Bat Removal in Des Moines, Iowa: How to Get Rid of Bats Safely and Keep Them Out for Good
Hearing scratching in your attic at night? Seeing bats flying around your roofline at dusk? Finding small piles of droppings near your home’s exterior?
If so, you may have bats living in your home or business.
Bat infestations are one of the most common wildlife issues we encounter throughout the Des Moines metro. From newer developments in Waukee and Ankeny to established neighborhoods in Urbandale, Pleasant Hill, and Altoona, bats frequently find their way into attics, rooflines, churches, commercial buildings, and other structures.
At Bats and Bugs Pest Solutions, we’ve helped homeowners and businesses throughout the Des Moines metro and the central Iowa region safely remove bats and prevent them from returning. Our team specializes in humane bat exclusion methods that solve the problem without harming these protected animals.
Signs You May Have Bats in Your Attic
Many homeowners are surprised to learn they’ve had bats living in their attic for months or even years(!) before noticing a problem.
Common signs of a bat infestation include:
- Chirping, squeaking, or scratching sounds around sunrise and sunset
- Bats flying around your home at dusk
- Bat droppings (guano) in the attic or below roofline entry points
- Dark staining around vents, soffits, chimneys, or roof edges
- Strong odors caused by guano accumulation
- A bat appearing inside your living space
One reason bats are so difficult to detect is their ability to squeeze through incredibly small openings. New homes can have tiny construction gaps, while older homes often develop small openings around soffits, siding, rooflines, and vents over time. In many cases, homeowners don’t realize those entry points exist until bats have already found their way inside.
What Is the Safest Way to Remove Bats?
The safest and most effective solution is a process called humane exclusion.
Whether we’re helping a homeowner in Des Moines or a business owner in West Des Moines, our approach remains the same: allow the bats to leave safely while preventing them from returning.
Unlike rodents or insects, bats cannot simply be trapped or poisoned. In fact, many bat species are protected by state and federal regulations. The goal is not to kill the bats but to permanently solve the problem through exclusion.
Why Finding Every Entry Point Matters
One of the biggest mistakes property owners make is sealing the first hole they find.
Bats often have multiple access points. If one opening is closed without addressing the others, the colony may simply relocate to another section of the building.
We’ve seen this happen in homes throughout Waukee and Ankeny, where homeowners attempted DIY repairs only to discover bats reappearing elsewhere in the attic weeks later.
Successful bat removal isn’t about blocking one hole,it’s about understanding how the entire structure is being used by the colony.
Are DIY Bat Removal Kits Effective?
Many homeowners in Altoona, Pleasant Hill, and Urbandale search online for DIY bat removal products before calling a professional.
While exclusion tubes, bat cones, and wildlife netting can be effective in limited situations, most DIY attempts fail because hidden entry points remain open.
In some cases, improper exclusion can trap bats inside walls or attic spaces, creating an even larger problem.
How Much Does Bat Removal Cost?
One of the most common questions we receive from homeowners in Des Moines, West Des Moines, and Ankeny is, “How much does professional bat removal cost?”
The answer depends on the size of the structure, accessibility, potential damages, colony size, and the amount of exclusion work required.
The best way to determine cost is through a professional inspection and written estimate.
Bat Removal for Businesses
Bat infestations don’t just affect homes.
We’ve provided bat exclusion services for retailers, churches, commercial properties, and government facilities throughout Central Iowa, including a bat in the capital building!
Commercial bat activity can create sanitation concerns, impact employee safety, and affect customer experiences. Whether the property is located in West Des Moines, Urbandale, or another growing community in the metro, professional exclusion helps protect both the building and the people using it.
Why Homeowners and Businesses Trust Bats and Bugs Pest Solutions
Our team combines wildlife management expertise with hands-on experience solving bat problems throughout Central Iowa.
From family homes in Pleasant Hill and Altoona to commercial buildings in Des Moines and West Des Moines, we focus on identifying the source of the problem, implementing humane exclusion methods, and helping property owners prevent future infestations.
Whether you’re dealing with a single bat in the house or a large attic colony, our goal is simple: remove the bats safely and keep them from coming back.
