Hearing flapping above the ceiling at night? You might have bats or birds in the attic. In Louisiana, both use attics, soffits, and eaves for shelter. The sounds can seem alike, but the fix is different.
Bats and birds leave distinct droppings, build distinct nests, and carry different risks.
Homeowners in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Covington, and across the state frequently encounter these issues. Learn the signs below. If you need help, LaJaunie’s Pest Control offers safe, effective wildlife removal.
Key Takeaways
• Bat droppings are dry and powdery; bird droppings are wet and streaked.
• Bats are active at night; birds are noisy during the day.
• Both can spread disease through droppings and nesting.
• Professional wildlife removal is the safest option in Louisiana.
Why Bats and Birds Choose Louisiana Attics
Bats and birds both seek shelter in warm, dark spaces. Louisiana attics protect from predators and harsh weather. Bats roost in tight crevices and may form summer maternity colonies. Birds build open nests in rafters or near soffits where food is nearby.
Species of bats, such as the Mexican free-tailed bat and the little brown bat, are common in Louisiana. They can squeeze through gaps as small as ½ inch. Birds may use the same openings but leave visible nests near vents or beams. Left alone, both can cause ongoing damage.
Signs of Bats in Your Attic
Look for bat guano under roosts. Bat droppings are small, dark pellets that crumble into a dry powder, unlike the wetter, streaked droppings of birds.
You might also notice scratching at night, oily stains near crevices, or the sight of bats flying out of your attic at dusk. In Baton Rouge and New Orleans, large Mexican free-tailed colonies often roost in older homes, leaving heavy guano that needs professional cleanup.
If you suspect a bat infestation, professional bat removal is the safest and most effective option. Do not seal openings during hibernation or maternity season, as this can trap bats inside.
Signs of Birds in Your Attic
Bird infestations look different. They carry twigs, leaves, and feathers to build nests near soffits, eaves, or open rafters. Birds are more active during the day, so you’ll hear chirping or fluttering at sunrise.
Bird droppings are wetter and often white-streaked, not powdery like bat guano. Large bird colonies can stain insulation, damage wood, and block vents, which may raise fire risk.
Just like bats, birds can spread disease through droppings, so timely wildlife removal is essential for Louisiana homeowners.
Health Risks of Bats vs. Birds
Both bats and birds create health risks when they take over your attic. Bat guano may contain spores linked to histoplasmosis, while bird droppings can carry bacteria and parasites. Do not handle droppings without the proper gear.
Some Louisiana bats can carry rabies, so never touch them. Birds may attract other pests, such as mites, that spread into the living space. Whether you’re in Covington, Mandeville, or Slidell, ignoring the issue can turn a minor nuisance into a significant health risk.
Safe Solutions for Louisiana Homeowners
When it comes to wildlife control, proper removal methods matter. Bat control often involves bat exclusion, which uses one-way doors that allow bats to exit but not return. After the bats leave, seal every entry point with caulk or mesh. For birds, netting and repellents are standard solutions to stop them from roosting.
LaJaunie’s Pest Control provides both bat removal and bird control throughout Louisiana. Our trained technicians inspect attics, identify the critter, and design a plan that keeps your home safe. We also offer attic restoration and cleanup when guano or droppings contaminate the insulation.
Preventing Future Attic Invaders
Start by sealing entry points. Check soffits, vents, and rooflines for gaps. A nearby bat house can draw bats away from the attic and support bat conservation. Regular inspections help keep critters out.
Reduce attic clutter and keep vents clear. If you had bats before, schedule seasonal checkups to spot early roosting signs.
Making the Right Choice for Your Louisiana Attic
Unsure about what’s in your attic? Don’t wait for the problem to grow. LaJaunie’s Pest Control offers trusted wildlife solutions across southeast Louisiana, backed by expert care and complete attic restoration when needed.
Contact us today to schedule your inspection and protect your home.
FAQs
How do I know if I have bats or birds in my attic?
Check droppings, noise patterns, and nesting. Bat guano is powdery, while bird droppings are wet and streaked. Birds are active at sunrise, while bats fly at dusk.
Is bat guano dangerous?
Yes. Bat guano can release spores that cause histoplasmosis, a severe lung infection. Only trained wildlife control professionals should handle it.
How does LaJaunie’s Pest Control remove bats?
We use safe bat exclusion methods, installing one-way doors that let bats fly out but not return. Once the colony leaves, we seal entry points and restore damaged areas.
