The Myth of the "Bat Exterminator" in Michigan

No. In Michigan, bats are protected and many species are considered endangered. It is completely illegal to kill them using poisons, baits, or pesticides. Doing so violates state and federal laws and can result in fines of up to $5,000. Furthermore, there are no approved chemical sprays or repellents that effectively get rid of bats. Because of their vital role in controlling the local insect population, traditional "extermination" is never a legal or viable option.

The only legal, ethical, and effective way to remove bats is through a process called humane live exclusion. This involves a professional installing specialized one-way exit valves over the bats' main entry points. These devices allow the bats to naturally fly out at dusk to feed, but physically block them from re-entering your house. Once the entire colony has safely relocated to a natural habitat, the valves are removed, and the home is permanently sealed to guarantee they cannot return.

Generally, no. Standard pest control companies focus on managing insects or rodents using sprays, poisons, and traps. Bat removal is a completely different, highly specialized field that requires a licensed nuisance wildlife control operator. Wildlife specialists possess the structural knowledge required to safely navigate roofs, identify microscopic entry points (as small as 3/8 of an inch), install proper exclusion devices, and perform the necessary structural repairs to permanently bat-proof your home.

While a home can be inspected and pre-sealed at any time, the actual exclusion of the bat colony must avoid the "maternity season." In Michigan, this protected birthing period typically runs from late May through the end of July. During this window, female bats nurse flightless pups in the roost. If the mothers are excluded and blocked from getting back inside, the pups will perish inside your walls or attic, causing severe odor issues and prompting desperate mother bats to force their way into your living space. Safe and legal exclusions are best performed in the late summer, fall, or early spring.

Yes, bat droppings (known as guano) can pose a serious health risk and should never be ignored. As guano accumulates and dries out in an enclosed space like an attic, it provides a breeding ground for fungal spores. If these spores become airborne and are inhaled, they can cause Histoplasmosis, a severe respiratory illness. Once a bat colony has been successfully excluded from a structure, it is highly recommended to have the soiled insulation professionally removed, the area thoroughly sanitized and deodorized, and the attic restored to a safe condition.