How to Safely Deal with Bats and Birds in Colorado

Colorado is home to a wide variety of birds and bats, which play an essential role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations and helping with pollination. However, when these animals invade homes or commercial spaces, they can become a significant problem.

Why Birds and Bats Choose Your Home

Wildlife such as birds and bats are often drawn to attics, barns, and rooftops because these areas provide warmth, safety, and a place to roost. Common species found in Colorado homes include pigeons, sparrows, and several types of bats, including little brown bats.

Key Risks of Bird and Bat Infestations:

• Health Hazards: Birds and bats can carry diseases like histoplasmosis, which can be transmitted through their droppings.
• Structural Damage: Their droppings can corrode roofs, walls, and metal surfaces.
• Odor and Waste: The buildup of droppings can create foul odors and unsanitary conditions.

Birds: Common Issues and Prevention

Birds such as pigeons and starlings often choose to nest in attics, vents, or roof eaves. Over time, bird nests can clog vents and drainage systems, leading to water damage and creating a fire hazard.

How to Spot a Bird Infestation:

• Birds frequently entering or leaving your attic, chimney, or vents
• Accumulation of droppings around the perimeter of your home
• Nesting materials such as twigs, leaves, and feathers

Prevention Tips for Birds:

• Install bird netting or spikes on building ledges and rooflines
• Keep vents, chimneys, and attic openings sealed with mesh guards
• Regularly clean outdoor spaces to remove food scraps that attract birds

Bats: Colorado’s Hidden Pests

Bats are a crucial part of Colorado’s ecosystem, but they can quickly become a problem if they decide to roost in your attic or garage. Bats are protected under Colorado law, making it essential to handle their removal humanely.

How to Identify a Bat Infestation:

• Sightings of bats entering or exiting your home at dusk
• Dark, greasy streaks or marks around small openings
• The presence of guano (bat droppings), which may pile up near entry points

Humane Bat Control Methods:

• Install one-way exclusion devices that allow bats to exit but not re-enter
• Seal up all potential entry points after bats have left
• Consider installing a bat house nearby to provide an alternative roost

Colorado’s Bat Protection Laws

In Colorado, it is illegal to kill bats, as many species are protected. Bats must be removed using non-lethal methods, making professional wildlife control services necessary for compliance with local regulations. A licensed wildlife removal expert can safely handle bat infestations and ensure that bats are relocated humanely.