Ohio's Best Bat Exclusion Window Ends Oct. 15. Your Roofline Is the Door.
Ohio's ideal bat exclusion period ends October 15. After that, bat removal needs written state permission whenever any bats are present.
Squirrels, raccoons, and mice follow different rules. Your insurer will likely not pay for any of it.
Ohio's Two Restricted Periods for Bats
The Division of Wildlife lists two restricted windows. One runs "From May 16th through July 31st, when 5 or more bats are present."
The other runs "From October 15th through March 31st, if any bats are present." During both, exclusion needs written permission from the Division.
Rules by Animal
The right move depends on the animal. This table pairs published entry-gap sizes with Ohio's rules.
| Animal | How small a gap works | Ohio rule or ODNR guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Bats | NMSU Extension: "Smaller bat species can crawl through slits as narrow as 3/8 of an inch." | "The only allowable method of bat removal is bat exclusion." Killing bats is illegal except for a direct human health risk. |
| Squirrels | Texas A&M AgriLife: "A 1/2 inch gap is all that a squirrel needs to get into an attic." | ODNR: close openings but "make sure not to lock squirrels inside." |
| Raccoons | UNL Extension: "Raccoons usually need only a 4- to 6-inch diameter hole to enter." | "Trapped raccoons cannot be relocated." |
| Mice | This Old House: "Mice can squeeze through openings as small as one-quarter-inch in diameter." | ODNR lists mice and rats among animals that may be released or euthanized. |
Gap sizes come from other states' extension services, not Ohio's. The physics does not change at the state line. The ODNR column comes from the state's operator manual and bat guidelines.
Where They Get In on a Roofline
NMSU lists "faulty ridge vents, crevices in the soffit and fascia" as problem areas for bats. Iowa State says to check "around the chimney, gable vents, or roof vents."
Texas A&M adds that squirrels are "sometimes opening large holes in soffits and fascia." That chewing turns a small gap into a big one.
A Ground-Level Roofline Walk
Do this from the yard with binoculars. Do not climb a wet or frosty roof.
- Soffit joints and corners: look for gaps, stains, or gnawed edges.
- Fascia returns at eave ends: check for loose or lifted boards.
- Ridge vent ends and gable vents: look for missing screens or bent covers.
- Chimney flashing: check for slumped or loose metal.
- Droppings or grease marks below any opening: photograph them first.
ODNR's manual suggests looking "for light at the extreme parts of eaves, in layers of subroofing, and below chimney flashings." That check works from inside the attic on a bright day.
Who Can Legally Do the Work for Pay
ODNR is blunt: "It is illegal for anyone who is not a licensed commercial nuisance wild animal control operator to receive compensation for wild animal control activities, including bat exclusions."
Ask any operator for their license before you sign. For bat permission questions, ODNR lists 1-800-WILDLIFE and wildlife.batexclusion@dnr.ohio.gov.
The Right Order of Work
First remove the animals. For bats, install an exclusion device and leave it in place. The guidelines say devices "must be left in place for at least a week to be effective."
Only then should a roofer close the opening for good. Sealing first can trap animals and breaks Ohio rules for bats.
Sealing Materials That Hold Up
Foam and caulk alone will not stop a squirrel. Extension and ODNR guidance points to metal and mesh.
| Where | What the sources recommend |
|---|---|
| Openings to buildings | ODNR: "Close openings to buildings with heavy 1/2-inch wire mesh or make other suitable repairs." |
| Raccoon-sized holes | UNL: "Preferred repair materials include 10-gauge 1/4-inch wire mesh, aluminum flashing, and solid 1/2-inch wood/plywood." |
| Vents and screens | NebGuide G1530: "Use galvanized hardware cloth, hail screen, or welded-wire mesh to cover ventilation openings and windows." |
| Small gaps and pipes | This Old House: "Use caulk, expandable foam, or metal flashing to seal gaps around electrical and plumbing lines." |
| Bat-sized slits | NMSU: "it is essential to seal all openings 1/4 inch or larger." |
Match the material to the animal. Mesh over a vent stops entry but still lets the attic breathe.
For bats, seal only after exclusion devices have done their job. Never seal while any bat is inside.
What It Costs and What Insurance Says
We found no Ohio cost data. Bob Vila's national guide puts average bat removal at "$230 to $700." Cost depends on bat count.
On coverage, Policygenius reports that "Homeowners insurance generally won't cover property damage caused by animals, including birds, insects, rodents, or vermin." FC&S reads a 2011-era form as one that "clearly excludes raccoons, bats, squirrels, or any other animal that may move into the attic."
A coverage-law blog says a fire from chewed wires can count as covered "ensuing loss." Water damage may differ, depending on your policy text.
How We Researched This
Fairfield Peak Roofing is a referral service. We are not a wildlife operator, insurer, or adjuster.
This article compiles ODNR publications, extension factsheets, and insurance commentary read in October 2026. Confirm current rules with ODNR before acting.
Next Move
This week, walk the roofline and photograph every gap, stain, or chewed edge. If you suspect bats, call a licensed operator before October 15.
Book roofline repair after the animals are gone. Keep every photo and invoice for any claim conversation.
Request a Roofline Repair Estimate: 877-367-1885
Disclaimer: Wildlife rules change and apply case by case. Confirm current requirements with ODNR or a licensed operator. This page is general information, not insurance, legal, or financial advice. Fairfield Peak Roofing is a referral service, not a roofing contractor or insurer. Check your own policy and servicer terms.
Related articles:
Soffit and Fascia Services in Fairfield County
Central Ohio's Second Windstorm in Three Weeks Tests Repaired Roofs
Fairfield County Winter Roof Prep
Sources:
ODNR Division of Wildlife: Bat Exclusion Guidelines
ODNR Division of Wildlife: Pub 5510, Nuisance Wild Animal Control Operator Certification Manual
New Mexico State University Extension: Guide L-202, Bats
Iowa State University Extension: Bats around the home
Texas A&M AgriLife: Rodents in attics
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Controlling raccoon and opossum damage
This Old House: How animals are getting into your house
Policygenius: Does home insurance cover animal damage?
FC&S: Raccoons in the attic
Property Insurance Coverage Law: Squirrels damage your home: coverage or not?
Bob Vila: Animal in attic removal cost
OSU Extension BYGL: Bats in buildings
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: NebGuide G1530, Wildlife damage and rodent-proofing