When bats make their way into your attic, vents, or chimney, they leave behind more than just noise — their droppings and nesting debris can create odors, staining, and serious health risks. That’s why Shelby’s Pest Control specializes in bat removal from attics using safe and humane bat exclusion methods that protect your home and local wildlife.
Every visit starts with a detailed inspection to locate where bats are getting in, followed by careful removal and bat guano cleanup to restore your attic and improve air quality. Whether you’ve noticed fluttering sounds at night, dark streaks near vents, or an unpleasant smell you can’t pinpoint, our licensed team in Chico and across Northern California can help you get your home back to normal — safely, legally, and effectively.
Bats in an attic should generally be handled through inspection and exclusion rather than poison or sealing openings while bats may still be inside.
A professional bat exclusion process begins by identifying active entry points, determining how bats are using the structure, and evaluating whether seasonal or wildlife considerations affect when exclusion can be completed.
One-way exclusion methods may then be used to allow bats to leave before identified openings are permanently sealed.
An active bat opening should not be closed until it has been confirmed that bats or dependent young will not be trapped inside.
Shelby’s Pest Control provides bat removal and exclusion services for homes and structures in Chico and throughout Northern California. Our team can inspect the affected area, identify likely entry points, explain the recommended exclusion process, and determine whether cleanup or repairs should be completed after bat activity has stopped.
For more than 70 years, homeowners and businesses across Chico, Butte County, Tehama, and Shasta County have trusted Shelby’s Pest Control for effective bat control and exclusion services.
We follow California’s wildlife protection standards to ensure every removal is done humanely and within state law. Our goal is not only to remove the bats but to keep them from coming back — through expert bat proofing, exclusion repairs, and long-term prevention.
Whether it’s a small roost in a vent or a large colony in your attic, our process is designed to protect your home and everyone in it.
We take a thorough, science-based approach to bat removal in Northern California. Here’s how we do it:

We identify all bat entry points around the attic, roofline, vents, and soffits.

We install humane exit devices that allow bats to leave safely but prevent reentry.

Once all bats are gone, we seal gaps and reinforce vulnerable areas to prevent future infestations.

We remove droppings, replace soiled insulation, and disinfect affected areas to eliminate odor and airborne health risks.

We repair insulation damage, treat lingering odors, and restore your attic to a clean, healthy condition.

We provide practical tips for bat proofing your home and preventing future issues.
Our technicians use professional-grade equipment and protective gear to ensure every job is done safely and thoroughly — with zero harm to the bats.
It’s common for homeowners to try home remedies first — but most of them don’t actually get rid of bats and can make the situation worse.
Here are some of the most common DIY myths about bat removal:
For safe, legal, and humane removal, it’s best to rely on a licensed professional. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) provides clear guidance on how to handle bats in homes and prevent conflicts.
Professional bat removal and exclusion in Chico, Redding, and Northern California ensures every step is safe, humane, and compliant with California Fish & Wildlife laws — from removal to full attic sanitization and exclusion sealing.
Long-term prevention backed by local expertise
The cost depends on attic size, accessibility, and colony size. Shelby’s provides free inspections and written quotes so you’ll always know what to expect.
Yes. Our bat control methods are 100% humane and eco-friendly, using no chemicals or poisons.
It’s best not to. Bats can carry diseases like rabies and histoplasmosis, and improper handling may also violate California wildlife laws. If you find a bat indoors or in your attic, open a window if possible and call a licensed professional for safe, humane removal.
Not if your home is properly sealed. Our exclusion and repair work comes with a guaranteed protection plan.
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Not always. An active opening should not be sealed until the bats have safely left the structure and the timing of the work has been evaluated. When exclusion can be performed, one-way devices or netting may be installed so bats can leave but cannot return. Permanent repairs are completed after confirming the bats are out.
Bats can enter attics through very small gaps around rooflines, eaves, vents, fascia boards, chimneys, siding, flashing, plumbing penetrations and other structural openings. In some cases, they use gaps created by weather damage, construction changes or other animals. A professional inspection can help identify where bats are exiting before exclusion work begins.
Keep people and pets away from the bat, close doors leading to other rooms and, when possible, open an exterior door or window so the bat can leave on its own. Do not attempt to catch or handle it with bare hands. If possible contact with a person or pet may have occurred, contact the appropriate local health or animal control authority for guidance.
Yes. Bat exclusion generally includes identifying the openings bats are using, allowing them to leave through an appropriate one-way exclusion method and then sealing qualifying entry points after the structure is confirmed clear. Depending on the building, sealing may involve rooflines, eaves, vents, fascia, siding, chimneys, flashing, utility penetrations and other structural openings.
Yes – Shelby’s provides bat guano cleanup for qualifying attics, structures and affected areas after bat activity has been evaluated and the appropriate exclusion work has been completed or scheduled. Cleanup may include removing accessible droppings and contaminated debris, reducing accumulated material and addressing affected areas based on the condition of the space. The exact scope depends on the amount of guano, accessibility, insulation conditions and whether additional sanitation or material removal is needed.
The ideal window is late summer through early spring, outside of maternity season when baby bats can’t yet fly.
Common bat infestation signs include squeaking or fluttering noises at dusk, dark stains near vents or rooflines, droppings in the attic, and a strong ammonia-like odor.
Some species do. During cooler months, bats may use attics and barns as warm roosting spots. Professional inspection and humane bat exclusion ensure they leave safely without harm.
Yes. Bats are protected wildlife under California law. That’s why humane bat exclusion, not trapping or poisoning, is the only legal and ethical way to remove them.
A small bat problem can quickly grow into a full colony — and serious property damage.
At Shelby’s Pest Control, we provide humane bat exclusion, attic cleanup, and long-term prevention.
📍 Serving Chico, Butte County, Tehama, Shasta, Yuba, and surrounding areas
(530) 343-0603 | Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM
Shelby’s Pest Control proudly provides pest control, exclusion, and humane bat removal services throughout Northern California, including:
Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or property manager, our team delivers fast, local service backed by over 50 years of trusted experience.
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