Why Bats Are Protected and What That Means for Your Home

Bats get a bad rap, but they’re actually some of the most helpful creatures around. In South Carolina, they’re not only appreciated—they’re protected by law. So if you discover bats in your attic, you can’t just shoo them out or block their entry without following strict rules. Let’s break down why bats are protected, what that means for your home and how The Snake Chaser handles bat removal the right way.

Why Bats Are Protected in South Carolina

Bats eat thousands of mosquitoes and other insects every night, helping to keep pest populations in check. Some species also pollinate plants and spread seeds, playing a key role in our food production systems. Because of this, and because many bat populations are in decline, laws are in place to protect them.

In South Carolina, it’s illegal to harm or kill bats. There are even specific times of year—called maternity seasons—when you’re not allowed to remove bats from buildings at all. These seasons help protect baby bats that can’t fly yet and would die if separated from their mothers.

What Bat Laws Mean for Homeowners

If you find bats in your attic, chimney or walls, don’t panic. And don’t try to evict them yourself. Bat removal has to be done carefully and legally. That means finding out how they’re getting in, waiting for the right time of year and using proper tools and methods to guide them out without harming them. Once they’re out, it’s time to seal things up so they can’t come back.

How The Snake Chaser Gets It Done

At The Snake Chaser, we know the laws and follow them to the letter. Our team uses humane methods to remove bats, like one-way exclusion devices that let bats leave but not return. Afterward, we seal up their entry points so your home stays bat-free.

If we find any injured bats, we work with local wildlife rehabilitators to make sure they get the care they need. We never use harmful sprays, traps or methods that could hurt the animals. Instead, we focus on safe, effective and legal solutions that keep both bats and people safe.

Why Bats Are Protected: What Every Homeowner Should Know

Bats are protected because they’re essential to our environment and our agricultural system. Removing them the wrong way can hurt bat populations and get you into legal trouble. That’s why it’s so important to work with a professional wildlife removal company like The Snake Chaser. We understand how to remove and relocate bats safely, ethically and legally.

Knowing why bats are protected helps you make smart choices when they show up uninvited. Instead of risking harm to these valuable animals or facing a fine, call in the experts. At The Snake Chaser, we know how to handle bat problems the right way. If you suspect bats have taken up residence in your home, give us a call. We’ll keep your home safe, your attic clear and the bats where they belong—out in nature.

FAQs

1. Is it illegal to remove bats from your house in South Carolina?

Yes, it can be—if it’s done at the wrong time or in the wrong way. In South Carolina, bats are protected by law. From mid-April through mid-August, it’s illegal to remove bats because that’s when mothers are raising their flightless pups. Removing them during this maternity season can result in young bats being left behind, which is both inhumane and unlawful. Outside of this period, removal must still follow proper, humane methods, which is why professional wildlife experts should always handle it.

2. How do professionals safely remove bats from a home?

Wildlife removal pros like The Snake Chaser use exclusion techniques that let bats fly out naturally but prevent them from getting back inside. One-way devices are placed over entry points to guide bats out without harming them. After ensuring the colony is gone, we seal up every opening to stop them from returning. If we find any injured or grounded bats, we contact licensed wildlife rehabbers. No chemicals, poisons or forced removals—just safe, ethical methods every step of the way.

3. What happens to the bats after they are removed?

Once the bats leave through the exclusion devices, they relocate on their own to a new roost. Because bats are federally protected, they are never captured and relocated by hand. Instead, the goal is to encourage them to exit safely and naturally. If an injured bat is found during removal, professionals work with wildlife rehabilitators to nurse it back to health. The entire process focuses on keeping the animals safe while protecting your home.