We Tested 5 Popular Ways to Get Rid of Attic Bats (And Found One That Actually Works)

by Kate Hall May 20, 2025 Home & Garden

If you’ve ever had bats sneak into your attic, you know how unsettling—and even dangerous—it can be. One night you're drifting off to sleep, and the next, you’re hearing mysterious fluttering above your head, spotting droppings near vents, or even seeing a bat dart across a hallway.

Bats are drawn to attics because they mimic the caves and crevices they naturally roost in—quiet, dark, and undisturbed. Unfortunately, once inside, they don’t just stay out of sight. Their droppings (guano) can accumulate rapidly, can grow mold that’s dangerous to breathe, and attract other pests like cockroaches. Worse, bats are known carriers of rabies, making any accidental encounter a serious health risk.

Like many homeowners, we wanted a safe and effective way to evict bats from our attic—without harming them or turning our home into a science experiment. So, we put five popular bat removal methods to the test.

Some helped. Most didn’t. Here’s what we learned.

Method #1: Bat Repellent Sprays and Granules

How it works: Commercial bat repellents claim to create an irritating environment using strong scents like peppermint or eucalyptus, aiming to drive bats away from their roosts.

Our experience: We tried a few of these in our attic, hoping the smell would do the trick. While there was a mild drop in bat activity the first night, the effect wore off quickly—likely because the attic’s air circulation dispersed the smell. Reapplication was messy and constant. And worst of all, bats seemed to ignore it after a while.

Final verdict: Ineffective and labor-intensive. Not a dependable option.

Method #2: Hanging Aluminum Foil or Mylar Balloons

How it works: The theory here is that reflective surfaces and the rustling noise will disorient and scare away bats. Some homeowners hang strips of aluminum foil, pinwheels, or Mylar balloons near entry points and nesting areas.

Our experience: While this method made our attic look like a birthday party gone wrong, the bats didn’t seem impressed. We noticed them flying right past the foil strips. The slight sound and reflections weren't enough to disrupt their roosting habits.

Final verdict: Visually chaotic but ultimately ineffective.

Method #3: Bright Lighting

How it works: Bats prefer dark, quiet areas to roost. The idea is to flood their space with bright lights to disturb them and encourage relocation.

Our experience: We installed floodlights in our attic and left them running through the night. Initially, we saw a drop in bat activity—but only temporarily. Within a few days, bats returned and began roosting in darker corners. Plus, the constant lighting drove up our electricity bill.

Final verdict: Moderately effective at first, but not sustainable—or wallet-friendly.

Method #4: Bat Exclusion Devices

How it works: These devices are placed over entry points and allow bats to leave the attic but not re-enter. They’re considered humane and often used by professional wildlife control.

Our experience: We installed a couple of bat cones over vents and suspected access points. While this worked for bats that were already inside, it took time and precision to seal up every single entry hole afterward. Miss just one, and they’ll find a way back.

Final verdict: Effective with proper installation, but time-consuming and difficult for the average homeowner to do right.

Method #5: Ultrasonic Bat Repellers

How it works: These electronic devices emit high-frequency sound waves that are intolerable to bats but completely inaudible to humans and pets. The sound disrupts their echolocation and creates an environment that feels unsafe and uncomfortable, encouraging bats to leave and stay away.

Our experience: After setting up one of these ultrasonic devices in our attic, we noticed a sharp decline in bat activity within the first couple of days. The best part was that it required no maintenance, didn’t produce any noise or smell, and didn’t involve trapping or handling bats directly. While bats can get used to certain static deterrents, the better ultrasonic units change frequencies, making it difficult for bats to adapt.

Final verdict: The most effective, effortless, and humane method we tested.

Our #1 Pick for Getting Rid of Bats in the Attic

Before trying an ultrasonic device, we looked into the top options on the market—and one stood out right away: Bat Fortress Mini. It had great reviews, smart features, and promised real results. We gave it a shot… and within days, the bats were gone.

It was easy to use, worked fast, and best of all, they never came back.

Most other methods we tested required too much effort, lost effectiveness over time, or just didn’t solve the problem completely. Bat Fortress Mini stood out because it was simple, safe, and it actually worked.

Unlike sprays that wear off, lights that drive up your power bill, or traps that only catch one bat at a time, Bat Fortress Mini is a plug-in device that quietly gets the job done—day and night, with zero hassle.

Why Bat Fortress Mini Works When Other Methods Fail

Bats are clever and sensitive creatures. We learned that they quickly get used to things like smells, sounds, or bright lights—especially if those things stay the same every day. That’s why so many common tricks stop working after a short time.

Bat Fortress Mini uses a different approach. It creates a space bats don’t want to be in—and keeps it that way.

Here’s why Bat Fortress Mini was the best solution we found:

1. Ultrasonic Sound That Bats Can’t Stand – Bat Fortress Mini sends out high-frequency sounds that are silent to humans and pets but very uncomfortable for bats. It messes with how they move and “see” using echolocation, which makes your attic feel unsafe to them.
2. No Harm, No Touching – There’s no need to handle bats, spray chemicals, or clean up traps. The device simply makes the space unpleasant, so bats leave on their own.
3. Works Automatically – Just plug it into a wall outlet in your attic or crawlspace. It runs day and night without needing any upkeep, refills, or batteries.
4. Safe for Homes with Kids and Pets – Because it uses sound instead of sprays or poisons, it’s a smart choice for families. You won’t smell it, hear it, or have to worry about dangerous traps.
5. Better Than Traps or Exclusion Tools – While other methods require sealing every little crack or constantly checking equipment, Bat Fortress Mini does the job quietly in the background.

The Science Behind Bat Fortress Mini

Bats rely on sound – They don’t use vision like we do. Instead, they “see” using sound waves. When that ability is blocked by ultrasonic noise, they feel lost and unsafe.

They want calm, dark spaces – Bats come to attics because they feel hidden and safe. Bat Fortress Mini changes that by making the space feel stressful, even if nothing looks different.

They don’t stick around where they feel unsafe – Once a bat thinks a place isn’t safe anymore, it leaves—and usually doesn’t come back.

Final Verdict: The Best Way to Get Rid of Bats for Good

If you’re tired of bats making noise above your ceiling, leaving droppings in your attic, or making you nervous to go into your own home, Bat Fortress Mini is the easiest and most reliable way to make them leave—without traps, chemicals, or expensive pest control services.

1. 100% humane — removes bats without harming them
2. No maintenance — plug it in once and let it work
3. Silent and safe for people and pets
4. Works in attics, basements, crawlspaces, and garages
5. Backed by science — targets what bats hate most

If you’re ready to take your attic back, don’t waste time on temporary fixes. Bat Fortress Mini is the simple solution that actually works.