9 Ways on How To Keep Bats Out Of Patio Umbrella(2023)

How To Keep Bats Out Of Patio Umbrella? Bats are fascinating creatures of the dark, but when they choose to live in your patio umbrella, fascination can quickly turn into frustration. Right?

Whether you’re a homeowner who wants to protect his patio investments from these creepy creatures or want a bat-friendly solution to coexist peacefully, this guide will give them all.

In this super easy guide, we’re spilling the beans on how to keep those flappy nocturnal guests far away from your favorite hangout spot. Don’t worry. We’ve got your back.

Basics Of Bats

Bats are those mysterious creatures that stand out in the drama of our night world. To learn how to keep bats out of patio umbrellas, let’s quickly have a look at the basics of these fascinating flying mammals.

Types of Bats

Bats come in different shapes and sizes. According to this Wikipedia report on bats, there are over 1,400 species of bats worldwide. Because of which they become the second most diverse order of mammals after rodents.

You might be surprised to learn that not all bats are the same. Some are tiny, such as the bumblebee bat, while others have wingspans that rival birds, such as the giant flying fox. On your patio, you’re most likely to encounter insect-eating bats, the most common type.

Bat Manners Near Patios

Bats are mostly active at night. They use echolocation to navigate and emit high-pitched sounds that bounce off objects, helping them locate prey and probable obstacles. There’s a high chance that they are attracted because of insects around your patio umbrella. Due to this, they make your umbrella a convenient hiding spot in the daylight.

Legal Considerations

Before removing bats from your patio umbrella, it’s essential to consider the legal aspects. Bats are protected by law in many places due to their role in maintaining ecological balance by gulping vast amounts of insects.

Killing or harming bats can even lead to serious legal matters. Therefore, you should consult with local wildlife authorities or professionals before attempting any bat removal.

However, in this case, you just have to clear your patio umbrella from bats, so most probably, you don’t need to go to the authorities. Nevertheless, it’s best to keep in mind not to harm any bats while getting rid of them.

Is a Bat Under Your Patio Umbrella A Problem?

Well, the short answer is yes. See, while bats are pretty fascinating beasts, having them set up base in your patio umbrella can absolutely be a headache.

First off, they can be noisy. Those flapping wings and squeaky sounds they make when they come and go? It’s not actually relaxing when you are trying to unwind on your patio.

Now, here’s the bigger issue – bat droppings. Bats are infamous for dropping a lot of poop behind, and it’s not the kind of surprise you want on your patio table, chair, umbrella, or any other patio umbrella accessory. Not only is it ugly, but it can also have germs and cause serious health issues.

Apart from that, bats can also carry diseases like rabies. While it’s rare for bats to transfer these infections to humans, the risk is always there, especially if you or your pets come into contact with them, even accidentally.

Why Bats Are Drawn To Your Patio Umbrellas?

Have you ever thought about why bats seem to love patio umbrellas? It’s not because they’re after a shady spot to chill. There can be much more than that.

Bats are night creatures. They find patio umbrellas an excellent hiding spot during the day. As patio umbrellas are cozy, protected from the sun, and provide an ideal hiding spot. So, if bats find your umbrella, they see it as a relaxing daylight spot.

But there’s more to it. As we know, bats love insects, and it’s common to find insects where there are outdoor lights near the patio. These little insects are attracted to the light. Now, guess who’s there to gobble them up? Yes, you’re right. Bats!

Lastly, bats are crafty animals when it comes to finding a safe spot. If your umbrella offers nooks, crannies, or even a bit of shelter from the elements, it’s like a five-star hotel for them.

How To Keep Bats Out of Patio Umbrella – 9 Ways

#1. Seal Entry Points:

The first and foremost step in order to keep bats out of your patio umbrella is to seal any openings they might be using to get into your patio umbrella. Bats are sneaky creatures who can slip through surprisingly small gaps.

Here’s what you need to do:

Check your umbrella and the area around it carefully. Look for tiny cracks, holes, or gaps where bats could squeeze through. These could be in the fabric, frame, or even the base sometimes.

