Dwell360 Household Pests Guide

Household Pests Guide Detect. Investigate. Eradicate.

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TermiTes

Being a homeowner is a worthy investment of money, time, and energy. Crafting a house into becoming a home can be such a rewarding task. This isn’t to say, however, that there are no bumps along the way. Among many challenges, pests like termites can be an issue. Knowing about what they are and the potential for harm they cause can be the first step in eliminating problems hopefully before they even begin.

WhaT is a TermiTe?

In the United States, the most commonly found termite is the native subterranean termite.

Dry-wood termites and damp-wood termites are the most dominant types that occupy this region, but there are also a smaller contingency of Formosan termites.

Although each type of termite will have a slightly different appearance, all of them are small insects with a characteristically soft body feeding primarily on wood. Living in large colonies, termites utilize a caste system that is highly organized and capable of doing extensive damage to wooden structures, lumber, and trees. Even more troubling is the fact that termites can be destroying our homes for years before detection.

are TermiTes a common problem?

A problem in every state except Alaska, termites are estimated to do as much as 5 billion dollars in damage each year, and the number is growing. While that number seems astronomical, it becomes easier to fathom when homeowners discover that a single colony can have a million termites and colonies can ultimately affect entire neighborhoods, as the termite colony moves underground from home to home.

WhaT are The signs of a TermiTe infesTaTion?

In some cases, the actual termites may be visible near the foundations of homes especially in areas where mulch, firewood, or other materials provide proper habitat for them. Most termites, however, are found in one of these four ways: 1. Noticing a termite swarm, which usually occurs in the spring time, and appears as some termites leave the colony to start a new one.

2. Finding pencil-like mud tubes on foundations, or walls, near the ground. These tubes are called shelter tubes and are a very strong sign of termite activity.

3. Discovering soft wood and areas where the wood seems fragile or sounds hollow is a probable sign of termite activity.

4. Uncovering dirt particles in and near wood in the home where dirt should not collect.

Termites bring this dirt up as they travel from the colony to their food source.

Source: Grassi B., Sandias A. (1893). Costituzione e sviluppo della societĂ dei termitidi. Atti della Accademia gioenia di scienze naturali in Catania Series 46: XIII. Reprint in the Biodiversity Heritage Library.

Household Pests Guide

hoW do you eliminaTe TermiTes?

Because detection is difficult and abatement requires handling poisons as well as precise application of topical treatment, it is wise to call a professional if you suspect a problem. Some homeowners even have periodic termite testing done at their homes in order to prevent future problems or infestations. There are essentially only two ways to treat an infestation: bait or liquid poison. Since colonies live underground, it is necessary to inject the poison into the soil with specialized equipment. Pest control companies drill test holes and insert tubes through foundations, patios, and hard surfaces; specialized equipment is necessary. Generally, no powder or dust is left on surfaces. Treatment should be safe for all humans, pets, and wildlife.

Check references, compare prices, verify state licensing, and ask about safety and possible health effects when you consult with control companies. Reputable firms will answer all your questions, and give you a written estimate with descriptions of the chemicals to be used. You should also receive a written, transferable warranty. Companies may also offer periodic reinspection services, sometimes for a small fee. Even though all chemicals have been deemed safe by governmental authorities, check with your physician if you have specific health concerns.

is TreaTmenT effecTive?

Treating an infestation is vital to maintain the integrity of your building. While professional termite treatment lasts for about 5 years, you may have to replace damaged timbers or even portions of wall, plastic tubing, or pipe in case of severe termite damage. The best course of action is preventive, of course, and newer buildings are constructed with treated lumber and termite-resistant materials. Existing building codes specify some sort of termite barrier or shield for new construction. Often the soil is treated before a concrete slab foundation is poured.

buying or selling properTy All licensed termite treatment companies provide a dated certificate of treatment specifying type of treatment, chemicals used, and warranty information. Preserve such documents with your home's valuable papers.

When you are looking at property to buy, you should ask your home inspector if they think it's necessary to require a termite inspection or proof of treatment prior to entering into a binding contract on the property in question. Consult with your buyer's agent for more information.

