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Bats in my house with clay tile roof

7 years ago

We bought a house two months ago. It's a 1929 bungalow with a clay tile roof- original. On July 9, 25, and 31 we had bat sightings - one in basement, two in living room. Turns out what we thought were mouse droppings in the attic (what house doesn't have mice in the attic?!) were actually bat droppings. Not like, piles of guano that you see on the internet - just droppings here and there. At least 3 (but maybe 4, I've lost count) bat exclusion companies have declined to do the work - they can't warrantee it due to the nature of the clay tiles. I think our only option is to get a new roof - one of them even said as much.
In general, does anyone live in a home with a clay tile roof that can share some experience about having bats in it or about replacing the roof (tiles are in good condition, it would be subroofing and mortar - that would now be replaced with foam that would need replacement). Thank you!

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PRO

Anglophilia

7 years ago

Please read what I just wrote in the Bat Advice question. This is a serious health hazard for you and your family.

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Comments (7)

User
7 years ago
The problem is not that they are roosting in the clay tile roof, which is very common, it's that they are getting from there into the attic and basement.

Start the defense from inside the attic. Check for cracks and loose trim around the eaves, chimney (if any), places the roof changes angles, and ALL vents and caulk the cracks shut. Look for loose flashing along the eaves and repair it. Look for loose or damaged roof sheathing with cracks where bats could get through.
Tiffany Reed
Original Author
7 years ago
Why wouldn't a bat exclusion company help me with this? That's what I don't understand. Is this a job a roofer can do without replacing the subroofing?
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User
7 years ago
A roofer might be the place to start. It's really just handyman level stuff, caulking and crawling around.

Bat exclusion companies tend to have a 1-size-fits-all approach.
H B
7 years ago
This suggestion may not work for you, but if the bats are in the attic, and depending upon the shape of the attic space, putting lights up there may do the trick. My folks have a high breezeway and had trouble with bats liking the ceiling area on the sides to nest. They have two floodlights that are pretty much on 24 hours (you can get the kind that are not hot) and this totally discourages the bats from roosting. Good luck.
Tiffany Reed
Original Author
7 years ago
@Anglophilia, I can't seem to find the question you are referring to, but we did all get the rabies treatment. I understand the health hazard, but that doesn't tell me what to do about it when I can't find a bat exclusion company to do work.
PRO
Anglophilia
7 years ago
I would contact your State Epidemiologist. He might have some suggestions.

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