Summer in Pennsylvania is peak season for bat activity—and if you’re hearing fluttering, squeaking, or scratching sounds coming from your attic, there’s a good chance bats have moved in. While they’re important to our ecosystem, they don’t belong in your home! Attic bat removal in summer requires careful timing, humane practices, and a strong understanding of local wildlife laws.

Why Bats Choose Attics in Summer

Pennsylvania is home to species like the Little Brown Bat and Big Brown Bat, both of which are known to roost in attics. During the summer months, female bats form maternity colonies, gathering in warm, dark, and undisturbed areas to give birth and raise their pups (baby bats).

Signs of an infestation often include:

• Guano (bat droppings) accumulation in insulation or around entry points
• Grease or stain marks near roof vents or soffits
• Chirping or scratching sounds, usually at dusk and dawn

When Can You Remove Bats?

If you’re looking into attic bat removal in PA this summer, timing is everything. From mid-May through the end of July, it’s illegal to perform exclusion on bats in Pennsylvania as they are a protected species. During this period, young bats are flightless, and excluding maternal bats would leave pups behind, which is both inhumane and against PA Game Commission regulations.

Late summer (August and early September) is the optimal and legal time for exclusion work. By then, juvenile bats are old enough to fly, and humane exclusion can be safely performed.

What Does Bat Removal Involve?

Professional attic bat removal in Pennsylvania typically includes:

• Inspection: A licensed wildlife expert inspects the interior and exterior of your home to locate all bat entry points.
• Exclusion: Once pups can fly, one-way doors are installed to let bats exit safely without returning.
• Sealing: After all bats are out, the home is sealed using custom materials to prevent reentry.
• Cleanup: Guano cleanup and sanitation help eliminate health risks like histoplasmosis.

Why You Shouldn’t DIY Bat Removal

Bat removal is regulated and hazardous. Guano contains harmful pathogens, and handling bats without PPE and training can result in exposure to rabies. As professional wildlife removal technicians, we follow strict safety and legal guidelines to ensure safe, effective removal.

At Backyard Wildlife Solutions, we specialize in attic bat removal in PA, serving Lancaster County and surrounding areas. We’re fully licensed, experienced, and committed to proper wildlife exclusion.

Schedule Your Inspection Now

Even if removal must wait until the end of maternity season, now is the perfect time to schedule an inspection and prepare. Don’t let bats take over your attic; make a plan so you’re ready when exclusion can begin.

Contact us today for expert help with attic bat removal in the summer in PA—we’re here to help!

Storm Damage & Wildlife: How Summer Weather Creates Entry Points

Summer brings more than sunshine and warm weather—it’s also prime time for thunderstorms, high winds, and heavy rain. While storms may pass quickly, their damage can invite nuisance wildlife to move in unexpectedly.

The usual critters we deal with are opportunistic. If storms compromise parts of your home, they won’t take long to find the weak points. Here’s how summer weather increases the risk of wildlife intrusion and our recommendations.

How Storms Create Entry Points for Wildlife

1. Loose or Damaged Soffits and Fascia

High winds and heavy rains can loosen soffit panels or pull them completely away from the roofline. Squirrels and raccoons love to use these gaps to enter attics and upper crawl spaces.

2. Broken Vents or Missing Covers

Exhaust vents and gable vents can become damaged or lose their protective covers during severe storms. These vents are optimal points of access for birds, bats, and rodents to move in and start nesting.

3. Shingles & Roof Damage

Missing or broken shingles and lifted flashing can create entry points into attics or ceiling spaces. Water damage softens materials over time, making them even more susceptible to exploitation by animals.

4. Fallen Tree Limbs

Storm-damaged trees or overhanging branches can give climbing animals like raccoons and squirrels a direct pathway to your roof. Fallen branches can also damage siding, rooflines, or windows, making your home even more vulnerable.

After a Storm Passes

After the storm passes, take a few minutes to assess your home for any damage:

• Soffit or fascia boards that appear loose or bent
• Missing or damaged vent covers
• Displaced roof shingles or visible holes
• Tree branches resting on or near the roof
• Water stains in the attic or upper walls
• Signs of wildlife activity, such as droppings, nesting material, or strange noises

Promptly taking action can help protect your home from critters. Scheduling a professional inspection, even for minor damage, can prevent animals from forming entry points. Repair any problem areas, such as holes, broken vents, and loose soffits. Consider adding vent covers and chimney caps for added protection. Trimming overhanging tree branches at least 6–8 feet from your roof can limit easy access for animals that like to climb.

