Once you realize that you have a bat problem, it is necessary that you take action immediately. You don’t want to live in the same place where bats are also residing.
It can eventually become harmful to you and your entire family’s immune system and overall health. Though it is tempting, using chemicals for bat control and bat exclusions are illegal. Anything that can harm the bats, especially the young ones are strictly prohibited. So, you need to opt for more humane methods.
Before cleaning, it is recommended that you go for safe bat removal methods prior to proceeding to the safe cleanup of the previously infested area. You can only start the cleanup process once you’ve confirmed that bats are 100% gone. Start by sealing up the area and then begin with the decontamination of bat droppings, its removal, and deodorization.
Starting the Cleaning Process
As soon as you’ve confirmed that all openings are sealed and attained complete bat removal, it is about time that you start with the cleaning process. It is important to conduct a proper and safe bat guano and urine removal, especially when the bats lived for a certain period of time in your home.
This is a crucial method, as anyone in your household can develop a lung infection called histoplasmosis from dried droppings. Thus, the need for proper cleanup in post-infested areas to minimize the health risks of being exposed to any guano residues left.
So, to get started, do the following:
- Gear up before cleaning.
Make sure that you are all geared up for cleaning. Wear a complete protective gear. If you have a biohazard suit, this is an ideal option for you. You can also use a disposable body suit with a hood and boots for your feet.
For extra lighting, get a headlamp and wear a pair of rubber gloves. Don’t forget to wear a HEPA air filtered full-face mask instead of a disposable strap on filter masks.
- Get rid of loose bat guano
You will usually find a pile of bat droppings in the post-infested area. Clean them up using a vacuum cleaner that can be used for containing hazardous waste materials. A HEPA vacuum is advisable to be used for droppings on smooth surfaces. For bulk guano, use a shovel and place them in sealable bags. You can vacuum the rest to make sure the entire space is clear.
- Cleaning urine stains
For urine and fecal stains, you can use an enzyme-based cleanser and scrub the area. This can be done on walls and other stained surfaces.
Important Reminders:
- Check the insulation
If your insulation wasn’t touched by guano or urine, spraying it with enzyme cleaner will be enough. However, if it is infused by any droppings, you should have it replaced.
When working on the insulation, make sure you wet the insulation and wear a mask to avoid inhaling the fungus spores. Once done, use an atomizing mist machine that will produce an enzyme-based fog that will break down any organic matter and pheromones left in the area. This will make the entire area free from health hazards.
- Seal everything up
If you’ve resorted for an exclusion method, make sure that you seal up everything after you are 100% sure that no bats will re-enter the area. If you need to caulk up holes or replace loose boards, do so to avoid another infestation.
