Bat Exclusion Season Ends May 15th — Here’s What Homeowners Need to Know

As the weather warms up, you might start to notice more wildlife activity around your home, and one of the most overlooked but serious concerns is bat intrusion. Bats often roost in attics, chimneys, eaves, and behind siding, and once inside, they can cause health hazards and long-term property damage.

The good news? Bat exclusion season in Ohio officially ends May 15th—the first legal window when bats can be safely and humanely removed without harming nursing mothers or baby bats. At A Plus Wildlife Control, we’re gearing up to help homeowners like you take advantage of this limited but crucial time to secure your home.


Why You Should Never Remove Bats Before May 15th

Between April and mid-May, bats are in their maternal season, which means mothers are giving birth and caring for flightless pups. If adult bats are excluded too early, the babies are left behind, trapped, unable to survive, and create a heartbreaking and hazardous situation inside your home.

That’s why wildlife professionals across the state must wait until April 1st to begin full bat exclusion work. Not only is this the humane approach, it’s also the legal requirement in many regions.


Signs You Have Bats in Your Home

Not sure if bats are living in your attic or chimney? Here are a few common signs:

  • Scratching or fluttering sounds, especially at dusk or dawn
  • Dark stains or smudges around vents, soffits, or small holes
  • Droppings (guano) accumulating below rooflines, windowsills, or inside the attic
  • A strong ammonia-like odor from bat waste
  • Visual sightings of bats exiting at night from your roofline

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it’s important to schedule an inspection now so you’re first in line when exclusion season opens.


What Is Bat Exclusion?

Bat exclusion is the process of safely removing bats from a structure without harming them. Unlike trapping, which is illegal and dangerous, bat exclusion relies on one-way exit devices (also called bat cones) that allow bats to leave but not return.

At A Plus Wildlife Control, our exclusion process includes:

Full attic and structure inspection to locate entry points and roosting areas
Installation of one-way devices at active bat exits after May 16th
Sealing of all secondary gaps to prevent re-entry
Cleanup and sanitation of guano-contaminated areas
Long-term prevention tips and maintenance


Why Bat Guano Is a Serious Problem

Bat droppings may seem small, but over time, they build up and can pose a health threat. Guano can carry fungal spores that lead to histoplasmosis, a respiratory illness that can be dangerous if not properly addressed. It also attracts insects, creates foul odors, and damages insulation.

We provide professional attic decontamination services to clean and restore the space safely after exclusion.


Protecting Bats and Your Home The Right Way

Bats are a protected species, and for good reason. They play a vital role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations. But when they reside in your attic, they become a risk to your home and family.

That’s why we focus on exclusion, not extermination. It’s safer, more effective, and fully aligned with local wildlife laws.


Schedule Your Inspection Now for Bat Exclusion Ending May 15th

Bat exclusion season is limited, and appointments fill up fast. If you suspect bats are roosting in your home, now is the time to act. Let A Plus Wildlife Control perform a full inspection and prepare you for removal when it becomes legal.

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