Final Thoughts

Summer storms open the door for uninvited wildlife guests. Acting quickly after a storm can save you from bigger problems. If you’re unsure where to start, we’re here to help with thorough inspections, efficient removal, and custom exclusion solutions to keep animals out, no matter the weather.

Noticed damage after a storm? Contact us for animal removal and exclusion!

Spring Cleaning for Wildlife Prevention: Yard and Home Checklist

Prevent Wildlife from Invading Your Home This Spring

Wildlife activity increases as the weather warms up, and animals begin searching for shelter, food, and nesting spots. Without proper prevention, your property could become a home for raccoons, squirrels, rodents, and birds.

Performing a spring wildlife inspection is essential to keep your property safe. Check out this yard and home checklist to deter nuisance wildlife and prevent damage to your property.

1. Secure Trash and Eliminate Food Sources

Many animals, including raccoons, opossums, and other animals, are drawn to unsecured trash and outdoor food sources. To prevent wildlife from foraging on your property:

✅ Use trash cans with secure, locking lids.
✅ Store garbage bins in a garage or shed until collection day.
✅ Remove pet food, birdseed, and compost from accessible areas.

By eliminating food sources, you reduce the chances of attracting unwanted visitors.

2. Remove Yard Debris and Overgrown Vegetation

Debris provides optimal hiding spots for snakes, rodents, and other animals. Keeping your property well-maintained will deter wildlife from settling in:

✅ Rake leaves and clear brush piles that create nesting areas.
✅ Trim tree branches that overhang or touch your roof, preventing easy access to potential entry points.
✅ Store firewood away from your home and elevate it off the ground.

A clean yard minimizes wildlife shelter options, keeping them at a safe distance from your home.

3. Inspect and Seal Entry Points in Your Home

Even the smallest gaps can become an entryway for rodents, squirrels, and bats. Spring is the perfect time to inspect your home’s exterior and seal potential wildlife access points:

✅ Check soffits, eaves, vents, and gable areas for holes or chew marks.
✅ Contact a professional for custom vent screening and chimney cap installation.
✅ Have professional sealing completed around foundation cracks, utility line gaps, and roof openings.

Proactively wildlife-proofing your home can prevent costly repair and remediation in the future.

4. Protect Your Attic, Basement, and Crawl Spaces

Your attic, basement, and crawl spaces offer warmth and shelter, making them a haven for wildlife. Check these areas for signs of intrusion:

✅ Look for droppings, nesting materials, or unusual noises in your attic.
✅ Inspect insulation and wood structures for chewing or damage.
✅ Ensure attic vents and chimney caps are intact and secure.

A properly sealed home discourages animals from seeking refuge indoors.

5. Eliminate Standing Water and Drainage Issues

Water sources attract mosquitoes, rodents, and larger wildlife seeking hydration. Address these common problem areas:

✅ Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent water buildup.
✅ Fix leaky outdoor faucets and hoses that create puddles.
✅ Empty or refresh birdbaths, pet bowls, and planter trays regularly.

Proper drainage reduces wildlife attraction and helps maintain a healthier outdoor space.

6. Take Action Before Nesting Season Begins

Spring is nesting season for birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other animals. Taking preventive measures early can stop them from settling in unwanted spaces:

✅ Inspect shutters, vents, and under decks for nesting debris.
✅ Ask a professional for help with installing chimney caps and vent covers before animals move in.
✅ If you notice an active nest, contact a professional for removal.

Preventing nests reduces property damage and potential health risks associated with wildlife.

7. Schedule a Professional Wildlife Inspection

As DIY prevention isn’t always effective, some wildlife problems require expert intervention. As a professional wildlife control specialist, we can:

✅ Identify potential entry points you might overlook.
✅ Offer customized exclusion solutions to keep wildlife out for good.
✅ Provide safe removal if animals have already moved in.

A proactive wildlife inspection ensures long-term protection and peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about protecting your home from nuisance wildlife before problems arise.

Need help securing your home this spring? Contact us today for expert wildlife removal and exclusion services!

