About Bats in Texas
Texas is home to more bat species than any other state—32 different species. While bats are beneficial for controlling insects, having them roosting in your attic or walls creates serious health and property concerns.
Bats are protected wildlife in Texas, making legal removal more complex than dealing with other pests. Certain times of year—when young bats are present—exclusion is prohibited to prevent orphaning flightless pups.
Bat guano (droppings) accumulates rapidly, causes odors, attracts insects, damages insulation, and poses serious health risks. Professional removal and cleanup are essential for safety and property protection.
Common Texas Bat Species in Structures
1. Mexican Free-Tailed Bat
Most common bat in Texas structures. Forms large colonies. Dark brown, 3.5 inches long. Active March-October. Famous Congress Avenue Bridge colony in Austin. Primary species found in homes.
2. Evening Bat
Small, brown bat common in East Texas. Roosts in small groups. Prefers attics and wall voids. Less common than Mexican free-tailed but increasing in urban areas.
3. Big Brown Bat
Larger, stocky build. Tan to dark brown. Solitary or small groups. Year-round resident in some areas. More tolerant of cold than other species.
4. Pallid Bat
Pale yellow to cream colored. Large ears. Found in West Texas. Roosts in rock crevices and occasionally buildings. Less common in residential structures.
Identification Guide
Size
Mexican free-tailed: 3.5 inches | Evening bat: 3 inches | Big brown: 4-5 inches
Color
Brown, dark brown, tan, or pale depending on species
Shape
Furry body, leathery wings, small eyes, prominent ears
Behavioral Signs
- Nocturnal—emerge at dusk to feed on insects
- Roost in dark, enclosed spaces during day
- Colonial species form groups of hundreds to thousands
- Return to same roost sites year after year
- Active season: March-October (many species migrate or hibernate)
Signs of Bat Infestation
Visual Evidence:
- Bats flying from roof vents, soffits, or gable vents at dusk
- Bats entering/exiting through small gaps in fascia or siding
- Dark staining around entry points from body oils
- Guano piles on ground below entry points or on attic insulation
- Live or dead bats found in living spaces
Auditory Signs:
- Scratching, squeaking, or rustling in attic or walls at night
- High-pitched chirping sounds
- Activity increases at dawn and dusk
Odor & Property Damage:
- Strong ammonia-like smell from urine and guano
- Brown staining on ceiling or walls from urine seepage
- Guano accumulation in attic crushing insulation
- Oily stains around entry/exit points
Health & Safety Risks
Disease Risks
- Rabies: Bats are primary rabies vector in Texas. Never handle bats directly. Any bat contact requires medical evaluation
- Histoplasmosis: Fungal lung infection from breathing spores in dried bat guano. Serious illness requiring medical treatment
- Parasites: Bat bugs (similar to bed bugs), mites, and ticks can infest living spaces after bats are removed
Property Damage
- Guano and urine saturate and destroy insulation
- Corrosive urine damages wood, drywall, and electrical wiring
- Staining on exterior siding, fascia, and brick
- Persistent odors permeate home
- Guano attracts cockroaches, beetles, and other pests
Emergency Situations
- Bat found in bedroom—occupants need rabies evaluation
- Bat contact with person or pet—immediate medical/veterinary care
- Multiple bats entering living space—immediate professional help
Legal Considerations for Bat Removal
Protected Species
All bats in Texas are protected by state law. It is illegal to harm or kill bats. Exclusion (one-way devices that let bats exit but not re-enter) is the only legal method.
Maternity Season Restrictions
May 1 - July 31: Bat exclusion is prohibited during maternity season when flightless young are present. Exclusion during this time would trap and kill pups, which is illegal and inhumane.
Best exclusion times: March-April (spring) or August-October (fall)
Proper Exclusion Requirements
- Must use one-way exclusion devices—not seal bats inside
- Must confirm all bats have exited before permanently sealing
- Cannot use poisons or toxicants
- Cannot disturb hibernating bats in winter
Professional Bat Exclusion Process
Effective bat removal requires expertise in bat behavior, building construction, and Texas wildlife laws. DIY attempts often fail or violate regulations.
Our Exclusion Protocol
Comprehensive Inspection
Identify all entry/exit points. Assess colony size, species, and roosting locations. Document damage
Exclusion Device Installation
Install one-way bat valves at primary exit points. Allow bats to leave but prevent re-entry. Leave in place 5-7 days
Monitoring Period
Confirm all bats have exited using visual observation at dusk and night vision cameras
Permanent Exclusion
Seal all entry points with appropriate materials—screening, foam, metal flashing, caulk. Prevent future entry
Attic Cleanup & Decontamination
Remove guano and contaminated insulation. Disinfect surfaces. Install new insulation if needed. Control parasites left behind
Odor Treatment
Apply odor neutralizers and ensure proper ventilation
Bat Removal Cost Expectations
Costs vary based on colony size, access difficulty, and damage extent
Common Questions
Q: I found a bat in my bedroom. What should I do?
Safely capture the bat without touching it (use gloves and container). Call animal control and your doctor. Anyone in the room while sleeping needs rabies evaluation—bat bites can be unnoticed.
Q: Can I just seal the holes to keep bats out?
Never seal holes while bats are inside—they'll die in your walls or find new ways into living spaces. Proper exclusion uses one-way devices to let bats leave first, then permanent sealing.
Q: Why can't you remove bats in summer?
May-July is maternity season. Young bats can't fly and depend on mothers. Exclusion during this time orphans flightless pups that die in your attic, which is both illegal and creates terrible odors.
Q: Will bats come back after exclusion?
If all entry points are properly sealed, bats cannot return. However, bats are persistent and will find new entry points if any exist. Thorough sealing is essential for permanent exclusion.
Safe, Legal Bat Removal
Protect your health and property from bat infestations.
Let us handle exclusion the right way.