What is considered the best and most permanent strategy for controlling bats?

The best and most permanent strategy for controlling bats is bat proofing. This involves sealing off entry points in a structure to prevent bats from accessing it. Bat proofing is effective because it addresses the root of the problem by eliminating the avenues through which bats enter, rather than just trying to remove or kill the bats already present.

This method is ecologically sound and complies with legal restrictions in many places since bats are often protected species. Proper bat proofing includes thorough inspections to identify all possible entry points, such as gaps, holes, and cracks, followed by the use of suitable materials to seal these openings.

In contrast, other methods like exclusion and live trapping may remove bats temporarily, but without addressing the structural vulnerabilities, bats can return. Poisoning is not a viable option due to the risks it poses to other wildlife and the potential for accidental human exposure, and it does not provide a sustainable long-term solution. Therefore, bat proofing remains the most comprehensive approach for long-term control of bats in buildings.