Bat Control in Columbus
Safeguarding Your Property Against Airborne Health Risks
Columbus is known for its beautiful mix of historic architecture and modern homes, but unfortunately, the very features that give our neighborhoods character—like high roof peaks, chimneys, and vents—often attract unwanted aerial guests. As the seasons change in Central Ohio, bats frequently seek shelter in attics to roost or hibernate, leading to sleepless nights caused by scratching sounds and the worrying accumulation of droppings. Addressing these infestations quickly is vital to protecting the structural integrity of your property and the health of those living inside.
At 1st Response Pest Management, we understand that discovering a colony in your home can be stressful, which is why we handle every situation with our signature care and precision. With over a decade of experience and an Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) on staff, we are uniquely qualified to navigate the complexities of bat removal. We don't just remove the wildlife; we strive to provide a "White Glove" experience that leaves your home secure, sanitized, and safe for your family and pets.
Call us today at (614) 591-7767, or contact us online to schedule your humane exclusion service.
Signs of a Bat Infestation
Identifying a bat issue early can save homeowners from extensive damage and health risks. Unlike other pests that may scurry across the floor, bats often go unnoticed until the colony has grown significantly. They are masters of squeezing into tiny gaps high up on the structure, often leaving subtle clues that require a trained eye to spot. However, several distinct indicators suggest these protected mammals have taken up residence in your attic or walls.
- Nocturnal Noises: One of the most common complaints is scratching, squeaking, or crawling sounds coming from the ceiling or walls, specifically around dusk and dawn.
- Guano Accumulation: Bat droppings (guano) look similar to rodent droppings but have a shiny appearance due to insect wings; finding piles near entry points or on insulation is a clear sign.
- Ammonia Odors: A strong, pungent, ammonia-like smell that doesn't go away is often caused by the buildup of guano and urine in a confined space.
- Grease Marks: Bats have oils on their fur that leave dark, greasy smudges around small openings, vents, or rooflines where they frequently enter and exit.
- Visual Sightings: Seeing bats flying around your roofline at sunset or finding a bat inside the living area are definitive signs of a nearby roost.
The Opinions That Matter The most
-
The best customer service of any pest control company I've ever used (and I've used a few). Awesome how the guys wear the boot covers to make sure they keep their dirt off of our floors!- Ken W.
-
Previous owners had repaired the termite damage, and had contracted with 1st Response to continue to maintain termite control stations and inspect for any new activity. We have continued with that existing service since purchase.- Patricia M.
-
I have seen a significant decrease in the last several months that I started with 1st Response. Ron is very committed to getting the problem fixed and is very knowledgeable and a great guy! He knows his pests!- Tina M.
-
Had a great experience with David - he was polite, personable, and able to find where the mice were coming in within 5 minutes. He put all the traps down and followed up on time to ensure they didn't return - highly recommend them!- Nicholas K.
-
Thank God! But the gentleman from 1st Response saw something on the traps and came back several times to take care of the issue. He was always professional, polite and handled everything with care. Kudos!!- Michelle W.
-
They have a lot of patience and explain things thoroughly. Can't say enough good things about them. We have been using them for a couple years now and have had continued reliable and excellent service.- Krista K.
-
On time, professional. He even went into my attic through a very small, inconvenient entryway in the top of a closet. He educated me about mice and inspected every inch of my place, inside and out. The office staff was great, too!- Rene L.
-
Engaging conversation and thorough inspection. Even when 1 thing was missed, they apologized and made everything right. Their service was fast, but effective.- Izetta T.
The Importance of Professional Service
Handling a bat infestation is not a Do-It-Yourself project due to the significant health and legal implications involved. Bat guano can harbor a fungus that causes Histoplasmosis, a serious respiratory disease affecting humans when spores become airborne during improper cleanup. Without professional-grade protective equipment and containment strategies, homeowners risk exposing themselves and their families to this dangerous pathogen.
Furthermore, bats are ecologically essential and protected by state and federal laws that strictly regulate how and when they can be removed. Attempting to trap or harm bats can result in severe fines and legal trouble. Professional services ensure that all removal efforts are compliant with Ohio regulations, protecting both the homeowner from liability and the local ecosystem from unnecessary harm.
Finally, effective bat control requires working at dangerous heights and identifying entry points as small as a dime. Professionals have the necessary safety gear, ladders, and lifts to access roof peaks and chimneys safely. Relying on an expert eliminates the physical risk of falls and ensures that the exclusion is performed the first time, preventing the frustration of recurring infestations.
Why Choose 1st Response Pest Management?
-
5-Star White Glove ServiceAll of our Technicians are professionally trained in the art of white glove service. A white glove service is a service done to perfection, and that’s what we strive to deliver at 1st Response.
-
Locally Owned, Family-Operated1st Response Pest Management is a locally owned, family-operated pest management company proudly servicing all of Greater Columbus and Central Ohio since 2006.
-
Award-Winning Customer Service1st Response has earned some of the home service industry’s most coveted customer service awards. We are proud of our outstanding customer service, and we make it our business to earn the trust and loyalty of all our customers.
Ohio Bat Removal Seasonality and Laws
Columbus homeowners must understand that bat removal is subject to "blackout dates" in Ohio. Because many bat species are protected, you cannot legally exclude them from a structure during their maternity season, which typically runs from May 15th to August 15th. During this time, flightless pups are inside the roost; sealing the mothers out would trap the young inside, leading to inhumane outcomes and odor issues.
Additionally, protections exist during the winter hibernation months (starting around October 15th), as disturbing hibernating bats can be fatal to them. This makes the Spring (before May) and Late Summer/Early Autumn (August to October) the ideal windows for bat exclusion work. If you suspect a problem, it is vital to contact a professional immediately to get on the schedule before these regulatory windows close. If you find a bat during a restricted period, we can still perform an inspection and seal the living quarters to keep them out of your bedroom until a full exclusion is legal.