Cincinnati's Best Bat Removal

Bat Feces, Urine Removal & Stain Removal

On average, based on the amount of food we eat, we use the bathroom a mere four or five times for a healthy adult. Only once, perhaps twice, do we excrete solid matter. Bats, however, consume such a high number of insects and other food. Their heightened metabolism means they process their food much faster. They produce feces or guano up to 20-30 times a day.

The Problems with Droppings and Urine

Guano contains many types of bacteria. That can grow a fungus that will cause a lung disease in pets and humans called histoplasmosis.

Because of the concentration of feces and urine from a bat, it has corrosive qualities that will erode wood, metal, and fabric. That can lead to a potential structural support issue and mean replacing parts of the area beneath their roost. The odor from their droppings will draw unwanted pests and animals. Cockroaches are particularly active around bat guano.

Bat urine is extremely acidic. As it dries, it crystallizes as it comes into contact with the oxygen from the air. That reaction releases a terrible odor. The urine itself may not have a vivid color but because it comes in contact with guano and other leavings, it becomes a muddy brown layer.

DO NOT SWEEP!

Despite the desire to clean up the gross bat leavings, it is important to make sure you have the proper equipment to deal with it all. Contact a professional for advice or price quotes as cleaning up the mess from a bat roost can be a huge undertaking. Bat species will produce different sizes of droppings. The ones most common in North America produce roughly the same size leavings as mice and rats. This can make it extremely tempting to simply sweep up the mess with a broom.

Doing this will cause dust with bacteria to aerate, which means you could breathe it in and end up with lung disease.

DIY Approach

If you are still planning to deal with it yourself, stay safe and use protection. Make sure you wear thick gloves, rubber boots, and a mask that covers your nose and mouth. You may also want a protective suit to protect your clothing and other exposed skin. If you are worried, including a pair of goggles over your eyes will lower the risk of infection.

Preparation

Begin the process by misting water over the guano, urine crystals, and other stained areas. It does not need to be dripping wet, just slightly dampened. Some professional cleaners use an equal mix of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia to begin combatting the smell while working and for its properties in breaking down fecal matter. The reason you want to mist the surface is to prevent dust from aerating. Urine and guano especially could cause health issues in humans and pets.

Remove Large Masses

After the prep work is done, take advantage of a shop vacuum to collect the solid waste and anything else that might be loose. Bat roosts tend to be made in the attic of houses and that can mean having to remove the insulation. It is recommended you simply trash it. Trying to save the insulation will be an uphill battle as cleaning the common fiberglass product is extremely difficult and messy at best.

Cleaners and Solvents

Dab any wetness with disposable cloths, such as paper towels, and inspect that all the loose leavings have been removed. At this point, you can choose your cleaner. Each will have directions on the container for how to use it effectively. Professional cleaners utilize atomizers with a specially designed enzyme cleaner to permeate down into the walls where minute deposits of bat droppings may have fallen.

You can use a standard sprayer for your cleaner. Be very thorough and cover it well. Apply the cleaner generously to ensure the stains are permeated and that you break down the source of the odor.

Professional Help

In general, it is a huge undertaking for a homeowner to deal with cleaning bat urine and guano themselves. The stains left behind are difficult to deal with if you lack the proper equipment. Renting equipment may not ensure the job is completed thoroughly as well. Professionals have been trained in where to check for potential deposits. Disposing of the droppings is important because of the potential health risks.