Protecting Your Garden from Animals

If you’re gardening, you likely want to know how to protect your garden from animals eating your plants. Here are some tips:

1. Identify the Culprit and Use Deterrents

Knowing what animal is causing the damage is the first step to finding an effective solution. Sprinkling chili powder on your plants can deter animals from eating them. However, this only works for above-ground threats and won’t protect against animals that eat grubs and other underground organisms. Visual deterrents can help keep birds away, and chili powder may deter climbing animals like raccoons, opossums, and squirrels.

2. Install Effective Fencing

Fences can be effective if animals are digging underground. Common garden invaders include groundhogs, moles, skunks, rabbits, squirrels, and mice. For groundhogs, a heavy-gauge wire system around your garden’s perimeter, buried underground, is an effective solution. Moles create extensive burrows and uproot plants while searching for insects like grubs and earthworms. Underground fencing can help prevent their tunneling.

3. Consider Professional Wildlife Removal

When dealing with persistent wildlife intrusions, it might be necessary to call in professionals. Wildlife removal services can help with the humane trapping and relocation of animals that are causing problems in your garden. Our team has over 15 years of experience in wildlife removal. We can thoroughly inspect your property, identify the animals causing issues, and recommend effective solutions. From installing fences and barriers to trapping and relocating animals, we ensure your garden is protected.

4. Implement Long-Term Prevention Strategies

Beyond immediate removal, we offer long-term prevention strategies. This includes advising on points we identify in our inspection like proper garden maintenance, such as securing compost bins, keeping pet food indoors, and removing potential shelters for animals like woodpiles or dense shrubbery.  Knowing the habits and behaviors of animals in your area can help you anticipate and prevent problems before they start.

For effective garden protection, consider these strategies and always aim for the humane removal of animals when necessary. If you need wildlife removal or prevention assistance, contact us for expert help. We are committed to helping you maintain a thriving garden while respecting and protecting the local wildlife.

Winter is a time of year when wildlife behavior changes drastically, often leading to increased interactions between animals and humans. Unfortunately, misconceptions about these behaviors can result in ineffective or even harmful approaches to managing wildlife. Understanding the facts about winter wildlife habits is crucial, especially when it comes to nuisance wildlife removal.

Myth 1: All Wildlife Hibernates in Winter

One of the most common myths is that all animals hibernate during the winter. While some species, like bears and groundhogs, enter a state of hibernation, many others remain active throughout the season. For example, squirrels and raccoons continue to forage for food, often seeking shelter in human structures. This is where the need for effective exclusion techniques becomes essential. Ensuring that entry points are sealed and that potential nesting areas are secured can prevent these animals from taking up residence in your home.

Myth 2: Wildlife Won’t Invade Your Home in Winter

Another widespread misconception is that wildlife won’t enter homes during the colder months. In reality, the opposite is true. The warmth and shelter provided by human structures are highly attractive to animals like mice, bats, and even larger critters like raccoons. Ignoring this fact can lead to significant damage and health risks, making it crucial to address potential entry points before winter sets in.

Myth 3: Wildlife Won’t Cause Damage in Winter

Many people believe that wildlife activity slows down in winter, reducing the risk of property damage. However, animals like woodpeckers can continue to cause harm, even during the colder months. Woodpeckers, for instance, may still engage in drumming on homes, particularly if they find the structure suitable for nesting. Debunking this myth emphasizes the importance of ongoing wildlife management and the need for professional help to mitigate damage before it occurs.

Myth 4: DIY Solutions Are Effective for Winter Wildlife Problems

It’s tempting to rely on DIY solutions for winter wildlife issues, but these methods often fall short. Whether it’s using repellents or setting traps, these approaches can be ineffective and may even exacerbate the problem. For example, improperly set traps can lead to animals suffering or escaping, only to return later. Professional wildlife removal services offer more effective, humane solutions tailored to the specific needs of your property and the type of wildlife involved.

Myth 5: Animals in Winter Aren’t a Health Risk

Finally, there’s a dangerous myth that winter wildlife doesn’t pose a health risk. The truth is that many animals, even in winter, can carry diseases that are transmissible to humans. Bats, for instance, can carry rabies, and rodents are known to spread hantavirus through their droppings. Proper removal and cleanup are vital to ensuring the safety of your household.

Conclusion

Understanding the realities of winter wildlife behavior is crucial for protecting your home and health. Debunking these common myths allows for more effective and humane management of nuisance wildlife. If you’re experiencing wildlife issues this winter, don’t rely on myths or DIY methods—contact us for a safe and effective solution!