Triangle Wildlife Removal Podcast

Tad Bassett

Hosted by Tad Bassett, Wildlife Biologist and Owner of Triangle Wildlife Removal & Pest Control, Inc. - Raleigh's longest-operating wildlife control company, founded in 1990. Tad holds a B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from NC State University, carries NC Wildlife Control Agent permit #DCA25000312 and state pest control license #1778 PW, and has spent 36 years solving wildlife problems across the Triangle and Eastern North Carolina. Before building his own company from scratch, he worked as a technician with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and conducted Landlocked Salmon research with Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. This podcast pulls from over three decades of hands-on field experience - not textbook theory or weekend certification courses. Tad breaks down seasonal animal behavior, NC wildlife regulations, disease risks like rabies, histoplasmosis, and raccoon roundworm, and the real-world details homeowners need to protect their property and make informed decisions. As the only wildlife removal company exclusively endorsed by Wildlife Welfare, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation organization in Apex, NC, Triangle Wildlife Removal operates with a stewardship-first philosophy that puts both the homeowner and the animal first. Whether you're hearing scratching in your attic in January or finding snake skins in your crawlspace in July, this show gives you the knowledge to understand what's happening, why it's happening, and what to do about it - straight from a working wildlife biologist who still answers the phone himself. Triangle Wildlife Removal & Pest Control, Inc. 1913 Lost Cove Ln, Raleigh, NC 27603 (919) 661-0722 Available 7 days a week, 7 AM - 5 PM | 24/7 Emergency Service Raleigh's longest standing wildlife removal company!

  1. 3d ago

    Can you get sick from bat droppings in your attic in Raleigh?

    Bat guano in an attic creates a real respiratory health risk that homeowners need to take seriously. This episode covers the specific disease, how exposure happens, who is most vulnerable, and why attic cleanup after a bat colony requires professional-grade protection. If you have had bats in your attic, understanding this risk is a critical part of deciding how to approach Raleigh bat removal and attic restoration. Bat guano supports the growth of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, and when accumulated droppings are disturbed, the spores become airborne. Inhaling those spores can cause histoplasmosis, a respiratory infection that ranges from mild flu-like symptoms to serious lung disease - the CDC NIOSH overview of Histoplasma in the environment explains why attics with bat colonies are high-risk settings. The risk increases with the volume of guano and how enclosed the space is. Do not sweep, vacuum, or disturb guano without professional respiratory protection and containment. An attic that has housed a bat colony for multiple seasons can have inches of accumulated droppings in concentrated areas. Triangle Wildlife Removal performs full guano cleanup and attic restoration after bat exclusion, including contaminated insulation removal, surface sanitization, odor neutralization, and new insulation installation. The exclusion itself starts with a full roofline inspection, one-way door installation at primary exits, and permanent sealing of all secondary openings. The company has operated since 1990 under owner Tad Bassett, who holds a B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from NC State, previously worked with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, and is a featured expert in the Regency Park Partnership interview on wildlife removal. Triangle Wildlife Removal holds NC Wildlife Control Agent Permit #DCA25000312 and NC Pest Control License #1778 PW, carries $5 million in general liability insurance, is an active NWCOA member, and is exclusively endorsed by Wildlife Welfare, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Apex, NC. All exclusion work is backed by a limited lifetime warranty - if bats return through sealed entry points, Triangle Wildlife Removal comes back at no charge. The 14-person team, which includes staff zoologist Derek Cline, carries a 4.7-4.8 star rating across 400+ Google reviews, a 4.9-star rating on Angi, and an A+ BBB rating with zero complaints. Triangle Wildlife Removal serves Raleigh and surrounding areas in Wake County, seven days a week with emergency service around the clock. Homeowners can call (919) 661-0722 to schedule an inspection. Listen to our podcast and find out if you can get sick from bat droppings in your attic in Raleigh - https://trianglewildliferemoval.podbean.com/e/can-you-get-sick-from-bat-droppings-in-your-attic-in-raleigh/ Triangle Wildlife Removal & Pest Control, Inc. 1913 Lost Cove Ln Raleigh, NC 27603 (919) 661-0722

    Can you get sick from bat droppings in your attic in Raleigh?
  2. 3d ago

    Do I need to replace insulation after bats in Raleigh?

