The Bat Control Specialists team with a fully equipped work van and ladders, ready for professional bat exclusion and bat-proofing projects across Ontario.
We Bat-Proof Houses & Humanely Exclude The Bats!
We Are Not A Wildlife Company.
We’re Bat Specialists.
Gravenhurst-area bat problems are usually not the same as bat problems in larger Ontario cities. Around Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Muskoka Bay, Lake Muskoka, Kahshe Lake, Muldrew Lake, and nearby cottage areas, the calls we get are usually about little brown bats in cottages, waterfront homes, attics
Little brown bats love waterfront cottage country. Lakes, wetlands, forests, and summer insect activity make Muskoka an ideal area for them. The problem is that many local homes and cottages also provide the exact kinds of habitats little brown bats can use.
Bat Control Specialists provides humane bat exclusion and complete bat-proofing for Gravenhurst and the surrounding Muskoka cottage region.
Why Are Bats Living In Your Gravenhurst Home Or Cottage?
Houses and cottages are built to keep out rain, wind, and snow — not bats. Small gaps around soffits, fascia, chimneys, roof intersections, vents, siding, flashing, ridge vents, dormers, and roof edges can provide access into attics, walls, roof systems, and eventually living spaces.
In many parts of Ontario, big brown bats are the most common bats found in houses. Around Gravenhurst and cottage-country Muskoka, the main problem is usually little brown bats.
In the late 1990s and 2000s, we worked on many homes and cottages in this area that were infested with huge little brown bat colonies. Some structures had hundreds or even thousands of bats. Then white-nose syndrome nearly wiped out little brown bat populations, and by around 2013, those large colonies had almost disappeared.
In the last five years, little brown bats have been bouncing back strongly in parts of cottage country. The colonies we see today are usually not as massive as they were before white-nose syndrome, but they are growing again. A little brown bat colony of 100 or 200 bats is now fairly common in problem cottages, and colonies of 300 to 500 bats are becoming large again by modern standards.
That rebound is good news for the species, but it also means more Muskoka homeowners and cottage owners are starting to see serious bat problems again.
Signs You Have Bats.
Finding a bat inside your house
Bat poop outside
Bats living inside an attic.
Bat guano in the attic.
Bat hanging outside your house.
Bat urine staining and corrosion.
Bats commonly enter and exit through gaps where soffits, shingles and adjoining roof sections meet.
How Bats Get Into Gravenhurst And Muskoka Homes
Bats do not chew their way into houses. They use existing openings caused by construction gaps, missing flashing, loose fascia, damaged vents, warped ridge vents, roof intersections, chimney gaps, siding gaps, and areas that have deteriorated over time.
Many of these openings are hidden under shingles, behind gutters, around chimneys, under roof edges, or high on the roofline where they cannot be seen from the ground. This is why bat removal is not about sealing one obvious hole. Proper bat control requires a detailed inspection of the entire structure.
Common Bat Entry Points We Find On Gravenhurst Homes And Cottages
Chimney Flashing
Gaps around chimney flashing and masonry are common and often difficult to see from the ground.
Soffit/Wall intersection gaps
Gaps between walls and soffits are the #1 spot where bats gain entrance to houses.
Missing Drip Edge
Hard to see framing gaps left uncovered by the absence of drip-edge flashing can allow bats and other wildlife to enter the attic
Gas Fireplace Vents
Factory vent covers may contain openings large enough for bats to roost inside or behind the vent assembly.
Dormers and Roof Intersections
This gap between the soffit and roof shingles on a dormer was being actively used by bats to enter the home.
Gas Furnace Vents
Warped, lifted, or damaged vents can create concealed openings on the roof.
Ridge Vents
Removing the ridge cap reveals a large hidden gap along the roof peak. Openings like these commonly allow bats to enter attic spaces unless properly screened and bat-proofed.
Roof Vents
The lower edge of this plastic roof vent has been damaged, creating an opening large enough for bats to enter the attic.
Chimneys
An uncapped chimney flue and deteriorated chimney crown. Chimneys in this condition can provide access for bats, birds, squirrels, and other wildlife.
Found a Bat Inside Your Living Space?
What does it mean?
If a bat has appeared in a bedroom, basement, bathroom, or living space, it usually means bats are already living somewhere in the structure. The bat likely came out of your walls and attic, into unfinished area like a basement or furnace room and then become lost inside the home.
Removing the single bat does not solve the problem. The house still needs to be inspected to find out how bats are getting in and how they are moving through the structure.
One of the biggest mistakes in bat removal is focusing on a single visible opening. Successful bat control requires identifying all the active entry points, locating all possible entry points, and sealing them before bats discover them.
