Ohio’s Bat Removal Experts Since 1986
Bat Removal Cleveland: Restoring Your Peace of Mind
Bat Removal Efforts Year-Round
Despite the Bat Removal Blackout Period from May 16th through July 31st, the professionals at Cottom’s Wildlife Removal can assist homeowners year round. Outside of the blackout period, Cottom’s removes bats and bat colonies from structures and places exclusion devices to keep them out. During the blackout period, Cottom’s can serve homeowners by offering inspections, confirmations of bat presence, bat guano cleanup and repair, and schedule bat removal for after the blackout period.
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Reviews from Customers Who Used to Have an Animal Problem
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What to Know if You Have Bats in Your Home
Providing Bat Removal Ohio Can Trust
Bat removal in Ohio is a delicate process that requires expertise and precision to ensure both the safety of the bats and the homeowners. At Cottom’s Wildlife Removal, our bat removal specialists follow a comprehensive approach to address bat infestations effectively. The process begins with a thorough inspection to identify entry points and roosting areas. We then implement humane exclusion methods, allowing bats to exit your home without re-entry. Our team also provides sealing and repair services to prevent future infestations. Trust Cottom’s Wildlife Removal for professional and humane bat removal services in Ohio, ensuring a bat-free home and peace of mind.
Is Ohio Bat Removal Covered By Homeowners Insurance?
Bat Removal in Cleveland: What Risks do Bats Pose?
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Additional Info About Bat Removal Services in Ohio
Bats are essential to Ohio’s ecosystem, providing natural pest control by consuming large quantities of insects. However, when bats take up residence in attics, chimneys, and other parts of a home or business, they can become a significant problem. Bat infestations not only cause structural damage and leave behind harmful droppings (guano) but can also pose health risks if not handled properly. For homeowners in Columbia Station and across Northeast Ohio, Cottom’s Wildlife Removal offers professional bat removal and exclusion services to safely and humanely resolve bat issues.
Humane Bat Exclusion and Bat Removal Services
When it comes to removing bats from your home or business, it’s critical to use humane methods that protect both your property and the bats. Bat removal is a highly regulated activity in Ohio due to the species’ protected status and the risks associated with mishandling. At Cottom’s Wildlife Removal, we use safe exclusion techniques that adhere to state and federal regulations, ensuring that bats are not harmed during the process.
Our services include:
- Comprehensive Bat Inspections: We start by conducting a thorough inspection of your property to determine the extent of the infestation and identify potential entry points. Bats often enter through small gaps in roofs, vents, or chimneys, making it crucial to locate these areas to prevent future infestations.
- Bat Exclusion: Our exclusion methods involve installing one-way devices at entry points. These allow bats to exit the building but prevent them from re-entering. Once all bats have safely left the structure, we seal the entry points permanently to keep them out.
- Bat Guano Cleanup and Attic Decontamination: Bat droppings can accumulate quickly and pose a health risk due to the presence of histoplasmosis spores. Our team provides professional guano cleanup and sanitization to eliminate contamination, remove odors, and restore your attic to a clean, safe condition.
Why Choose Cottom’s Wildlife Removal for Bat Control?
With decades of experience serving homeowners throughout Northeast Ohio, Cottom’s Wildlife Removal has built a reputation for delivering reliable and effective bat control services. Our licensed and certified technicians are trained in the latest wildlife management techniques and are dedicated to providing humane and comprehensive solutions.
Our Approach to Bat Removal in Ohio
Ohio’s bat population is protected by law, which means that improper removal methods can result in fines and legal consequences. That’s why we follow strict guidelines to ensure that our bat exclusion and removal practices are fully compliant with state and federal regulations. We prioritize safety and humane treatment, using exclusion devices and non-lethal methods to evict bats from your property.
Understanding the Ohio Bat Removal Blackout Period
Due to the crucial role bats play in the ecosystem and their need for safe maternity roosting spaces, the state of Ohio enforces a “Bat Removal Blackout Period” from May 16th through July 31st. During this time, it is illegal to exclude bats from structures to protect maternal colonies and their young. Exclusions are permitted only in cases where a bat has entered the living space or there is a direct risk of human exposure.