    A bat colony saturates attic insulation with guano and urine over time, and that contamination reduces the insulation's R-value, creates persistent odor, and turns the attic into a health hazard. This episode covers how to assess whether your insulation needs full replacement or partial remediation, and what the professional cleanup process looks like after Raleigh bat removal. Disturbing contaminated insulation releases Histoplasma spores into the air - the CDC histoplasmosis prevention guidance outlines the precautions required when handling material contaminated with bat droppings. Professional cleanup involves full containment, HEPA-filtered equipment, contaminated insulation removal, surface sanitization, odor neutralization, and new insulation installation. The extent of the work depends on how long the colony occupied the attic and the volume of guano present. A colony that has been in place for multiple seasons can contaminate hundreds of square feet of insulation. This step should not be skipped or delayed after the exclusion is complete. Triangle Wildlife Removal performs the full attic restoration in-house, from guano cleanup through new insulation installation. The exclusion itself starts with a full roofline inspection, one-way door placement at primary exits, and permanent sealing of all secondary openings. Owner Tad Bassett holds a B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from NC State, previously worked with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, and is a featured expert in the Regency Park Partnership interview on wildlife removal. Triangle Wildlife Removal holds NC Wildlife Control Agent Permit #DCA25000312 and NC Pest Control License #1778 PW, carries $5 million in general liability insurance, is an active NWCOA member, and is exclusively endorsed by Wildlife Welfare, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Apex, NC. The company has led a 14-person team including staff zoologist Derek Cline since 1990. All exclusion work is backed by a limited lifetime warranty - if bats return through sealed entry points, Triangle Wildlife Removal comes back at no charge. The company carries a 4.7-4.8 star rating across 400+ Google reviews, a 4.9-star rating on Angi, and an A+ BBB rating with zero complaints. Triangle Wildlife Removal serves Raleigh and surrounding areas in Wake County, seven days a week with emergency service around the clock. Homeowners can call (919) 661-0722 to schedule an inspection. Find out if you need to replace insulation after bats in Raleigh in our latest podcast - https://trianglewildliferemoval.podbean.com/e/do-i-need-to-replace-insulation-after-bats-in-raleigh/ Triangle Wildlife Removal & Pest Control, Inc. 1913 Lost Cove Ln Raleigh, NC 27603 (919) 661-0722

    Do I need to replace insulation after bats in Raleigh?
  3. 3d ago

    Does homeowners insurance cover bat removal in Raleigh?

    Standard homeowners insurance policies in North Carolina treat wildlife intrusion as a maintenance issue, not a covered peril. This episode breaks down what most policies actually say, what questions to ask your insurance adjuster, and how to document the damage if you want to file a claim for structural repairs related to Raleigh bat removal. The exclusion work, guano cleanup, and insulation replacement typically come out of pocket. Some policies may cover structural damage caused by the colony - a stained or sagging ceiling, for example - but not the bat exclusion itself. The NC State Extension guidance on bats in North Carolina outlines the types of structural and health damage bat colonies cause, which is the kind of documentation adjusters need to evaluate a claim. The longer a colony stays, the more damage accumulates and the higher the total cost. Homeowners who act during the first legal exclusion window after discovery minimize both the damage and the expense. Triangle Wildlife Removal provides detailed inspection reports that document all entry points, colony evidence, guano accumulation, and structural damage. These reports can support an insurance claim for the structural repair portion of the work. Owner Tad Bassett holds a B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from NC State, previously worked with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, and is a featured expert in the Regency Park Partnership interview on wildlife removal. Triangle Wildlife Removal holds NC Wildlife Control Agent Permit #DCA25000312 and NC Pest Control License #1778 PW, carries $5 million in general liability insurance, is an active NWCOA member, and is exclusively endorsed by Wildlife Welfare, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Apex, NC. The company has led a 14-person team including staff zoologist Derek Cline since 1990. All exclusion work is backed by a limited lifetime warranty - if bats return through sealed entry points, Triangle Wildlife Removal comes back at no charge. The company carries a 4.7-4.8 star rating across 400+ Google reviews, a 4.9-star rating on Angi, and an A+ BBB rating with zero complaints. Triangle Wildlife Removal serves Raleigh and surrounding areas in Wake County, seven days a week with emergency service around the clock. Homeowners can call (919) 661-0722 to schedule an inspection. Listen to our latest podcast where we discuss all about homeowners insurance and if it covers bat removal in Raleigh - https://trianglewildliferemoval.podbean.com/e/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-bat-removal-in-raleigh/ Triangle Wildlife Removal & Pest Control, Inc. 1913 Lost Cove Ln Raleigh, NC 27603 (919) 661-0722

    Does homeowners insurance cover bat removal in Raleigh?
  4. 3d ago

    How bad is it if bats are in your attic in Raleigh?