If even one opening is missed, bats can continue to access the structure.
“Bat control is 1% exclusion & 99% prevention work.”
Benjamin Vaughan. Founder Bat Control Specialists
1. Inspect the Home
We inspect the roofline, chimney, soffits, fascia, vents, siding, flashing, roof intersections, for all possible entry points.
Inspecting houses for bat entry points is largely done high up at the tops of ladders and on roofs.
Searching for hard to find bat entry points on roofs
2. Install Humane Bat Excluders
Where bats are actively entering, we install one-way excluders that allow bats to leave safely but prevent them from getting back in.
A bat excluder has been installed at the base of the chimney over an active bat entry point. The surrounding flashing and chimney base were then secured to prevent bats from re-entering once they exited.
A bat excluder installed at peak of roof to allow bats to leave while preventing them from re-entering the home.
Not all bat excluders are the same. Wildlife companies frequently use cheap plastic excluders and wildly dangerous excluders made of mest.
We caulk, seal, screen, fasten, repair, and reinforce the vulnerable areas so bats cannot return.
Large gaps where soffits meet siding and trim are common bat entry points. These openings are being professionally sealed as part of a permanent bat-proofing project.
Bat exclusion work being completed at the upper roofline of a home. Bats often enter through small gaps around fascia, soffits, gable peaks, dormers, and roof intersections.
4. Guarantee the Work
Normally we give you a lifetime guarantee that we fix the problem! However some of the mostly wooden houses and cottages that are so rustic and prone to issues with issues with other animals like rodents and squirrels that lifetime warranties are impossible. Don’t worry we still guarantee our work and will take all steps to prevent chewing animals and woodpeckers from making new holes and letting them back in.
Bat removal is very different from raccoon, squirrel, or skunk work.
Bats do not chew their way in, and their entry points are usually high up, hidden under shingles, behind flashing, around chimneys, along roof edges, and in areas only accessible with tall ladders and roof access equipment.
Many failed bat jobs happen because the obvious gaps were sealed while the actual entry point was never found. A proper bat removal job requires a detailed inspection, humane exclusion, and complete bat-proofing of the home.
Why Bat Control Around Gravenhurst Can Be Harder Than It Looks
Gravenhurst and Muskoka cottage jobs can be challenging for practical reasons. Many properties are not easy to access. Some are on narrow cottage roads, steep terrain, or lakefront lots. Others may be water-access only, which makes inspections, equipment, ladders, materials, and follow-up work much more difficult.
Cottages also vary widely in construction quality. Some are older seasonal buildings. Some are modern but built with rustic wood materials. Some have been renovated many times. Some have additions, porches, decks, bunkies, boathouses, and rooflines that were never designed with bat-proofing in mind.
This is why bat control in cottage country is not just a quick service call. It requires planning, access, timing, proper materials, and a full understanding of how little brown bats use buildings.
Why General Wildlife Companies Often Miss These Problems
Most wildlife control companies are generalists. They may deal with raccoons, squirrels, skunks, birds, and mice, but bat control is a different kind of work.
Little brown bat colonies in Muskoka cottages require a specialist approach.
The problem is not just removing bats.
The real work is finding and closing every secondary and potential entry point while leaving the final active exits available for humane exclusion.
Common mistakes we see include:
only sealing the obvious hole using oversized mesh that bats can get through using sharp or unsafe mesh excluders missing small warped wood gaps missing dormer soffit-to-shingle intersections missing gas liner caps and chimney details missing roof vent gaps failing to inspect the whole cottage installing excluders before the rest of the structure is bat-proofed
When the secondary gaps are not closed first, bats simply move to another opening and the problem continues.
Our Process for Bat-Proofing Gravenhurst Cottages
Our process is designed to solve the entire bat problem, not just block one visible hole.
First, we inspect the outside of the cottage or home and identify the active bat entry points, secondary openings, and potential re-entry gaps. This includes rooflines, dormers, soffits, fascia, wood siding, chimneys, gas liner caps, roof vents, porch roofs, and attached structures.
Next, we bat-proof the structure by closing the secondary and potential entry points using proper materials. This is especially important on rustic cottage buildings because there may be many small cracks spread across the structure.
Only after the cottage has been properly bat-proofed do we install humane excluders on the final active exit points. The excluders allow the bats to leave safely but prevent them from getting back inside.
That order matters. Bat-proof first. Exclude last.
Timing Matters With Little Brown Bat Colonies
Little brown bat are considered endangered and must be handled with proper attention to timing and maternity season. Killing bats is not acceptable, and poisons or traps are illegal.
