Bats in Chimneys

Bats live in both cities and wooded areas, eating half of their weight in insects every night. When looking for places to roost, they choose protected spots like sheds, attics, and smokestacks. At times, bats in chimneys cause problems due to their breeding habits and potential for disease.

How to Tell Bats Are in the Chimney

If bats are roosting in a chimney, there are several common signs to look for:

Chirping or Squeaking Noises – Bats are vocal, especially at dusk and dawn when they are most active. You may hear high-pitched squeaks or scratching sounds from inside the chimney.
Guano (Bat Droppings) – Accumulations of small, dark, shiny droppings at the base of the chimney or on the roof are a clear sign of bat activity. Bat guano often crumbles easily and may contain insect parts.
Stains or Grease Marks – Bats have oily fur that can leave dark, greasy smudges around the edges of chimney openings where they enter and exit.
Ammonia-like odor – A strong, musty smell from guano and urine buildup is another key indicator.
Sightings of Bats – If you see bats flying near the chimney at dusk or dawn, especially entering or exiting the structure, they are likely roosting inside.
Unusual Drafts or Airflow – A noticeable change in airflow or odd drafts in the fireplace may be due to bats obstructing the chimney.

Why Do Bats Roost in Chimneys?

Bats enter chimneys to hibernate or to give birth. Homeowners with a maternity colony of bats in the chimney may have a long-lasting problem on their hands. The animals have strong homing instincts and usually return to the same roosts. A bat can live for over six years, and females produce a pup every season.

Problems from Bats in Chimneys

When bats roost in chimneys, their droppings and urine build up on bricks and shingles. This leads to a musty odor and contaminated runoff during rainstorms. Bats in chimneys also create dark, oily stains similar to those left by rodents.

Any time bats live near humans, there is a definite risk of contracting rabies from a bite. Even a dead bat can spread the disease. In addition, airborne spores that develop within the pests’ droppings may transmit histoplasmosis to humans.

How We Get Bats Out of a Chimney

bats on chimney in Springfield, MO — Photo courtesy of Critter Control of SW Missouri

If you do have bats in the chimney, keep the flue shut! Not only is exclusion the most effective way to deter bats from roosting in your chimney, but it is also the most humane and ethical bat control strategy.

Exclusion tubes – This device is a one-way exit, allowing bats in the chimney to leave but not to return.
Mesh screens – Placing wire mesh over the top of the chimney keeps bats out, though it is important to avoid trapping any animals inside.
Chimney caps – Similar to a mesh screen, a cap stops pest wildlife from entering.

Important caveat- you cannot install bat exclusion if baby bats are present. During summer months, maternity colonies of bats roost in chimneys

Have bats in the chimney?

Find a Critter Control near you

How NOT to Get Rid of Bats in Chimneys

In the United States, you cannot trap or exterminate bats. Bats play an integral role in the environment and help the economy.

“Smoking out” a bat infestation is also a bad idea. The suggestion to keep the damper close and set a fire is not humane. After birth, bat pups cannot fly. If you set a fire with bat pups in your chimney, it will be cruel.

What to Do if You Have Bats

Installing a bat house is a simple project that encourages bats in chimneys to move out on their own.

Setting up some of these devices requires special knowledge and equipment. Accessing the chimney also means getting onto the roof, which can be dangerous for homeowners. For safe and effective wildlife management, call Critter Control when bats cause problems.

Learn more about bat removal.

Get them out.
Keep them out.®

Experiencing a wildlife or pest issue? We can help! Complete this form and your local Critter Control® office will contact you to assist.

    
 
 
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 11 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had such a great experience with Critter Control at every interaction. Many months ago, my friend and I called to get some advice on how to handle a bat in our home. The lady we spoke with took the time to give us free, down to earth, real advice. I remembered the experience so when it came time to batproof our attic, they are who we called. The gentleman that came out to do the quote was thorough and patient in explaining everything. The gentlemen that did the bat proofing were quick, efficient and friendly. A few months later we had them back to clean out and insulate our attic. Very friendly crew, extra helpful, and were respectful to our home and good with our German Shepherd. Just a stellar experience all around. Recommended them to my friend, and I'll recommend them to you!
  
 
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 10 September 2026
 
 
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 10 September 2026
 
 
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 10 September 2026
 
 
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 10 September 2026
 
 
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 10 September 2026
 
 
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 10 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I couldn’t be happier with my experience with Critter Control and, especially, with Taylor and his partner. Taylor called the evening before my appointment to confirm and took the time to explain what they would be looking for and what the inspection would involve. He also let me know that I would receive a written estimate when they were finished, which I really appreciated. The next morning, Taylor called before arriving and showed up right within the scheduled window. He introduced himself and his partner, and they were both extremely professional and courteous. They took their time inspecting the yard and ultimately determined that I was dealing with both moles and gophers. Taylor walked me through the treatment options, answered every question I had, and made sure I understood what they were recommending. There was absolutely no pressure, and I really appreciated how straightforward and transparent the entire process was. I had a written estimate in hand within about 10 minutes of them completing the inspection. From the initial phone call to the completion of the inspection, everything was handled professionally and exactly as promised. It’s refreshing to deal with people who communicate well, show up when they say they will, and genuinely take the time to answer your questions. Thank you, Taylor, for making the process so easy. I’m very happy with the experience and would definitely recommend Taylor and Critter Control!
  
 
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   Diana Onas 
 10 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a appointment with Moises today to investigate noises that I had been hearing in my wall. I explained what I had been hearing and for how long, and he said that he was going to look for any potential entry points. He found two areas that were compromised and showed me pictures of the areas, and told me what he thought was the culprit and also explained the plan to make sure that there weren't any other rodents in the wall by putting in a one way door and then after 5 days, they would sanitize the area in the wall and seal up the two areas, so that nothing else could get inside. He was very professional and friendly and explained everything to me that they were going to do to alleviate the situation. I would definitely recommend Moises and Critter Control for any wildlife removal services in the future.
  
 
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