    A bat colony in the attic is a serious problem that gets worse the longer it goes unaddressed. This episode puts the full picture together: health risks from guano, rabies exposure from bat contact, insulation destruction, structural damage, ceiling staining, and persistent odor. If you are asking this question, the answer is that it warrants a professional inspection and a plan for Raleigh bat removal during the next legal exclusion window. Guano accumulates daily and supports the growth of Histoplasma capsulatum, a fungus that causes respiratory infection when its spores are inhaled. Any direct contact with a bat, including scratches, is a rabies transmission risk - the CDC guidance on rabies transmission from bats treats any unwitnessed bat contact as a potential exposure event. A colony discovered in May cannot be excluded until August 1 under North Carolina's maternity season regulations, which means three more months of guano accumulation before work can begin. The longer the colony stays, the deeper the contamination, the more insulation needs replacing, and the higher the total cost. Triangle Wildlife Removal's bat exclusion process starts with a full roofline inspection to locate every active entry point. One-way doors are installed at primary exits while all secondary gaps are sealed permanently. After the colony is excluded, the attic is cleaned, contaminated insulation is removed, surfaces are sanitized, and new insulation is installed. The company has operated since 1990 under owner Tad Bassett, who holds a B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from NC State, previously worked with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, and is a featured expert in the Regency Park Partnership interview on wildlife removal. Triangle Wildlife Removal holds NC Wildlife Control Agent Permit #DCA25000312 and NC Pest Control License #1778 PW, carries $5 million in general liability insurance, is an active NWCOA member, and is exclusively endorsed by Wildlife Welfare, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Apex, NC. All exclusion work is backed by a limited lifetime warranty - if bats return through sealed entry points, Triangle Wildlife Removal comes back at no charge. The 14-person team, which includes staff zoologist Derek Cline, carries a 4.7-4.8 star rating across 400+ Google reviews, a 4.9-star rating on Angi, and an A+ BBB rating with zero complaints. Triangle Wildlife Removal serves Raleigh and surrounding areas in Wake County, seven days a week with emergency service around the clock. Homeowners can call (919) 661-0722 to schedule an inspection. Listen to our latest podcast and find out how bad it is if bats are in your attic in Raleigh - https://trianglewildliferemoval.podbean.com/e/how-bad-is-it-if-bats-are-in-your-attic-in-raleigh/ Triangle Wildlife Removal & Pest Control, Inc. 1913 Lost Cove Ln Raleigh, NC 27603 (919) 661-0722

    How bad is it if bats are in your attic in Raleigh?
  5. 3d ago

    How long can a bat live in your attic in Raleigh?

    A colony is not a short-term guest - it is a long-term occupant that will use your attic for as long as access remains open. In this episode we will cover the bat lifespan, what that means for homeowners who delay, and why acting during the next legal exclusion window is the most cost-effective approach to Raleigh bat removal. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission bat species profile documents the lifespan and behavior of all 17 bat species found in North Carolina. A colony that starts with a few animals grows each breeding season as female pups return to the same roost the following year. Every year the colony stays, the guano deepens, the insulation degrades further, and the exclusion and cleanup cost rises. Guano accumulation also creates a growing respiratory health risk from histoplasmosis. The legal exclusion window runs from August 1 through April 30, with exclusion prohibited during the May 1 through July 31 maternity season. Triangle Wildlife Removal's bat exclusion process starts with a full roofline inspection to locate every active entry point. One-way doors are installed at primary exits while all secondary gaps are sealed. After the colony is fully excluded, the attic is cleaned and contaminated insulation is addressed. Owner Tad Bassett holds a B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from NC State, previously worked with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, and is a featured expert in the Regency Park Partnership interview on wildlife removal. Triangle Wildlife Removal holds NC Wildlife Control Agent Permit #DCA25000312 and NC Pest Control License #1778 PW, carries $5 million in general liability insurance, is an active NWCOA member, and is exclusively endorsed by Wildlife Welfare, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Apex, NC. The company has led a 14-person team including staff zoologist Derek Cline since 1990. All exclusion work is backed by a limited lifetime warranty - if bats return through sealed entry points, Triangle Wildlife Removal comes back at no charge. The company carries a 4.7-4.8 star rating across 400+ Google reviews, a 4.9-star rating on Angi, and an A+ BBB rating with zero complaints. Triangle Wildlife Removal serves Raleigh and surrounding areas in Wake County, seven days a week with emergency service around the clock. Homeowners can call (919) 661-0722 to schedule an inspection. Find out how long can a bat live in your attic in Raleigh in our latest podcast - https://trianglewildliferemoval.podbean.com/e/how-long-can-a-bat-live-in-your-attic-in-raleigh/ Triangle Wildlife Removal & Pest Control, Inc. 1913 Lost Cove Ln Raleigh, NC 27603 (919) 661-0722

