Bats are an important part of the ecosystem here in Glens Falls and the Adirondacks, eating thousands of mosquitoes and insects every night. But when they move into an attic, soffit, or wall void, they become a serious problem for homeowners.
I handle a lot of bat calls in this region, and the first thing I explain is this: with bats, timing is everything. Humane bat exclusion in New York has to be done carefully so we don’t trap baby bats inside during maternity season.
Why Timing Is Critical
- Maternity season: In New York, bat pups are born in June and July. They can’t fly right away, which means sealing entry points during that time can trap them inside.
- Exclusion windows: The safest times to perform a full exclusion are late spring (before pups are born) and late summer into early fall (after pups can fly).
- Winter hibernation: Many species hibernate in caves or mines in winter, but some still roost in structures. Work should avoid disrupting hibernating bats.
By scheduling exclusions at the right time, I protect both the bats and your home.
How I Handle Humane Bat Removal
When I take on a bat job, I follow a step-by-step process that keeps it humane and effective:
- Inspection: I identify entry and exit points by looking for guano, staining, and flight activity.
- One-way doors: I install specialized devices that let bats exit at dusk but prevent them from re-entering.
- Sealing: Once I’m sure all bats are out, I permanently seal every potential gap larger than 3/8 inch.
- Cleanup: I can remove bat guano, sanitize affected areas, and address odor issues safely with proper equipment.
Legal & Safety Notes in New York
- No relocation: It’s illegal to trap bats and relocate them elsewhere in NY. Exclusion is the only legal, humane option.
- Health risks: Bat droppings (guano) can create odor and, in rare cases, health hazards like histoplasmosis if not cleaned properly.
- Licensing: Wildlife control for bats in New York falls under state regulations. I follow NYS DEC guidance to stay compliant and humane.
Signs You Might Have Bats in Your Home
- Chirping or scratching sounds at dusk or dawn.
- Dark staining or streaks around attic vents or roof edges.
- Guano piles near a foundation or beneath rafters.
- Bats seen emerging from the roofline at dusk.
If you’re seeing these signs, don’t wait. The longer bats stay, the harder exclusion can become.
Prevention Tips for Homeowners
- Seal small gaps around rooflines, soffits, and vents before maternity season.
- Keep attic vents screened with fine mesh.
- Inspect at dusk to see if bats are leaving from a particular spot.
- Call early: The best time for inspection is spring or late summer, before or after pup season.
When to Call Me
If you’ve noticed bats in your attic or around your roofline in Glens Falls, Queensbury, Saratoga, or nearby towns, call me at 518-807-4324. I’ll schedule an inspection, confirm activity, and put together a humane exclusion plan that works for your home and respects New York’s regulations.
✅ Next Step: Don’t wait until you’re cleaning up guano in the attic. Call or text 518-807-4324 today for a free inspection and humane bat removal in the Adirondacks.