Cottom’s Wildlife Removal respects this blackout period and offers alternative services during this time:
- Bat Presence Confirmation and Inspections
- Guano Cleanup and Decontamination
- Attic Repair and Exclusion Planning for Post-Blackout Services
Once the blackout period ends, we can implement full bat exclusion measures to safely remove bats and prevent future issues.
Identifying Bat Infestations in Your Home
Knowing the signs of a bat infestation can help you take action before a small problem turns into a larger issue. Bats are nocturnal and often go unnoticed until their presence is well established. Here are some common signs to watch for:
- Chirping or Scratching Noises: Bats are vocal creatures, and you may hear chirping or rustling noises coming from your attic or walls, especially at dusk or dawn.
- Droppings in the Attic or Around Entry Points: Bat guano is small, dark, and shiny, often found in piles near entry points.
- Staining Around Entry Points: Bats squeeze through tiny gaps, and their oily fur can leave dark smudges around entry points.
- Unpleasant Odors: A strong ammonia smell from the accumulation of bat droppings can be a clear indication of an infestation.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly. Bats reproduce annually, and a small colony can rapidly grow into a larger infestation.
Health Risks Associated with Bat Infestations
Bat infestations can pose serious health risks if not managed properly. One of the primary concerns is the risk of contracting histoplasmosis, a respiratory disease caused by inhaling spores from bat droppings. Additionally, while rabies transmission is rare, bats are a primary carrier of the virus in the United States. For these reasons, it’s essential to rely on professional bat removal services rather than attempting DIY solutions.
Long-Term Bat Prevention Strategies
After removing bats from your property, preventing their return is crucial. Our team at Cottom’s Wildlife Removal offers a range of exclusion and prevention services to keep your home bat-free:
- Sealing Potential Entry Points: Bats can enter through gaps as small as ½ inch. We meticulously seal cracks, vents, and other openings to prevent re-entry.
- Chimney Cap Installation: Uncapped chimneys are a common entry point for bats. Installing a chimney cap can block access while allowing proper ventilation.
- Vent Screening and Soffit Repairs: We install durable screening on vents and repair damaged soffits to eliminate common bat entry points.
With our long-term prevention strategies, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your home is protected from future bat infestations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bat Removal
Q: Why is it illegal to kill bats in Ohio?
A: Bats are protected under Ohio law due to their ecological importance. Killing or harming bats is prohibited unless there is a direct threat of rabies exposure. Instead, humane exclusion methods are required to remove bats from structures.
Q: What should I do if I find a bat in my living space?
A: If a bat enters your living space, avoid direct contact and do not attempt to handle it yourself. Contact Cottom’s Wildlife Removal immediately for professional assistance. We will safely capture and remove the bat, checking for signs of potential rabies exposure.
Q: How long does the bat removal process take?
A: The timeline for bat removal can vary depending on the size of the colony and the complexity of the infestation. Typically, the exclusion process takes a few days to a week, followed by sealing and repairs to prevent re-entry.
Q: Can I perform bat removal myself?
A: DIY bat removal is not recommended due to the risks involved and the legal requirements in Ohio. Improper handling can lead to health risks, structural damage, and non-compliance with state regulations. Professional bat removal ensures safety and compliance.
Q: How can I prevent bats from entering my attic?
A: The best way to prevent bats from entering your attic is to seal all potential entry points, install chimney caps, and repair any damage to vents or soffits. Regular inspections by a professional can help identify vulnerabilities before bats can gain entry.
Contact Cottom’s Wildlife Removal for Expert Bat Control Services in Northeast Ohio
If you’re dealing with a bat problem in your home or business, don’t wait for it to get worse. Cottom’s Wildlife Removal is here to provide safe, effective, and humane bat removal services across Northeast Ohio. With our comprehensive bat control solutions, you can rest easy knowing that your property is protected from unwanted wildlife. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or learn more about our bat exclusion services.
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