How to Care for Cleaning Up Your Attic After a Bat Infestation

Discovering that your attic has been home to a bat infestation can be unsettling. Bats may be beneficial creatures outdoors, but when they invade your living space, they can create significant problems. Not only can bat droppings (guano) cause health hazards, but the damage caused by the bats themselves—such as chewed wires, insulation, and structural damage—can be costly to repair. Cleaning up your attic after a bat infestation is a crucial step in making your home safe again. If you’re dealing with this situation, here’s how to properly care for cleaning up your attic after a bat infestation.

1. Ensure the Bats Are Gone

Before you begin any cleanup process, it’s essential that the bats are no longer in the attic. Attempting to clean while bats are still present can be dangerous for several reasons:

• Health Risks: Bats carry diseases, including rabies and histoplasmosis, a fungal infection that can be transmitted through bat droppings.
• Further Infestation: If the bats are still there, your cleaning efforts will be in vain, as they’ll return to the attic shortly after.

If you’re unsure whether the bats are still present, consult with a wildlife control expert who can safely remove them and seal any entry points. They may use one-way doors to let the bats exit without being able to return.

2. Protect Yourself

Cleaning up an attic after a bat infestation requires proper protective gear. Bat guano and urine can carry diseases, so it’s vital to safeguard your health. Here’s what you’ll need:

• N95 Respirator Mask: To protect against inhaling airborne spores or bacteria from bat guano and urine.
• Gloves: Wear heavy-duty gloves to avoid direct contact with guano, urine, or any materials that could be contaminated.
• Goggles: Protect your eyes from dust and contaminants while cleaning.
• Coveralls: Wear disposable coveralls or old clothing that can be discarded after the cleanup to prevent contamination.
• Boots: Wear waterproof boots to avoid stepping in contaminated areas.

3. Remove Bat Guano and Urine Soaked Insulation

Bat droppings, or guano, pose a health risk if not properly handled. This material can carry harmful pathogens, including the spores of histoplasmosis. To clean up your attic:

• Scoop and Dispose: Using a shovel or broom, carefully scoop up the bat guano into trash bags. Make sure not to stir up dust, as this can release spores into the air. You may need a shop vac with a HEPA filter to clean small debris, but be sure it’s equipped with a fine filter to capture dangerous particles.
• Dispose Properly: Don’t simply throw bat guano into a regular trash can. It should be double-bagged and sealed before disposal. If you’re unsure about proper disposal, check with local waste management services for guidance.
• Check Insulation: If bat droppings have soaked into your insulation, you may need to remove and replace it. Insulation contaminated by bat urine can be difficult to fully clean, and it will retain odors that attract new bats. Remove and dispose of the affected insulation properly.

4. Clean the Surfaces

Once the guano and insulation have been removed, clean and disinfect all surfaces in the attic. This will help reduce the risk of lingering pathogens:

• Use a Disinfectant: Mix a solution of water and a mild detergent or a disinfectant that is safe for attic surfaces. For additional protection, you can use a solution of 10% bleach and 90% water, but ensure the bleach is safe for your attic materials. Clean floors, rafters, walls, and any other areas where droppings may have been.
• Scrub Thoroughly: Use a scrub brush to clean areas with visible stains or residue. Pay special attention to places where urine may have pooled.
• Deodorize the Area: After disinfecting, you may want to use a deodorizer or an enzyme cleaner to eliminate any lingering odors. This helps ensure that the area is not inviting future bat activity.

5. Check for Structural Damage

While cleaning your attic, also look for signs of damage caused by the bats themselves. Bats can chew through wires, insulation, and even wood. Address any damage promptly to prevent future issues:

• Inspect Electrical Wiring: Bats have been known to chew through electrical wires. If you notice exposed or damaged wires, it’s important to have a licensed electrician assess and repair them.
• Look for Water Damage: Bat urine can corrode materials and lead to water damage. Check for signs of mold or weakened wood and replace any damaged materials.
• Seal Entry Points: After cleaning, it’s essential to seal any gaps, cracks, or holes that the bats may have used to enter your attic. This will prevent new bats from re-invading. You can use caulk, foam, or metal mesh to cover any openings. Be sure to check vents, chimneys, and gaps in the roofline.

6. Consider Professional Help

Cleaning an attic after a bat infestation can be a challenging and hazardous task. While some homeowners may be able to handle minor cleanup, it’s often best to consult with professionals who specialize in bat removal and remediation. A wildlife control expert can safely remove bats, seal entry points, and handle the cleanup and sanitization process. Additionally, professionals have the right equipment and expertise to ensure that all contaminants are properly removed and that your attic is safe for future use.

7. Prevent Future Infestations

After cleaning up your attic, the final step is prevention. Bats are often attracted to dark, quiet spaces in homes, particularly attics, and will return if given the opportunity. To prevent future infestations:

• Install Bat-Proof Screens: Place screens on vents and chimneys to prevent bats from entering. One-way bat doors can also be used to allow any remaining bats to exit but not return.
• Keep the Attic Well-ventilated: Bats prefer dark, humid areas, so keeping the attic ventilated and dry can make it less appealing.
• Regularly Inspect: Perform routine inspections of your attic to catch any signs of potential re-entry before they become a serious issue.

Conclusion

Cleaning up your attic after a bat infestation is a crucial part of restoring your home’s safety and livability. By following the proper steps, including removing bat guano, disinfecting surfaces, repairing damage, and sealing entry points, you can protect your home from health risks and prevent future bat problems. While this process can be overwhelming, seeking professional assistance ensures that the job is done thoroughly and safely. With the right approach, your attic can be clean, safe, and bat-free once again.