Blocking up spaces is the best way of doing so and perhaps someone from your local SPCA or equivalent can help you do this. I do not think that they will cause much hassle if they get into the space and to get them out get open the windows and dim the lights and they will get out. I do not think they cause disease as such.

(Rated by 2 Council Members)

(Rated by 2 Council Members)

Bats aren't aggressive and are probably not going to hurt you, but they can carry rabies (though it's not as likely as the old wives tales would have us think) and parasites, like mice, fleas and ticks that can infest your house.

They are protected in many places, so you can't kill them and it sounds like you don't want to anyway, but you can discourage them from coming in. I am sure they are just as unhappy about wandering into your living space as you are about having them there.

Sealing up any cracks, as you have been doing is a good start. You may want to set up bat houses outside on the side of your house or barn, or on the side of your trees and seal up your attic space as well to make sure they are really living separate from you. Make sure all the bats are out first though, (including the babies, who won't be full grown till fall) see below. There are many websites that have plans for making bat houses, but you should also be able to buy them ready made at any nature store.

You can use an exclusion net so the bats can leave but can't return to clear out your attic before you start sealing things up.

For your mudroom, you might try leaving the light on all night. They'll try to find a darker place to settle in.

Those sprays you can buy to keep dogs and cats off of your yard will also keep bats off, about as effectively as they keep dogs and cats off...

Check out http://www.batcon.org… for more info and tips for humanely getting rid of problem bats.

If all else fails, call your local animal control department.

(Rated by 2 Council Members)

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--Remedies If bats wanders inside down a chimney, through an open window or under a door, simply close off the room and leave a window or door open. It will most likely follow the fresh air currents outside. A resting bat is easily captured by placing a coffee can over it and sliding a cardboard cover between the bat and its resting surface. Most bats will not even wake up until inside the can. Release bats outside. Never handle bats without heavy gloves because of the possibility of exposure to rabies. If you think you have been bitten or a bat is found in a room with a sleeping child, it is recommended that the bat be caught without damaging its head and get it to the local health department for testing. Bat droppings and rustling sounds especially in attic areas often are good indications bats are roosting inside your structure. Moth balls (naphthalene) may help deter bats from small confined spaces, however, rates of 5 to 10 pounds per 2000 cubic feet of space are required which poses odor and possibly health concerns.

Bat proofing is the best method of eliminating bats from inside a structure. Chimney caps, screening vents, closing holes especially along rooflines, around windows and doors and any other entry points are all necessary to effectively exclude bats. Professional help is recommended to prevent sealing bats inside.

PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT: Bat proofing is the most reliable method of removing and keeping bats out of a structure. Bat proofing is best accomplished with a full understanding of bat biology, behavior and building construction related to exclusion. Professional help is usually recommended. Bat proofing is undertaken usually before May or after August when young bats will not be sealed inside a roosting area. A variety of sealing techniques are employed as well as utilization of one way devices which allow bats to leave for their nightly flight but prevent return to roosting areas. Removal of bat droppings, bat parasite treatments and disinfection services are available if needed.

(Rated by 2 Council Members)