Bats are beneficial wildlife, but when they roost in your home or business, they create serious health and property concerns. Cummings Pest Control has been safely and humanely handling bat issues in Arizona’s East Valley for over 50 years.
What types of bats are found in the Scottsdale and East Valley area? +
Arizona is home to 28 bat species, more than almost any other state. In the East Valley, the species most commonly found roosting in homes and buildings are the Mexican free-tailed bat, the big brown bat, and the pallid bat. These bats are drawn to the attics, eaves, and wall voids of homes in Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Paradise Valley, and Rio Verde because these spaces mimic the caves and crevices they naturally prefer.
Are bats dangerous to have in my home? +
While bats themselves are generally not aggressive, their presence in your home poses real health risks. Bat droppings (guano) can harbor a fungus that causes histoplasmosis, a respiratory illness. Bats are also the most common carriers of rabies in Arizona. Additionally, accumulated guano and urine can damage insulation, drywall, and create strong, persistent odors. If you suspect bats in your attic or walls, contact Cummings Pest Control for a professional assessment.
I found a bat inside my house. What should I do? +
Do not touch the bat with your bare hands. If no one has been bitten or had direct contact, close the doors to the room, open a window or exterior door, and the bat will usually find its way out at dusk. If anyone has been bitten or scratched, or if the bat was found in a room with a sleeping person, capture it without direct contact (using a container and cardboard) and contact Maricopa County Environmental Services for rabies testing. Then call Cummings Pest Control to inspect your home for entry points.
Is it legal to kill bats in Arizona? +
All bat species in Arizona are protected by state law. It is illegal to intentionally kill bats. Removal must be done through exclusion — allowing bats to leave on their own and then sealing entry points so they cannot return. Cummings Pest Control uses humane exclusion methods that comply fully with Arizona wildlife regulations.
How does Cummings Pest Control remove bats from a home? +
We use a process called exclusion. Our technicians inspect your home to identify all entry and exit points bats are using. We then install one-way exclusion devices that allow bats to leave at dusk but prevent them from re-entering. Once all bats have departed, we permanently seal every opening. This process is humane, legal, and highly effective. We also address guano cleanup and sanitization when needed.
When is the best time to exclude bats from my house? +
The best time for bat exclusion in Arizona is during the spring (March to mid-April) before maternity colonies form, or in the fall (September to October) after young bats are fully mobile. During the summer maternity season (mid-April through August), flightless baby bats may be present, and exclusion during this period can trap them inside, which is both inhumane and creates additional problems. Cummings Pest Control will time your exclusion appropriately.
How do I know if bats are living in my attic? +
Common signs include hearing scratching or squeaking sounds at dusk and dawn, finding small dark droppings (similar to mouse droppings but crumblier) near your roofline or in the attic, noticing a strong musty odor, and seeing bats flying to or from a specific area of your home at sunset. Staining around entry points from body oils is another telltale sign. Cummings Pest Control can perform a thorough inspection to confirm bat activity.
Will bats come back after exclusion? +
Bats have strong site fidelity and will try to return to previous roosts. That is why thorough sealing of all entry points is critical after exclusion. Cummings Pest Control inspects your entire roofline, eaves, fascia, vents, and any other potential openings. When exclusion is done properly, bats cannot re-enter. We stand behind our work and will address any issues that arise.
Can bat guano make my family sick? +
Yes. Accumulated bat guano can harbor the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which causes histoplasmosis when spores are inhaled. This is a serious respiratory infection that can be particularly dangerous for children, elderly individuals, and people with weakened immune systems. Guano should never be disturbed or cleaned up without proper protective equipment. Cummings Pest Control offers professional guano removal and attic sanitization services.
How much does bat removal cost in the East Valley? +
The cost of bat exclusion depends on the size of your home, the number and location of entry points, and whether guano cleanup is needed. Cummings Pest Control provides free inspections and detailed quotes so you know exactly what to expect. Bat exclusion is an investment that protects your health and your property — the longer bats remain, the more damage they cause and the more expensive remediation becomes.