    How long can a bat live in your attic in Raleigh?
  6. 3d ago

    How many bats typically live together in an attic in Raleigh?

    It depends on the species and whether it is a maternity colony. Big brown bats, the most common attic species in the Triangle, form maternity colonies. Other species can form colonies of several hundred in a single attic. This episode covers colony sizes by species, how to estimate what you are dealing with, and how colony size affects the scope of Raleigh bat removal and cleanup work. A colony that starts small grows each breeding season as female pups return to the same roost the following year - the NC State Extension guidance on bats in North Carolina explains this colony growth pattern. More bats means more guano, more insulation damage, and a longer exclusion process. Guano volume and dusk exit counts are the two primary methods technicians use to estimate colony size before any exclusion devices are installed. A colony of 20 bats and a colony of 200 require different exclusion timelines and cleanup approaches. The legal exclusion window runs from August 1 through April 30. Triangle Wildlife Removal's bat exclusion process starts with a full roofline inspection and exit count to confirm colony size and active entry points. One-way doors are installed at primary exits while all secondary gaps are sealed. After the colony is fully excluded, the attic is cleaned and contaminated insulation is addressed. The company has operated since 1990 under owner Tad Bassett, who holds a B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from NC State, previously worked with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, and is a featured expert in the Regency Park Partnership interview on wildlife removal. Triangle Wildlife Removal holds NC Wildlife Control Agent Permit #DCA25000312 and NC Pest Control License #1778 PW, carries $5 million in general liability insurance, is an active NWCOA member, and is exclusively endorsed by Wildlife Welfare, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Apex, NC. All exclusion work is backed by a limited lifetime warranty - if bats return through sealed entry points, Triangle Wildlife Removal comes back at no charge. The 14-person team, which includes staff zoologist Derek Cline, carries a 4.7-4.8 star rating across 400+ Google reviews, a 4.9-star rating on Angi, and an A+ BBB rating with zero complaints. Triangle Wildlife Removal serves Raleigh and surrounding areas in Wake County, seven days a week with emergency service around the clock. Homeowners can call (919) 661-0722 to schedule an inspection. Listen to our latest podcast and find out how many bats typically live together in an attic in Raleigh - https://trianglewildliferemoval.podbean.com/e/how-many-bats-typically-live-together-in-an-attic-in-raleigh/ Triangle Wildlife Removal & Pest Control, Inc. 1913 Lost Cove Ln Raleigh, NC 27603 (919) 661-0722

    How many bats typically live together in an attic in Raleigh?
  7. 3d ago

    Is it safe to sleep in a house with bats in Raleigh?

