Bats in New Jersey: Behavior, Risks & Safe Removal

What Are Bats?

Health Risks: Bats are known carriers of rabies, a potentially fatal disease, and can spread histoplasmosis, a lung infection caused by fungal spores found in bat droppings.
Property Damage: Bat guano and urine accumulate quickly, creating strong odors and staining insulation, drywall, and wood.
Parasites: Bats may introduce bat bugs, which are closely related to bed bugs, into homes.
Noise & Stress: The sound of scratching or squeaking in walls or attics is disruptive and alarming for residents.

Because bats are federally protected, professional exclusion is the only safe and legal solution.

Inspections: Identify entry points, often as small as ½ inch.
One-Way Doors: Allow bats to exit safely but prevent re-entry.
Sealing Entry Points: Once bats are out, we seal gaps and openings to stop future infestations.
Cleanup & Sanitation: Removal of contaminated insulation, guano cleanup, and disinfecting affected areas.

Little Brown Bat: Common attic roosting species, small and insect-feeding.
Big Brown Bat: Larger, hardy species that often overwinter in buildings.
Eastern Red Bat: Usually solitary, found in trees but may enter homes accidentally.
Hoary Bat: One of the largest bats, migratory, typically outdoors but sometimes invades structures.

Size: Wingspans range from 8 inches (small species) to 16 inches (larger species).
Color: Brown, reddish, or gray fur depending on species.
Features: Large ears, sharp teeth, and thin wings covered in skin.
Behavior: Nocturnal; most feed on insects and are highly active at night.

Natural Habitats: Trees, caves, and under loose bark.
Urban Habitats: Attics, barns, chimneys, soffits, and wall voids.
Seasonal Habits: Some species migrate while others hibernate in warm attics during winter.

Mating: Typically occurs in fall, with delayed fertilization until spring.
Births: Pups are born in summer, usually 1–2 per female.
Growth: Young bats grow quickly and can fly within a month.
Colony Development: Colonies may expand in attics, returning year after year if not excluded.