After successfully locating these entry points, quickly seal them up.

You can use caulk or a sealant suitable for the material of your umbrella(pick wisely according to your patio umbrella). Apply well to cover the gap completely.

You can patch or sew it with some strong threads if you notice any larger gaps or holes in your umbrella’s fabric. Just make sure to cover each gap to prevent bats from coming back.

Keep in mind that even a small gap can be an open invitation for bats. And remember to check periodically for new gaps or wear and tear that might need some sort of repairing.

#2. Use Net or Screens:

Another smart way to keep bats away from your patio umbrella is by using a net or screens. This method is like setting up a protective guard that prevents bats from getting too cozy in your outdoor hangout.

Here’s how it works:

Choose a fine mesh net or screens that allow air flow but keep bats out. You can find these materials at your local hardware store or buy one from the online marketplace.

Now, carefully drape the net or screen under the umbrella, however, make sure it covers the entire bottom. Bats often roost on the top side, so covering the bottom is important.

Use clips or Velcro straps to secure the net or screens in place. Make sure there are no gaps where bats could sneak in.

Check the net or screens regularly for any wear and tear. Replace or repair them as needed to maintain the bat-proof barrier.

#3. Hang Reflective Objects:

Hanging reflective objects is another effective way to discourage bats from making your patio umbrella during the daytime. Bats are sensitive to light and are often shaken by sudden flashes and movement.

Here’s how it works:

Collect items that shine and move in the wind. Such items can be aluminum foil strips, reflective tape, or even old CDs that work well.

Now, attach these objects around your patio area, especially near your umbrella. You can use strings or hooks to hang them.

You need to hang them in a way they must move with the wind or when touched. Bats are more likely to avoid areas with ongoing shimmer and movement.

Focus on areas where bats like to enter, such as near your umbrella or around entry points to your patio.

#4. Try Ultrasonic Bat Repellents:

Ultrasonic bat repellents are a modern and humane way to tackle bats. These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are beyond the range of human hearing but can be uncomfortable for bats to hear.

Here’s how they work:

Buy an ultrasonic bat-repellent device. These are usually small, battery-operated devices. Set it in your patio area, but focus on the area around your umbrella.

Turn the device on when you’re ready, and it will start emitting ultrasonic frequencies. Bats can hear in a much higher frequency range than humans, so these sounds will annoy them.

Keep the device on during the times when bats are most active, typically at dusk and dawn. Many repellents have a timer feature for convenience.

Keep an eye on whether bats continue to roost in your umbrella. If the repellent is working, they will surely stop coming back to your space.

#5. Motion-Activated Lights Can Work:

Motion-activated lights come in handy when it comes to fighting with bats. These types of light are designed to turn on automatically after detecting any movement. Which is why it is the gentle but one of the most effective ways to deal with these annoying creatures.

Here’s how they can help:

Spend some bucks on motion-activated lights and set them up near your umbrella. Make sure to cover the area where you find any bats. As mentioned above, these lights have built-in sensors which detect movement, such as bats flying by. And when the bats come, the sensor triggers the light to turn on.

Bats are animals of routine and usually prefer dark, quiet spots during the day. When the lights suddenly brighten the area, it disturbs the bats, making them uncomfortable and promoting them to find a quieter spot.

These lights work automatically, so you don’t need to worry about switching them on and off. They only activate when they detect movement.

#6. Natural Scents Can Help:

Let me tell you something interesting. Bats don’t like strong smells, and you can take advantage of that. You can use nice-smelling plants to stop bats from coming to your patio umbrella.

Here’s what you do:

Get plants that have a strong, good smell. Mint, lavender, and rosemary are some suitable examples. Position them around your patio near the umbrella.

Crush some leaves of these plants with your fingers. This move will release their smell even more.

As bats don’t like strong smells, so they’ll stay away from your umbrella and patio.

Don’t forget to take care of these plants. Water them regularly and keep them healthy so that they can give you their strong scent.