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2 carpenTer bees Unlike the more widely known bumblebees who nest underground, carpenter bees construct their nests in trees or buildings. While a single carpenter bee’s drilling activity is mild, the exponentially growing broods each year will expand the tunnels through branching activities, potentially causing severe structural damage.

The bees do not eat the wood, but rather excavate the tunnels for shelter and as chambers in which to raise their young. Common targets include unpainted woods such as doors, window sills, roof eaves, shingles, railings, telephone poles, and even wooden lawn furniture. Look for perfectly round entrance holes typically ½ inch in diameter and located against the grain of the wood.

Luckily, there are things homeowners can do to eliminate carpenter bees:

Photo source: Ysmad. (May 18, 2013). Xylocopa virginnica Eastern carpenter bee [image]. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/ lZ2iq0.

1. Locate the wood where the bees seem to be the most active.

2. Using a flashlight covered in red cellophane (the bees cannot see red light), highlight all the openings to the tunnels.

3. Since you’ll be using chemical treatment, it is recommended to wear protective clothing, gloves, goggles, and a respirator or dust mask since the insecticidal dust may become airborne during the spraying process.

4. Apply an insecticidal dust directly into the nest openings using a duster that not only blows dust into the tunnel but also coats the sides.

5. Do not plug the holes immediately following treatment. The bees should be able to pass through the holes; their bodies will catch the dust and spread it throughout the tunnels.

6. Following the application of any insecticidal treatment, launder clothes worn separate from other laundry and shower to remove any dust that remains on the body.’

7. Treatment is best done in Spring when bees first appear for the warm weather and then again mid way through Summer. Final treatments can be done in early fall to make sure any remaining bees occupying the tunnels are reached. After final treatments are applied, holes should be plugged with a wood putty or wooden dowels and then the entire wood surface painted or varnished.

Sources: Jacobs, Steve. (January 2014). Carpenter Bees. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/uwTd9d.

Raid. How Do I Get Rid of Wasps/Hornets/Yellow Jackets?. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/E2XiLf.

Household Pests Guide 3 Wasps, horneTs, & yelloW JackeTs Regularly inspecting your home to find wasp, hornet, or yellow jacket nests is key to helping prevent large numbers of the buzzing variety flying around your yard or even inside your home.

Common nest locations are typically in shaded areas and might include under roof awnings, behind shutters, hanging from tree branches, fence posts, play sets, hollow tree trunks, stacked wood, lawn or mulched areas. Similar to carpenter bees, look for small holes around the diameter of a pencil. This is best done in the day when the insects are most active.

Products like Raid specialize in specific sprays for killing this type of insect. When treating for wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets, keep in mind: • Treatments are best applied at dusk or dawn when the insects will be less active.

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Photo source: Alvesgaspar. (May 11, 2008). A young female paper wasp [image]. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/GIdkqi.

Wear gloves and long sleeves to prevent stings.

Spray with the wind rather than against it. Make sure to stand away from the nest and not directly underneath if it is raised.

If you are allergic to stings, have someone else do the treatment on your behalf. It is not worth getting stung. If you are stung at all and experience any severe symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

To keep wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets out of your home, make sure all door and window cracks are sealed and inspect window screens to make sure there aren’t any holes. They are attracted to sugary foods, so keep garbage containers sealed and away from entrances. In addition, it can be helpful to rinse recyclable materials before putting them in the bin.

ready To call in The pros? search for exTerminaTor revieWs online firsT. Check out sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and Angie's List to see what people are saying about exterminators in your area.

Sites like these help chronicle what a company might not put on their own reviews section, like if something went wrong, if they stand behind their services over time, and small acts that may set them apart from their competitors.

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4 anTs Ants in the home can be present seasonally or year round. If the ants find a good food source in the home, they may continue to leave their outdoor nests, venture inside for food, and return to the colony. Some ant species will even build their nest indoors to begin with. Either way, ants can be difficult to control. Many types of ants have different behaviors and characteristics, so they require different approaches.

There are ways to prevent or deter ants from coming into your home in the first place: • Remove or minimize moisture; ants need water to survive. Fix water leaks around pipes or the roof and make sure gutters and downspouts direct rain away from the house.

