for alternative roosting spots. Abandoned mines, barns, and buildings can also serve as roosting or hibernation sites, called hibernacula.
When Bats Are Most Active
Bats are most active in Michigan from late spring through early fall. They use echolocation (high-frequency sound waves) to hunt insects at night.
In the fall, many species, such as the little brown bat, begin looking for hibernation sites. In Michigan, bats will either:
- Find natural hibernacula like caves or mines
- Hibernate in homes and buildings
They hibernate through winter, and disturbing them can threaten their survival.
The Problem With DIY Bat Removal
Attempting bat removal yourself can be risky, both for you and the bats. Many species are protected by federal and state law.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), it is illegal to harm or kill certain bats, especially those impacted by white-nose syndrome (a fungal disease that has devastated bat populations).
Additionally, bats can carry diseases like rabies. Attempting to remove them without the proper training puts you at unnecessary risk.
Safe and Legal Bat Removal Methods
If you suspect you have bats in your home, here are the steps you should take:
1. Identify the Entry Points
Bats can squeeze through openings as small as half an inch. Common entry points include:
- Roofline gaps
- Loose soffits and fascia boards
- Open chimneys
- Vents without screens
- Cracks in siding or brick
2. Determine the Timing
Timing is crucial. You should never perform exclusion during maternity season (typically late May through mid-August). Young bats that cannot fly will be trapped inside, which is both illegal and inhumane.
Late summer into early fall is generally the best time for bat removal.
3. Install One-Way Exclusion Devices
Professional bat removal involves installing one-way devices over entry points. These allow bats to exit but prevent them from returning.
4. Seal the Structure
Once all bats are safely out, seal up all potential entry points. This step prevents future roosting.
5. Clean and Sanitize
Bat droppings (guano) can accumulate and cause odor and health concerns. Proper cleanup and sanitization are important.
Should You Install Bat Houses?
Bat houses can be a good option if you want to provide displaced bats with an alternative roost. Placing bat houses 12-20 feet high in a sunny location near your home may encourage bats to stay nearby, just not inside your house.
This is especially helpful for supporting species impacted by habitat loss and white-nose syndrome.
Organizations like Bat Conservation International offer excellent resources on bat house installation.
Why Professional Bat Removal Is Recommended
Safe, effective bat removal requires experience and understanding of both bat behavior and the law.
At Pest Pros of Michigan, we’re trained to identify the most common bat species in your home, time exclusion properly, and ensure your house is fully sealed. We also provide guidance on bat habitat conservation where appropriate.
If you’re hearing scratching sounds at night or have seen bats flying in or out of your home, it’s best to call a professional.
Final Thoughts
Bats in Michigan are a vital part of our natural environment, helping to control insect populations and even contributing to pollination. But when they move into homes, they can create serious problems.
With the right approach, you can humanely remove bats, protect your home, and even support local bat populations through conservation efforts.
If you think you have bats in your home and aren’t sure where to start, reach out. We’re always happy to assess the situation and help you find the best path forward.
