How common are bats in houses?

Answered by Tom Adger

Bats in houses are actually more common than you might think. While not every house will have bats, there are many instances where bats find their way into homes. It is estimated that around 5% of houses in the United States have had bats inside at some point. That may not seem like a high percentage, but when you consider the number of houses across the country, it adds up to a significant number.

One important thing to note is that most of the people who call us have had multiple instances of bats in their house over the years. This is a strong indication of an infestation. If bats keep finding their way into your home, it is likely that there is a colony nearby.

When bats infest houses, they often form maternal colonies. This means that they gather in groups, usually consisting of adult females and their offspring. These colonies can range in size from just a few bats to several hundred. The bats will typically roost in attics, crawl spaces, or other dark and secluded areas of the house.

The presence of multiple bats in your house over time is a clear sign that there is a colony living nearby. Bats are social creatures and tend to roost together, so if you have seen bats in your house on multiple occasions, it is likely that there is a colony of bats living in close proximity to your home.

It is important to address a bat infestation promptly, as bats can carry diseases such as rabies and their droppings (guano) can pose a health hazard. Additionally, bats can cause damage to your home by staining ceilings and walls with their urine, as well as creating a mess with their droppings.

If you suspect that you have a bat infestation in your house, it is recommended to contact a professional bat removal service. They have the knowledge and experience to safely and effectively remove bats from your home, as well as provide solutions to prevent them from re-entering.

While not every house will have bats, they are more common than one might think. Multiple instances of bats in a house are a strong indication of an infestation, and it is important to address the issue promptly for both health and structural reasons.