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Keep things clean! Clean up after eating or cooking; don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight. Keep tables, cabinets, counters, appliances, and floors tidy.

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Ants can make their way inside through holes, gaps, or cracks, so seal locations where wires, conduit, or pipes enter the house. Tree limbs could serve as bridges from the outdoors to the house, so keep trees pruned so they’re not touching the structure.

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Keep firewood stored away from the house as well as any rock piles or extraneous debris; this can serve as shelter for the ants to make their colony.

Despite seeming useless to most, ants are actually very important to the ecosystem. There are plenty of natural remedies for encouraging ants to go back to whence they came.

• Vinegar: Ants leave scent trails for other ants in their colony to follow. White vinegar applied to all entrances or known access paths will disrupt the scent trails making it harder for the ants to find where they’ve previously found any food sources.

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Chalk: Ants will not cross chalk lines! Drawing a simple line or two to block access points or entrances will deter the ants from being able to use that location.

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Honey Training: Ants are just interested in food. Once the scent trails are eliminated and deterrents applied to entrance points, mix a couple tablespoons of honey with water on a paper plate. Leave it outside a little ways away from the house but not too far so that the ants will not be able to find it. The ants will happily snack on the honey, and once they discover it you can move it farther and farther away from the house, refilling as needed.

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Essential Oils: Ants don’t like intense smells as they upset lines of communication and scent trails. A mix of 20 drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil with water can be sprayed anywhere the ants enter or walk to deter them. A cotton ball soaked in essential oil used to wipe down a surface or plug an entrance hole can also be effective.

If these ideas fail to eliminate the ant problem, your only choice may be to kill the colony. Fill a medium pot with water, bring to a boil, and stir in a biodegradable dish soap. Put a lid on the pot, carry it outside, and pour onto the nest. Maintain a steady speed as to not overflow the nest’s entrance so that the water can make it’s way down into the various tunnels.

Sources: Orkin. Ants in Your House. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/7mGk1l.

Goodall, Claire. 5 Ways to Get Rid of Ants Naturally Without Killing Them. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/GUwbjU. Conger, Cristen. (July 15, 2008). How do roaches get into homes? Retrieved from http://goo.gl/OL0x2n.

Illinois Department of Public Health. Cockroaches. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/plvlBE.

Household Pests Guide 5 cockroaches Roaches may make you squeamish because many people believe that they come into the home due to mess or filth. While that might extend the length of their stay in your house, roaches merely are searching for water, food, and warm shelter. Their population continues to grow because they need so little to survive. They might get into the home by catching a ride on a grocery bag or crawling through tiny gaps around doors or other open spaces.

Similar to ants, it is important to know where the roaches are coming from or where they’ve set up camp in your home. If you’ve noticed them moreso in one area over another, such as the kitchen, odds are they are residing somewhere in that room. Sticky traps, made to catch the roaches in their tracks, can be effective for catching some of the pests.

Photo source: Lmbuga. (May 21, 2009). Blattodea Cascuda Santiago de Compostela [image]. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/ Wm2gLr.

While you wait for the sticky traps to work, certain items that roaches are attracted to are best removed from the home: piled newspaper, cardboard boxes, paper bags, and piles of clutter. Roaches are especially drawn to paper products because it can aid in their communication with other roaches; the paper absorbs the roaches’ GPS-like pheromone, serving as a beacon for the trail they leave. In addition to eliminating paper products, a thorough cleaning of the house, especially the kitchen, is necessary. Also clean any places where there is standing water, such as drip plates for plants or leaks.

Once attention drawing items are removed, sprinkle some boric acid or roach baits on cracks where the roaches are entering through; they work to lure the bugs and kill them. Do not use either of these in food preparation areas, near children, or pets. If this does not work, then you might consider using a pesticide. Most take a week to produce results, so don’t lose heart!

Of course, as with any pest, if you find home remedies are not curbing the problem in your home, it may be best to contact a professional!

keep your family safe Cockroaches are a threat to human health by consuming our food and contaminating our indoor environment. They can cause food poisoning by transferring bacteria to food or preparation surfaces, dishes, and utensils. Their biggest threat may be in the triggering of allergies or asthma due to their constant shedding of skin fragments, hair, and feces which people inhale.

