What To Do If You Hear Bats In Your Loft: A Complete Guide

If you hear bats in your loft, do not attempt to remove them yourself - bats are protected species in many countries, including the UK, US, and EU. Mishandling them can be illegal and harmful to the bats and your property.

Here’s what to do instead:

1. Confirm It’s Bats

• Sounds: Light fluttering, scratching, or high-pitched squeaks - usually at dusk or night.

• Signs:

  • Bat droppings (similar to mouse droppings, but crumble to powder when crushed)

  • Staining or grease marks near entry points

  • Occasional sightings at dusk around your roof
    
    

2. Do Not Disturb Them

• Bats often roost in lofts, especially in summer.

• It's illegal to intentionally disturb or harm bats or block access to their roosts without permission in many regions (e.g., under the UK’s Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981).

• Don’t seal any entry points or clean the area until professional advice is obtained.
  
  

3. Contact a Bat Conservation or Wildlife Organization

• In the UK: Contact Bat Conservation Trust (via the National Bat Helpline: 0345 1300 228).

• They will:

  • Confirm bat presence

  • Assess the situation

  • Advise on legal, safe next steps
    
    

4. Professional Assessment and Advice

• If action is needed, professionals may:

  • Wait until bats leave naturally (usually late summer)

  • Install one-way exclusion devices (only when legally allowed)

  • Guide you on safe cleanup and sealing entry points after roosting ends
    
    

5. Avoid DIY Removal or Use of Repellents

• Never use traps, poison, or ultrasonic devices - these are often illegal and ineffective.

• You risk fines and harming a protected species.
  
  

6. After They’ve Left: Clean and Secure

Only once you’ve been given permission:

• Clean up guano (droppings) wearing gloves and a respirator - bat waste can carry health risks (like histoplasmosis).

• Check and replace insulation if soiled or damaged.

• Seal entry points with mesh or flashing to prevent return, but only after official clearance.

7. Consider Bat Boxes

To support local bat populations, consider installing bat boxes nearby to offer an alternative roost once they leave your loft.

Would you like help contacting a local bat conservation group or finding a wildlife control expert? Contact us today for a free friendly chat, we are here to help.

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Our post loft insulation removal cleaning services

Keeping your loft clean and organized is crucial for maintaining a healthy and efficient home environment. Our professional loft cleaning services are designed to address all your attic cleaning needs, ensuring a pristine and clutter-free space.

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