6 signs bats are on your property and what to do if present

If you think you might have bats making themselves comfortable in your property, it’s important that you don’t try to remove them.

Bat surveyors at Arbtech are warning Brits not to try moving bats as they are fully protected under myriad legislation so you can be prosecuted if you harm or disturb this species.

Autumn is a transitional phase for roosting bats when most species move away from their summer roost locations seeking hibernation roost sites that maintain high humidity and a low temperature throughout the winter.

@thepetpod A bat on an evening flight  #bat #bats #devon #wildlife #ukwildlife #england #countryside #fyp #fypシ #foryoupage ♬ Lai Lai Lai - Realkdmusic

Older properties are especially valuable to bats seeking shelter because bats have high fidelity to successful, long lasting roost sites and older properties are likely to retain more suitable roost sites such as lifted tiles, open eaves, gaps in stonework, under fascia and within soffit boxes.

What to do if you think you have bats on your property

If homeowners suspect bat activity on their property and they think they may impact an active bat roost, it’s crucial they contact an ecologist for advice on how they should lawfully proceed.

One way to do this is by contacting a volunteer bat organisation so that a licenced ecologist can enter the roost and check.

6 signs you might have bats in your house

Strange sounds

Bats don’t generally make much noise but you can still hear their social vocalisations occasionally, especially early in the morning or late at night as they’re nocturnal creatures.

They often make high-pitched squeaks and rustling noises. 

Droppings

Bat droppings (commonly referred to as guano) are one of the most noticeable signs of bat activity.

Guano is small, dark and crumbly, often resembling mouse droppings. It can accumulate in piles near windows, walls, chimneys or other potential entry points.

Bats often make high-pitched squeaks and rustling noises (Image: Getty)

Oily stains

When bats squeeze through small holes to enter the property, they can leave dark, oily stains around the entry points.

Over time, the stains can become more noticeable as bats use the same entry points regularly.

Pungent odours

If you smell unusual, pungent odours in your home, it could be a sign of bats.

A mix of bat droppings and urine can develop into a strong aroma similar to ammonia. 

Scratches on walls

Bats can leave scratch marks on various surfaces as they navigate through small cracks and crevices.

You can also notice scratches on beams or rafters where they cling to as they rest.

Native wild animals in the UK

Bats flying around the house

If you see a bat flying around your property during sunrise or dusk, it can be an indicator that bats have also found their way into your home. 

Andrew Ward from Arbtech said: “As the colder months approach, bats are actively searching for hibernation roost sites and many homes provide the perfect conditions.

 “Although Halloween celebrations are on the way and you may think that bats in your home are on theme, they can also make plenty of mess by leaving their droppings, oily streaks and scratches on the wall. 

 “Because bats don’t generally make much noise, many homeowners may be unaware of them roosting in their lofts or cellars.”

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He added: “While some homeowners don’t mind bats roosting in their homes, it can become an issue when you want to carry out works to your property, as renovations can damage bats’ habitats. 

“In this case, you may need to get a bat survey carried out in your house to secure planning consent.

“Bat surveyors can then provide you further information on the measures you can take to legally deal with your bat issues.”