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Sources: Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Diseases directly transmitted by rodents. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/72JxoE. WebMD. Allergic Reactions to Insect Stings. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/rDVLPR. Terminix. (March 5, 2015). Top Three Termite Signs to Look for in Your Home. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/PcJ1nv

Household Pests Guide

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6 mice & raTs Various types of mice and rats can be found in homes, often entering in search of food or shelter. While rodents do transmit a myriad of diseases, most often homeowners only experience minor damage to furniture, internal structures, food stores, and insulation when they are present in the home. Wire damage could pose a bigger threat as it could potentially start fires and be expensive to repair. There are a variety of effective ways to deter rodents.

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Peppermint oil: Similar to a method used for ants, simply drop some peppermint oil onto cotton balls and place where the mice are residing. The oil will dissipate quickly, so the balls should be replaced up to a couple times a week to be effective.

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Mothballs: Take the mothballs directly from the box and place near areas inhabited by rodents. Be sure to keep them away from pets or children, as consumption can lead to serious complications.

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Photo source: Rasbak. (August 4, 2004). Apodemus sylvaticus bosmuis [image]. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/b9NQgX.

Fresh Cab Natural Rodent Repellent: Online reviews claim this pleasant smelling mix of corn cob chips, herbal extracts, and plants serves to deter rodents. The mix comes in pouches to be placed where mice or rats are residing or entering the home. The animals do not like the smell and vacate your home. Some consumers note that this is most effective when there is little airflow in the room.

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Snap Traps: Often what people imagine as the classic mouse trap, snap traps are a humane way to kill the rodent should that be the path you choose. The animal dies instantly when the device snaps its neck.

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Live Traps: While this may sound more humane, often putting a house rodent in the wild will result in its death. In addition, if the animal isn’t released at least 1.25 miles from the house, it will likely return and get back into the house even before you do!

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Poisons: Certainly effective, but the animal will die a slow and painful death. This is the least humane option for ridding the home of rodents. Also, if the mouse or rat gets eaten by a predator such as a barn owl, stoat, or weasel before dying, it can be harmful to the other animal involved.

If the process becomes overwhelming or you’re unable to get the mice or rats out of your home, you can certainly call a pest control specialist to eliminate the problem.

Sources: Harris, Steve. (June 22, 2012). How to Deal with Rats and Mice in Your House. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/I9Beju.

EarthKind. Proven Best Ways for Getting Rid of Mice Naturally. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/uKle97.

The Humane Society of the United States. (October 2, 2009). What to Do About Snakes. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/1UNaK5.

UMass Amherst. Snakes of Massachusetts. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/e0Kgeb.

Household Pests Guide 7 snakes Typically entering the home in search of food or warm shelter, snakes can fit through even the smallest holes. It’s important to not overlook anything if attempting to snake-proof your home. Since snakes eat mice, if you find a snake in your home keep an eye out for evidence of a mouse problem as well!

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Inspect the foundation for unsealed wire pipe conduits, basement doors or windows that are not sealed tightly, or even holes in the ground near the foundation itself; if a snake’s head could fit through, then it serves as a viable access point.

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Some snakes have the ability to climb, using trees, shrubs, stone walls, or even chimneys to gain access to the roof, so checking eaves and the roof itself can prove important. Be sure to also include porches, steps, and decks in your inspection.

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Snakes are attracted to piles of rock, wood, tall grass, undergrowth, cracks around concrete porches and sidewalks, storage sheds with space under the floor, and pet foods or household garbage outside. Removing these items or making repairs may deter snakes.

More often than not, the snakes homeowners come into contact with should not be regarded as dangerous. In any case, you should seek to remove snakes from the home as soon as possible. An experienced handler should remove the snake, but there are some things you can do before they arrive.

• Remain calm and quiet when near the snake.

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If possible, open a nearby door and try to herd the snake outside with a broom or mop.

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If the snake is small or coiled, place a wastebasket over it and weigh down the container.

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If you cannot trap the snake, try to confine it with boxes or barriers so it is unable to hide.

