Minnesota’s summer nights wouldn’t be the same without the silent work of bats gobbling mosquitoes. But when a colony squeezes through a half-inch gap and roosts in your attic, those benefits disappear—and the costs to your home and family quickly climb. As a locally owned, fully licensed and insured company with a three-year service guarantee, Zimmerman-based Badger Wildlife Management has helped thousands of homeowners solve bat problems safely and humanely.
Minnesota Bats: Little brown and big brown bats—the species most often found in Minnesota homes—prefer warm, draft-free lofts that mimic caves. Once they settle in, a maternity colony can grow to dozens of bats, each producing droppings (guano) every night. Over a single season, that waste can compress insulation, stain drywall, and leave a pungent odor that attracts insects and other wildlife. Professional exclusion stops the mess and protects these beneficial, state-protected animals.
What Bat Damage Really Looks Like
Below are some of the most common—and costly—problems technicians from Badger Wildlife Management see during attic inspections:
- Heavy guano piles that mat down attic insulation, slashing its R-value and spiking energy bills.
- Ammonia-like odors strong enough to seep through ceiling seams and HVAC ducts.
- Dark stains and grease marks around gable vents and rooflines where bats enter nightly.
- Corroded wiring and metal from acidic urine, raising fire and structural risks.
- Parasites such as bat bugs (a cousin of the bed bug) that migrate into living spaces.
Health Risks You Can’t Ignore
Bat guano isn’t just messy—it’s a growth medium for Histoplasma capsulatum, the fungus that causes histoplasmosis, a lung infection that can become serious for children, seniors, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
Bats also account for roughly 3-4 percent of the animals that test positive for rabies in Minnesota each year. If you wake to a bat in the bedroom—or find one near a young child—state health officials recommend immediate consultation with a professional and, in some cases, post-exposure treatment.
Minnesota law protects bats during the maternity season, meaning they can only be excluded once the pups are old enough to fly—typically late August through September. Over-the-counter repellents rarely work, and sealing entry points too early can trap juveniles inside, forcing them deeper into walls or living areas. Badger Wildlife Management’s certified team uses one-way exclusion devices, thermal imaging, and humane sealing techniques timed to the legal window, then returns to remove devices, guano, and contaminated insulation before repairing any damage. All workmanship is backed by a three-year, transferable warranty.
Your Local Bat-Removal Partner
Whether you’re in the Twin Cities, St. Cloud, or anywhere in between, Badger Wildlife Management offers 24/7 response, detailed inspections, written estimates, and clear communication from start to finish. If you suspect bats, don’t wait for the colony—and the cleanup cost—to grow. Call (763) 389-8887 or (320) 250-5572 today to schedule an inspection and reclaim your home. Protect your house, safeguard your health, and let Minnesota’s bats get back to doing what they do best—outside.
