Wildlife Education - Information and Advice for the Safe Removal of Bats from Attics

Crystal Lake Bat Removal

Not all wildlife removal companies are the same. Some have experience with bat removal projects, and are familiar with the proper methods for bat exclusion. But others use incorrect techniques, such as bat traps, summer exclusions, or worse, fumigants. Do your research before you hire someone!

I personally recommend Wildlife Services for bat control in Crystal Lake. I have communicated with this company for many years, and they abide by these bat removal principles:

- Always perform a proper live exclusion.
- Never use poisons or fumigants or kill bats.
- Never use traps or attempt to relocate bats.
- Never do a removal during the maternity season.
- Seal all entry points shut with guarantee.
- Offer attic cleanup and decontamination.
- Properly Illinois licensed and insured.


Call Wildlife Services at 815-261-1231

As I discuss repeatedly on this website, bat removal projects are not easy, and not for amateurs. I have seen many horrible attempts at bat colony removal throughout the years, done both by do-it-yourself homeowners and by incompetent companies. Never hire a Crystal Lake pest control company that uses poisons for rodent or insect control. They often attempt the same approach for bats. Not only is this incredibly destructive and illegal in Illinois, but it results in disaster for the homeowner, and does not actually solve the problem. It's very important that the removal of bats from the attic of your home is done in the correct manner, and there is only one correct way, with a live bat exclusion. To read more about this process, read my bats in the attic home page.

Before you hire anyone, including Wildlife Services, talk to them, and make sure that they understand what they are doing, and that they have experience. Be sure that they do abide by the principles I outlined above. This is not just for the sake of the bats - I'm no tree hugger - it's for the sake of doing the job correctly, for you and your property. The fact that it's good for the bats as well is a lucky coincidence. And really, bats are good animals, which I'm sure you realize. I hope you have a good experience with your Crystal Lake bat control project, and with Wildlife Services. You can email me personally if you have any problems with this company, and I will talk to them, but I doubt that will be necessary. Good luck!

Crystal Lake wildlife control company bat reader email:

Hello, I found your website VERY helpful I have read other sites and about to put up 1/4" netting 18 inches long over a few different spots on my house that I think bats are coming out of or have seen them come out of in the past Tonight I noticed about 8 bats coming out of the one active spot I know of I attached one of your pictures and it's exactly what I intended on doing over these entry/exit points I noticed the netting was taped on the side, I'm guessing that is needed so they don't slip back in? I would not have thought of the taping on the side if I did not see your picture My intention is to get the bats to go elsewhere as I'm going to roof replaced and vinyl residing soon and want to get them out before trapping them in Do you have any suggestions/tips or words of caution in putting up the netting to get the bats out? Thanks for any advice you have

My Response: Do-it-yourself jobs can be tricky, because you don't know what you don't know. But if I have any advice, it's this - set the nets at night. That way, if you screw up something (high probability - just being honest) many of the bats will be out already. Also, make sure there is enough room for the bats to get out! If they don't see enough room, they will refuse to come out, and that's a problem.

You can read more of my bat removal articles below:
How to catch a bat flying inside house
How to remove bats in the chimney
How to clean your attic after you've had bats
What kind of damage do bats cause?
What kinds of diseases can bats spread?
How do you find the areas where bats are getting in?
Can I use poison to kill bats?
What does bat poop look like?
Can I use traps to catch bats?

For bat removal in Crystal Lake, call Wildlife Services at 815-261-1231. They can remove bats in attics throughout Illinois, but they mostly operate in the greater Crystal Lake area, as the recognized best bat control company in the area.

Please be kind to bats! They are valuable animals, not aggressive, and they are vulnerable!
If you have any questions about bats in attics, just email me at david@batsintheattic.org