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Photo source: Morris, Paul. (April 24, 2009). Garter Snake [image]. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/9xhUUk.

Snakes are drawn to warmth and darkness, so if the snake is hiding, try placing a heating pad or pile of burlap on the floor to attract it.

If you find that you’re not afraid of snakes and feel comfortable handling the animal without hurting it or yourself (of course with certainty that the animal is not venomous), you can wear thick gloves to pick up the snake and relocate it to the outdoors a distance from the home.

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8 squirrels Squirrels are different from many of the other animals discussed because they very infrequently enter the home on purpose. While other vermin may be in search of food or shelter, squirrels more often than not come into the house fearful and trapped. Since the animal can often panic, it won’t take long to notice if there is a squirrel in the house!

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Close all interior doors and open a window or exterior door for the squirrel to exit. Be sure any pets or children are removed from the room prior to closing it off.

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If the squirrel is unable to exit, put on heavy gloves and very slowly approach the animal with a blanket in front of you so it is unable to see that you’re a human. Drop the blanket on the squirrel Photo source: Tomfriedel. (March 3, 2010). Eastern Grey Squirrel [image]. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/38ATNa. and quickly roll it up; be sure not to hurt the squirrel by putting too much pressure or weight on top of him. Immediately bring the animal outside and gently open the blanket on the ground so they can escape.

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Humane traps can also work by using a small amount of peanut butter and leaving the trap out for the squirrel to find.

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Relocating the animal to a different area could be harmful to the squirrel, so avoid trapping them and letting them go elsewhere. They will not try to get back into the home unless they have a nest or babies inside.

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If there are squirrel babies inside, it may be best to let the animals continue to reside there until they are grown enough to move around. If you seal entry points too early, the mother may be trapped outside and the babies could die.

If you are unable to remove the squirrel by yourself or there is more than one animal, it may be best to call a professional experienced with squirrel removal! Once the animals are no longer in the home, determine how the entered in the first place to prevent it from happening again. Seal any obvious entry points; foundation, attic, etc. Cover chimneys with chimney caps, and keeps doors closed when not in use.

Sources: Lupo, Lisa Jo. Squirrels in Your House and How to Get Them Out. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/s0QOmY. The Humane Society of the United States. (August 23, 2012). There’s a Squirrel Loose in the House. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/7peD5e.

The Humane Society of the United States. (March 13, 2012). Getting Raccoons Out (and Keeping Them Out). Retrieved from http://goo.gl/Rao4TK.

Household Pests Guide 9 raccoons Seemingly adorable, raccoons carry diseases and can move into spaces like the roof or attic to find shelter or have babies. Before you’re able to remove the vermin from your home, you’ll want to find how they’re entering in the first place.

If you find an opening and you suspect that is how the raccoon is entering, block it up with loosely wadded newspaper. Leave in place for two to three days; if undisturbed, it is likely not being used. If disturbed or pushed out of place, the raccoon is using that opening to enter.

Similar to with squirrels, any babies need to be old enough to leave with their mother.

Raccoon babies cannot crawl, so their mothers must carry them before they are old enough to move around individually. Do not try to trap or relocate the family yourself; this more often than not leads to separation from the litter and mother. Allow a professional to move all the animals so that the mother can find a new den herself and not lose any babies.

If you’re sure there are only adult raccoons in the home, harassment can be a useful tool to drive raccoons out of residence!

• Bright lights

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Loud noises or music Unpleasant smells such as cider vinegar Doing all at the same time is most effective Driving out the raccoons is best done at dusk, right before their normal activity period; it should not be done during the day

Once you are sure the animals have vacated the premises, cover or otherwise eliminate access holes where the raccoons were able to enter the home.

Photo source: Melankholic. (June 4, 2007). Waschbaer auf dem Dach [image]. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/CzowHE.

Feces may have accumulated from the raccoons setting up house; it is important to avoid exposure to roundworm eggs, which can be found in raccoon feces. Ideally, have a professional come and clean out the area. If you attempt to tackle the project yourself, it is important to follow the CDC’s guidelines for optimal protection.

