San Antonio’s warm climate and natural landscape make it a prime environment for bats, especially during the warmer months. Spring through early fall is often referred to as "bat season," when bats become more active and begin seeking places to roost and raise their young. While they play a vital role in controlling insect populations, bats can become a serious issue when they settle in or near your home.
At Critter Control of San Antonio, we focus on humane, legal, and effective solutions for bat problems. Here's what homeowners need to know during bat season.
When Is Bat Season in San Antonio?
Bat season typically runs from March through October, with peak activity from May to August. During this time, bats are migrating, mating, and establishing maternity colonies. Attics, chimneys, rooflines, and other dark, undisturbed areas of homes often attract bats looking for safe shelter.
Common Bat Entry Points
Bats don’t need large openings to get inside a structure. They can squeeze through spaces as small as half an inch. Some of the most common entry points include:
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Gaps around roof vents and dormers
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Open chimneys
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Cracks in siding or under eaves
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Unsealed attic vents and soffits
Once inside, bats can form colonies and stay for weeks or months if not removed.
Why Bat Infestations Are a Problem
Bats are protected animals in Texas and offer ecological benefits like insect control. However, a bat infestation inside a home can pose several risks:
- Accumulated bat droppings (guano) can cause structural damage and foul odors
- Guano can harbor fungi that cause histoplasmosis, a serious respiratory illness
- Though rare, bats can carry rabies
- Their presence may indicate other vulnerabilities that other wildlife can exploit
Humane Bat Removal in San Antonio
Since bats are a protected species, they cannot be disturbed or excluded during maternity season (typically from April through August) if pups are present. That’s why timing and professional knowledge are critical.
At Critter Control of San Antonio, our humane bat control process includes:
- Comprehensive inspection to identify entry points and roosting sites
- Installation of one-way exclusion devices that allow bats to exit but not return
- Sealing of all potential entry points after bats have safely left
- Safe removal and cleanup of guano and contaminated insulation, if needed
This approach ensures legal compliance, the protection of bat populations, and the long-term safety of your home.
Why You Shouldn’t Try to Remove Bats Yourself
DIY bat removal is not only ineffective but can also be dangerous and illegal. Attempting to block exits or disturb a maternity colony can trap bats inside, leading to worse infestations or dead animals in your home. Handling bats without proper equipment and training also puts you at risk of exposure to diseases.
Professional removal ensures that bats are handled humanely and that your home is protected against future problems.
Schedule an Inspection Before Bat Season Peaks
If you’ve noticed signs like scratching noises at dusk, droppings near entry points, or bats flying near your roofline, it’s best to act quickly. Early intervention makes removal easier and reduces potential damage.
Contact Critter Control of San Antonio for a safe, humane solution to your bat problem. Our team is local, licensed, and experienced in wildlife control throughout the San Antonio area, including Boerne, New Braunfels, and surrounding communities.
Schedule your inspection today.