Bats only need half an inch to squeeze into a space, so check your roof and siding for any holes to patch up. Bats can also tunnel their way through vents and chimneys, so use screens to allow the air to keep flowing out, but keep the bats from entering.

To make sure that the bats already in your attic don’t get trapped inside after you’ve covered their entrances, use bat cones. A bat cone is a simple plastic tube that you put at any opening the bats are using so that the bats can get out, but they won’t be able to get back in.

An alternative to the bat cone is the bat flap, which you also install at the bats’ entrances. The flap only swings one way, so the bats can push the flap open to get out but won’t be able to do the same to get back in.

Some items that repel bats are copper mesh, bird spikes, an ultrasonic device that emits a noise that only bats can hear, mothballs, a high-powered fan, and bright lights. However, it should be noted that these repellants only offer a short-term solution.

Bats can make a big mess in your home, so suit up in a face mask, gloves, and old clothes to clean up their space. Spray a mixture of water, hydrogen peroxide, and ammonia, then pick up the bat poo and clean the area with your mixture before tossing away any towels or sponges that you used.