Humane exclusion must be done in a way that allows bats to leave safely without trapping flightless young inside the structure. This is especially important with little brown bats because cottage colonies can involve many bats using the same roosting area.
A proper bat-control plan must consider the season, colony size, access, entry points, and the condition of the building.
The Two Bat Species Found In Gravenhurst And Muskoka Homes
In Ontario houses, the two bat species homeowners are usually dealing with are big brown bats and little brown bats.
Big brown bats often live in buildings year-round. They may use walls, attics, roof systems, basements, and other hidden spaces. They usually form smaller colonies and can go completely unnoticed by homeowners for long periods. They are more often found in towns and cities and less often in the country.
Little brown bats go to caves for the winter, but they often return to the same general area each spring. They are capable of forming much larger maternity colonies and have historically been responsible for some of Ontario’s largest residential bat infestations.
Gravenhurst and the surrounding Muskoka region can have both species, but little brown bats are king, especially because of the mix of year-round homes, seasonal cottages, lakefront properties, older structures, rural homes, and wooded areas.
A big brown bat resting on the outside of a home in London, Ontario. Bats seen on exterior walls almost invariably mean bats are living in your building.
A little brown bat resting on the exterior wall of a home. Little brown bats are capable of forming large maternity colonies and have historically been responsible for some of Ontario’s largest residential bat infestations.
Click to learn about Ontario’s two most common house-dwelling bats.
“Benjamin and Kenny are the best in the business. Benjamin received my late night frantic phone call and took the time to explain EVERYTHING to us. There was no need to look further. We are so grateful for their excellent work and for their patience and professionalism throughout this ordeal. I would highly recommend their services!
Thanks to Benjamin and Kenny for coming so quickly.”
★★★★★
Spent Tons Of Money On “Others”
“Ben and his team are very professional and knowledgeable. After spending tons of money with other bat guys Ben and his crew came out and got rid of them for good. I recommend anyone who has a bat problem to give these guys a call. They are the real deal. Im very impressed with their workmanship and professionalism.
Thanks Ben”
★★★★★
“Knows His Stuff”
“How often do you call a company and they talk you OUT of their services? I had a very informative conversation with Benny who reassured me about our bat issue at home, leading me to understand that it wasn’t as urgent as I thought. He obviously knows his stuff and is an honest guy as he could have easily upsold me on expensive bat removal services that I didn’t actually need. One conversation like this really makes you trust someone, and I know who we’ll be calling if it ever truly gets out of hand.”
We provide bat removal and complete bat-proofing in Bracebridge, Ontario and surrounding Muskoka communities.
lworthy
Port Carling
Severn Bridge
Minett
Washago
Windermere
Muskoka Beach
Walker’s Point
Muldrew Lake
Baysville
Kahshe Lake
Dorset
Sparrow Lake
Huntsville
Lake Muskoka
Port Sydney
Morrison Lake
Utterson
Bala
Rosseau
Torrance
MacTier
Port Severn
Honey Harbour
Coldwater
Severn
Ramara
We also work on waterfront cottages, seasonal homes, lake-access properties, and rural buildings throughout the broader Muskoka region.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bat Removal In Gravenhurst, Ontario
How do I know if bats are living in my house?
All of the following are definitive signs you have at least some bats living in your building. You find a bat inside your home or you find them on the exterior of your building. You see them come out of your roof at night. You find bat droppings outside your home or in the attic.
Will bats leave on their own?
No, established colonies usually do not simply abandon a good roost.
Can I seal all the holes myself?
Not a chance. You need lots of specialized tools, equipment and years of experience to do it correctly.
Where do bats live inside houses?
Primarily in walls and attics, although they mostly use attics as a toilet and for night roosting.
How small of a gap can bats use?
Tiny gaps of less than a 1¼ inch by ¼ inch to get in. Take a pencil and measue 1 and a quarter inches of it. Thats enough.
Do you remove bats humanely?
Yes, we exclusively use humane exclusion devices that let bats out but not back in.
Do you bat-proof the whole house?
Yes, because without proper prevention work, you cannot exclude the bats and keep them out.
Do you guarantee the work?
Yes we typically give lifetime warranties. To read why are warranties are different than those offered by wildlife control companies click the link below.
If you are seeing bats inside your home, finding droppings near the roofline, or watching bats leave the same area at dusk, your home needs a proper bat inspection. We provide humane bat removal, complete bat-proofing, and guaranteed long-term protection for Gravenhurst-area homes.
For A Free Estimate
Fast, humane, guaranteed bat removal. Serving Gravenhurst and the surrounding area
1047 Bonnie Lake Camp Rd Unit 447, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1W9