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10 baTs Often referred to as a rodent, bats actually have little in common with rats or mice. Bats are actually meticulous about keeping themselves clean. The smell often associated with bats comes from an accumulation of guano (bat feces) and urine below their roosting areas. While an important animal to our ecosystem, they can have no place in our homes.

Bats have tiny teeth that are very sharp, but this does not mean that they are aggressive. Bats do not attack people, but sometimes bat bites occur because the bat feels threatened. Bats can also swoop downwards towards a person while feeding on the insects attracted to human body heat.

Photo source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters.

(June 12, 2012). USFWS biologist holds little brown bat [image]. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/vImIzr.

Humans should avoid direct contact with bats, however, since they can be carriers of rabies. Rabies infects the central nervous system, ultimately causing disease of the brain and death. This is completely preventable, and bats that come in contact with humans should be tested.

baTs in The house Bats often enter homes in search of an area to roost. They do not roost year round, but they are often loyal and return to the same abode at the season’s change. So, it is important to eliminate their entry points once their presence has been discovered. Because bats are so small, even the tiniest of cracks or holes make for perfect entry ways for bats to come into the house. They often gravitate towards rooftops, behind basketball hoops, attics, or crawl spaces.

In order to see where bats are entering and exiting the home, observing the outside of the house at dusk when the bats will exit to feed can be the key. While this may involve stationing several family members or friends around the home’s perimeter to look in multiple spots, it is the most effective way to discover where the bats roost is located. An experienced exterminator can also help you identify the bats' entry points, eliminate the roost, and seal off crevices of your home to prevent their re-entry.

removing baTs from The home Before considering bat removal, is it imperative to know if the bat has come into any sort of contact with humans in residence. Any bat who has come into contact with a human or was in the room with a sleeping human should be captured rather than released and brought to local animal control for rabies testing. Only 5% of bats submitted to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health test positive for rabies, and testing the bat for rabies can help save the cost of the shot should it not be needed.

Sources: The Bat Guy. Bat Information Myths and Facts. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/jTxnOE. BatGuys Inc. Help! There’s a Bat in My House!. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/rncXqQ. Mass Gov. Energy and Environmental Affairs. Bats. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/drCGQM. Get Bats Out. Do you have a bat in your house right now?. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/DbWf1c.

Household Pests Guide

If the bat is inside your house in a furnished area, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure safety for both family members and the animal.

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First, isolate the bat. Bats can easily slip out or hide in tiny spaces. Close off other parts of the house, and put a towel at the bottom of the closed door.

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Keep an eye on the bat! They can easily get lost even in one room since they are so small and burrow easily, so it can save hours of time if the bat is kept in plain sight.

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If you are trying to capture the bat, wear leather gloves and long pants.

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If the bat has landed or is flying around, try to gently knock it to the ground with a broom or towel. Bats are more vulnerable and slow moving on the floor.

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Make sure not to injure the bat’s head! Damage to the brain could make rabies testing impossible to complete.

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An empty coffee can, wastebasket, or fishing net are ideal containers for holding the captured bat.

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Should you suspect the bat may have been in contact with a family member, contact the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. If the bat has not come into contact with any humans, it is perfectly acceptable to set the bat free outdoors.

baT houses

Photo source: Yaquina. (October 13, 2010).

West Bat House 10/13/2010 [image].

Retrieved from https://goo.gl/YwIVUu.

Bats are great critters to keep in the environment around your home! They consume thousands of insects per night, including agricultural pests and nasty bugs like mosquitoes. Bat populations are also decreasing with the low levels of available habitats. Many types are even endangered. To help, you can install a bat house.

They provide a safe roost, and will deter the bats from attempting to set up shop in your home. More information on how to install a bat house can be found through Bat Conservation International.

There are many little pests that can be a nuisance to homeowners. To protect your home from damage , it is important to learn about their habits so that elimination can occur stress-free! ©2015 Dwell360 Bat Conservation Trust. Living with bats. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/ijXWL5.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Rabies. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/eobDWT. Bat Conservation International. Install a Bat House. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/eZxSUR. Organization for Bat Conservation. Why Bat Houses are Important. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/cQ0Szp.

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There are many little pests that can be a nuisance to homeowners. To protect your home from damage , it is important to learn about their habits so that elimination can occur stress free!