How To Clean Up Bat Guano In Attic

How to Clean Up Bat Guano Bats are greatly appreciated for keeping insect populations regulated. But when entering our homes, they can leave behind a not-so-appreciated gift: bat guano. Some gardeners love bat guano because it's a great fertilizer with high levels of nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium. However, most people would rather remove bat excrement from their home right away, so we've broken that process down into six simple steps.

Step 1: Identify the Bat Guano

People often confuse mouse droppings with bat guano, but correctly identifying the excrement is crucial to understanding how to properly remove it. Mouse droppings are scattered and become hard when dry, while bat guano clusters in one area and crumbles when touched.

Step 2: Make Sure All Bats Are Removed

Bats can enter homes through loose shingles, gaps in brick walls, and openings in the attic. In order to ensure a safe cleaning environment, make sure all bats are removed and all entry points in your home are sealed.

Step 3: Wear Protective Gear

Contact with bat guano puts you at risk of being exposed to infections such as histoplasmosis. Symptoms include chest pain, rash, shortness of breath, and muscle ache. Take precautions by wearing eye protection, two pairs of gloves, and a HEPA air filter mask.

Step 4: Safely Remove the Bat Guano

Spray a 10% bleach-water solution onto the excrement before removal. This prevents the fecal matter from becoming airborne and entering your lungs during the cleaning. Professionals have a special vacuum for safely and effectively removing bat guano. However, if you don't have access to this tool, carefully scoop up the material with your gloved hands and seal it in a plastic bag. You should also continue to spray down the area during the removal process when necessary.

Step 5: Scrub All Surfaces with Enzyme Cleaner

Once all the guano is removed, use an enzyme-based cleaner to sanitize surfaces and ensure that no residue is left behind. Also, check if your home's insulation is affected. If there isn't much guano build-up, then you can simply spray the insulation with the cleaner. However, if insulation is covered with guano, then it must be removed and replaced as soon as possible.

Step 6: Fog the Entire Attic

Even after removing the guano and scrubbing surfaces, there is still a chance that residue remains. Consider using an electric atomizer that will fog the enzyme-based cleaner and fully sterilize the area.

We Can Clean It for You

Bat guano removal is a long and tedious process that should be handled by professionals. Here at Critter Control® of Tampa, we have the experience and resources needed to safely remove any bat excrement in your home. Rather than spending your time and money searching for the right equipment, you can contact us to seal entry ways and properly sterilize your home. To schedule a free inspection, give us a call at 813-328-6646.