Bats are vital to our ecosystem, playing a significant role in controlling insect populations. However, when they take up residence in homes or buildings, they can become a concern for property owners. In Kansas City, as in many parts of Missouri and Kansas, bats are protected by law. Understanding the legal guidelines for bat removal is crucial to ensure both compliance and the humane treatment of these creatures.
Legal Protections for Bats
In both Missouri and Kansas, bats are protected species. This protection means that lethal methods of removal, such as poisoning or extermination, are illegal. Instead, a process known as live bat exclusion is the only legal method for removing bats from a building. This method involves sealing entry points and installing one-way devices that allow bats to exit but prevent them from re-entering.
Recommended Bat Exclusion Practices
To comply with legal requirements and ensure humane bat removal, consider the following practices:
- Identify Entry and Exit Points: Observe your property at dusk to determine where bats are entering and exiting. Look for evidence such as guano (bat droppings) near holes and crevices.
- Install One-Way Exclusion Devices: After identifying entry points, install exclusion devices that allow bats to leave but not return. These devices should be left in place for 5-7 days to ensure all bats have exited.
- Seal Entry Points: Once all bats have vacated, permanently seal all entry points to prevent future infestations.
- Avoid Exclusion During Maternity Season: It’s crucial to avoid exclusion during the maternity season, typically from May to July, as young bats may be present and unable to exit, leading to potential harm.
Health and Safety Considerations
While bats are generally not aggressive, they can carry diseases such as rabies. If a bat is found inside your home:
- Do Not Handle the Bat: Avoid direct contact. If necessary, wear thick gloves to handle the bat.
- Contact Local Animal Services: In Kansas City, you can call us at 816-453-0770 for assistance.
- Secure Pets and Children: Keep pets and children away from the area where the bat is located until it has been safely removed.
Professional Bat Removal Services
Given the legal protections and potential health risks associated with bats, it’s advisable to hire professionals for bat removal. Licensed wildlife control experts are knowledgeable about state and federal laws and can ensure that bat exclusion is performed safely and humanely. For instance, Buggs Pest & Wildlife Control of Kansas City Metro emphasizes the importance of using humane exclusion methods and sealing entry points to prevent re-entry.
Conclusion
Navigating bat removal laws in Kansas City requires an understanding of both legal protections and humane exclusion methods. By following the recommended practices and consulting with professional wildlife control services, you can address bat infestations responsibly, ensuring the safety of both your property and the bat population.
For more information on bat exclusion and control, visit the Missouri Department of Conservation‘s guidelines on bat control.