#7. Close The Umbrella(When Not In Use):

Here’s an easy way to keep bats away: You can choose to keep your umbrella closed when you’re not using it.

Bats like cozy spots to rest during the day, and an open umbrella offers them an ideal hiding spot. If you leave it open, they might think it’s an inviting place to nap.

So, after you’re done with your patio time, close the umbrella. This way, bats won’t have a comfy spot to hang around and will look for other places to rest.

It’s a simple trick that costs nothing and keeps your umbrella bat-free. Just fold it up when you’re not enjoying the outdoors, and you won’t have any unwanted winged guests in your patio umbrella.

#8. Clean the Umbrella Regularly:

Cleaning the patio umbrella can indeed help you get rid of them.

Bats are attracted to places with insects, and a messy patio can attract bugs, which eventually can also attract bats.

Here’s what you need to do:

After enjoying your day on the patio, make sure you clean it up. Remove any food crumbs, spills, or leftover snacks. Bats love insects, and these leftovers can attract bugs, which, in turn, attract bats.

Shake your umbrella to get rid of any debris or dust. If you have a fabric umbrella, wipe it down with the help of a damp cloth regularly to remove dirt and grime. Clean tables and chairs under the umbrella too, as bat droppings can be unattractive and unhygienic.

Keep your patio area tidy by sweeping or vacuuming away fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris. Bats like hiding in messy spaces, so a clean patio makes it less inviting.

Furthermore, also check for any insects or pests signs around your patio. If you notice an insect problem, act immediately so that the bat doesn’t get a meal.

#9. Ask a Professional To Do The Job:

If you’re dealing with stubborn bats in your patio umbrella and the DIY methods haven’t worked, it might be time to call in a pro. These are experts who know how to handle bats without harming them.

Here’s why it is a good idea:

Experts have experience dealing with bats. They can safely remove them without hurting them or breaking any laws.

They have the proper tools to do the job properly. This includes safely trapping and relocating bats.

There are rules about handling bats, and professionals know them well. They’ll make sure everything is done legally and ethically.

Plus, experts can also help you with long-term solutions to keep bats away from your patio. They’ll seal entry points and give you advice on preventing future infestations.

Bat Infestation Signs

While facing bats in your patio umbrella, the first step is recognizing their presence. Here are some straightforward indicators

Guano & Urine Stains

One of the most indicative signs of a bat infestation is the presence of guano (bat poop) and urine stains. Bats are prolific poopers, and their droppings can accumulate quickly. Guano often looks like small, dark pellets or stains and may be found on your umbrella’s fabric, furniture, or the ground underneath. It looks ugly and can damage materials over time if not properly taken care of.

Strange Noises at Dusk

If you hear uncommon rustling or squeaking sounds around your patio, it could be a sign of bats leaving or returning to your umbrella. Their vocalizations are different and can help you identify their company.

Bat Droppings on Patio Furniture

Apart from your umbrella, check your patio furniture for bat poop. Bats typically roost on nearby surfaces before taking shelter in the umbrella. Look for any signs of droppings on tables, chairs, or cushions. These droppings are not only unsanitary but can also pose health threats.

Bat Sightings

Sometimes, seeing the bats themselves is the most direct evidence of a bat infestation. If you notice bats flying in and out of your patio umbrella, especially during the early evening or dawn, it clearly indicates that they’ve taken up the place successfully.

Wrapping Up:

You’ll no longer need to search for how to keep bats out of patio umbrella anymore. Keeping bats away from your patio umbrella doesn’t have to be a big secret. All the methods mentioned above really help in getting rid of bats.

You can enjoy your bat-free patio with simple tricks like closing your umbrella, using shiny stuff, or even planting nice-smelling flowers, which will also enhance your outdoor beauty while fighting with bats.

Bats are helpful creatures in their own way, so it’s good to be kind to them. Avoid harmful methods and choose friendly ways to keep them at a distance. Your patio can be a peaceful place for you and a safe space for bats.

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