Have you ever been relaxing at home, only to hear strange noise coming from your shutters? Upon investigation, have you found bats hiding in there? Don't worry, you're not alone! Many homeowners find themselves dealing with this issue. But fear not - we've got some tips and tricks for keeping those pesky bats out of your shutters!
Understanding the Bat Problem
Before diving into solutions, it's important to first understand why bats may choose to make their homes in our cozy little shutter cavities. Generally speaking, bats are nocturnal creatures who seek out dark and quiet spaces during daylight hours. A set of working shutters is an ideal location since they provide ample shelter from predators while still allowing air flow.
Additionally, most types of bat populations are on the rise right now as result of conservation efforts which can increase the chances that one might end up roosting in your shutters without even knowing it!
So how do we keep them out?
Examining Your Shutters
The first thing you want to do is evaluate your current setup by asking yourself whether there could be anything attracting these flying rodents. Factors like if shutters aren’t closing completely or don't fit properly can give access point for unwanted guests.
Below are some key areas where cracks or gaps often develop:
| Areas | Description |
|---|---|
| Edges | Any spot between shutter wings edges and any molding |
| Latch rail | The part of a pair-straddling lock that catches upon contact with striker plate below |
If inspection reveals one or more problematic areas then go ahead and seal it off using weather stripping tape . This will cut off prime real estate for non-paying wildlife tenants.
That being said, effective protections require a comprehensive approach including other measures discussed further below...
Adding More Light Sources Near Your Home
A common and valuable deterrent comes in the form of light. Bats are drawn to darkness, so by adding outdoor lighting around your home, they may find themselves seeking out different accommodations.
Dusk-to-dawn lighting fixtures on the exterior of your house can be a great investment as well as motion-sensitive lights that turn on when anything moves nearby - this could scare any bat enough to keep away from dark spaces!
Tip: A reflective surface like an ultrasonic or Mylar film strip could also help add that extra element of reflection which often proves effective against animal intruders.
Install Screens Over Your Shutters
Installing mesh screens over each shutter window is another excellent way to prevent bats and other small animals making entry into your warm cozy space.
A metal wire with gaps not larger than 0.125 inches across will work perfectly for covering up all reachable surfaces where trespassing might occur such as edges around shutters wings or nooks between frames and windows. This method will ensure that air still flows freely while preventing unwanted guests from entering through open channels.
Hang Bat Boxes Near Your Home
By hanging a bat box near your home, you create alternative roosting areas for these creatures while keeping them far away from your living space! You'll also contribute positively towards conservation efforts ideal since many bat species face habitat loss due to population increases among humans'.
It's best hung somewhere high off ground level structures (like tall trees), providing good ventilation required during pups' nursing period-when it gets too chilly inside their homes like walls nearby chimneys).
Bonus points: Not only do you attract new tenants but some beneficial insects too; so less need pesticides!
Avoid Pest Control Sprays & Poisons
Many pest control options available today come packaged with harmful toxins ingredients whose long-term effects extend beyond target pest eradication right down waterways affecting quality soil life birds amphibians aquatic mammals promote ecological imbalance though reduce unwanted interruption sometimes necessary, there are environmentally-friendly alternatives.
That being said pesticide-free options like using one of many repellent gels or electronic ultrasonic devices that emit high-pitched sound waves can frighten creatures away harmlessly without causing health concerns for humans or pets!
Hint: All-natural compounds such as peppermint oil could have positive benefits..leaving nice fragrance around with bonus antifungal properties to boot!
Tips to Remember
- Check your shutter regularly and make any repair promptly!
- Don't let bats settle in easy. Put up preventive fencing aimed at keeping critters from entering unwanted areas
- Weatherproofing is key. Make sure windows - well-sealed all way around units especially.
- Always keep your landscaping neat and tidy, removing dead leaves/debris lying outside premises prevent thriving habitats black molds mildew growth
In conclusion, if you're looking for ways on tackling batty problems in the shutters consider examining current setup first by looking into attracting factors highlighted above ranging from sealing off access points adding new roosting sites light reflective surfaces intended scramble sensory perception deterrents avoid synthetic chemical sprays poses plenty other low-risk strategies mentioned should safe practical alternative. Good luck!