Bat Removal in Terre Haute, IN – Big Brown Bat Exclusion Specialists

Bats are the number one wildlife call I get in Terre Haute. Every summer, starting in late May, Big Brown Bats set up colonies in attics across the city. The older neighborhoods near Indiana State University, the South 7th Street corridor, the Poplar Street area, the brick buildings downtown — these are the structures that attract the most activity, and for good reason. Old wood fascia and deteriorating soffits create exactly the gaps bats need to get in.

Inspections are available right now. Indiana DNR restricts bat exclusion from May 15 through August 15. That means if you have bats today, the exclusion work starts August 15 at the earliest. Book your inspection now, get on the schedule, and the exclusion happens the week restrictions lift. Call +1 812-310-4602.

Bat Species in Vigo County

Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus) is the primary species I deal with in Terre Haute. Year-round resident. Colonies of 20 to several hundred are common in attics of older homes. They return to the same roost every summer. One successful breeding season becomes a persistent colony problem.

Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis) is federally endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Vigo County falls within the species' known range. If Indiana Bats are present, federal ESA protections apply — this can require consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before exclusion proceeds. I treat every bat job as a potential Indiana Bat situation until I can confirm otherwise. This is not extra caution for its own sake; it is the legal requirement.

Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus) populations have declined significantly due to White-nose Syndrome, a fungal disease that has killed millions of bats across North America. All 13 Indiana bat species are protected under state law.

How Bat Exclusion Works

We do not use poisons or traps for bats. The only legal and effective method is exclusion — allowing bats to exit and preventing re-entry.

Inspection. I walk the entire exterior of your home and identify every entry point. Bats can get through a gap as small as 3/8 of an inch. Primary entry points (active roost areas) and secondary gaps both get documented.
Seal secondary entry points. All gaps that are not the primary entry get permanently sealed before exclusion devices go in. This forces bats to exit through the device, not find a new gap.
Install one-way exclusion devices. Devices go over the primary entry points. Bats exit freely; they cannot re-enter. Devices stay in place for a minimum of three days, typically a week.
Final seal. I return and permanently seal the primary entry points once all bats have exited.
Attic assessment. After exclusion, I inspect the attic for guano accumulation and structural damage. Heavy guano deposits are a health hazard and need to be addressed.

The full process typically runs one to two weeks from the installation date.

Indiana DNR Bat Maternity Season: What It Means for You

Indiana DNR prohibits bat exclusion from May 15 through August 15. This is the bat maternity season. Mother bats are nursing pups during this period, and the pups cannot fly until late July or early August. Sealing bats in during this window traps the pups inside, where they die in your attic and create odor and secondary health problems.

The solution is simple: get your inspection done now. I document every entry point, quote the job, and schedule the exclusion work to start August 15. Summer fills my September schedule. Homeowners who wait until September are often looking at a two to three week wait for a crew.

Cost of Bat Removal in Terre Haute

Inspection: $75–$100 (often waived when you book service)
Bat exclusion: $400–$1,500 depending on home size and entry points
Full attic restoration after colony: $2,000–$5,000

The price range on exclusion is real. A single-story home with one primary entry point and three secondary gaps is a $400–$600 job. A two-story home with a large colony, multiple roofline access points and damaged soffits is at the top of that range. I give firm quotes after the inspection — no games.

Indiana DNR WCO Compliance

Indiana requires a Wildlife Control Operator (WCO) permit from Indiana DNR for all nuisance wildlife removal. We are fully permitted. Ask any company you call for their WCO number. If they can't give you one, move on.

Book Your Bat Inspection Now

Exclusion season starts August 15. Slots fill fast. Call +1 812-310-4602 and get on the schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can bat exclusion happen in Indiana?

Indiana DNR restricts bat exclusion from May 15 through August 15 (bat maternity season). After August 15, full exclusion and sealing resumes. Inspections are allowed year-round. Book your inspection now to get on the August exclusion schedule.

What is the Indiana Bat and why is it important?

The Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis) is federally endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Vigo County is within the species' range. We treat every bat job as a potential Indiana Bat situation until confirmed otherwise, which affects the exclusion approach and timing.

How do bats get into Terre Haute homes?

The most common entry points are deteriorating wood fascia, open attic vents, gaps at the roofline where soffits meet the roof deck, chimney gaps, and spaces around utility penetrations. Older homes near ISU and downtown are especially vulnerable. Bats can enter through a gap as small as 3/8 of an inch.

What does bat removal cost in Terre Haute?

Inspections cost $75–$100, often waived with service booking. Exclusion runs $400–$1,500 depending on home size and entry points. Full attic restoration after a colony runs $2,000–$5,000.