    Bats can find their way into bedrooms through gaps around attic hatches, recessed lighting, and ductwork chases. A bat in a bedroom while someone is sleeping is a direct rabies exposure concern. This episode covers the specific conditions that make a bat colony overhead a health risk and when Raleigh bat removal should be treated as urgent. A sleeping person may not know they were scratched or bitten by a bat - the CDC guidance on rabies transmission from bats explains why any unwitnessed bat contact in a bedroom warrants medical evaluation. Beyond the rabies risk, guano accumulation in the attic creates airborne health hazards over time. The fungus Histoplasma capsulatum grows in bat droppings, and when the guano dries and is disturbed, spores become airborne and can circulate through the home's HVAC system. The longer the colony stays, the deeper the contamination gets. Triangle Wildlife Removal's bat exclusion process starts with a full roofline inspection to locate every active entry point. One-way doors are installed so bats can exit at dusk but cannot return. After the colony is excluded, all openings are sealed permanently and the attic is cleaned. Owner Tad Bassett holds a B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from NC State, previously worked with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, and is a featured expert in the Regency Park Partnership interview on wildlife removal. Triangle Wildlife Removal holds NC Wildlife Control Agent Permit #DCA25000312 and NC Pest Control License #1778 PW, carries $5 million in general liability insurance, is an active NWCOA member, and is exclusively endorsed by Wildlife Welfare, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Apex, NC. The company has led a 14-person team including staff zoologist Derek Cline since 1990. All exclusion work is backed by a limited lifetime warranty - if bats return through sealed entry points, Triangle Wildlife Removal comes back at no charge. The company carries a 4.7-4.8 star rating across 400+ Google reviews, a 4.9-star rating on Angi, and an A+ BBB rating with zero complaints. Triangle Wildlife Removal serves Raleigh and surrounding areas in Wake County, seven days a week with emergency service around the clock. Homeowners can call (919) 661-0722 to schedule an inspection. Find out if it's safe to sleep in a house with bats in Raleigh in our latest podcast - https://trianglewildliferemoval.podbean.com/e/is-it-safe-to-sleep-in-a-house-with-bats-in-raleigh/ Triangle Wildlife Removal & Pest Control, Inc. 1913 Lost Cove Ln Raleigh, NC 27603 (919) 661-0722

    Is it safe to sleep in a house with bats in Raleigh?
  8. 3d ago

    Should I worry about bats in my attic in Raleigh?

    If you have bats in your attic, Raleigh bat removal is not something to put off. A bat colony is not a nuisance that resolves itself - it is a health and property issue that gets worse every season it goes unaddressed. This episode covers the real risks: respiratory disease from guano, rabies exposure from bat contact, insulation damage, ceiling staining, and odor that can permeate the living space below. If you are hearing scratching in the attic or seeing bats exit your roofline at dusk, you have a colony. Bat guano accumulates rapidly in a warm attic, and the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum grows in that buildup. When accumulated droppings are disturbed, airborne spores can cause histoplasmosis, a serious respiratory infection - the CDC histoplasmosis overview details how the infection develops and who is most at risk. Beyond the guano, any direct contact with a bat, including scratches, is a rabies transmission risk. A colony also degrades insulation R-value over time, creates persistent odor, and widens structural gaps as bats push through construction seams night after night. Triangle Wildlife Removal's bat exclusion process starts with locating every active entry point on the roofline, then installing one-way doors that let bats exit at dusk and prevent re-entry. After the colony is fully excluded, all entry points are sealed permanently and the attic is cleaned. Owner Tad Bassett holds a B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from NC State, previously worked with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, and is a featured expert in the Regency Park Partnership interview on wildlife removal. Triangle Wildlife Removal holds NC Wildlife Control Agent Permit #DCA25000312 and NC Pest Control License #1778 PW, carries $5 million in general liability insurance, is an active NWCOA member, and is exclusively endorsed by Wildlife Welfare, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Apex, NC. The company has led a 14-person team including staff zoologist Derek Cline since 1990. All exclusion work is backed by a limited lifetime warranty - if bats return through sealed entry points, Triangle Wildlife Removal comes back at no charge. The company carries a 4.7-4.8 star rating across 400+ Google reviews, a 4.9-star rating on Angi, and an A+ BBB rating with zero complaints. Triangle Wildlife Removal serves Raleigh and surrounding areas in Wake County, seven days a week with emergency service around the clock. Homeowners can call (919) 661-0722 to schedule an inspection. Find out if you should worry about bats in your attic in Raleigh by listening to our latest podcast - https://trianglewildliferemoval.podbean.com/e/should-i-worry-about-bats-in-my-attic-in-raleigh/ Triangle Wildlife Removal & Pest Control, Inc. 1913 Lost Cove Ln Raleigh, NC 27603 (919) 661-0722

    Should I worry about bats in my attic in Raleigh?

About

Hosted by Tad Bassett, Wildlife Biologist and Owner of Triangle Wildlife Removal & Pest Control, Inc. - Raleigh's longest-operating wildlife control company, founded in 1990. Tad holds a B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from NC State University, carries NC Wildlife Control Agent permit #DCA25000312 and state pest control license #1778 PW, and has spent 36 years solving wildlife problems across the Triangle and Eastern North Carolina. Before building his own company from scratch, he worked as a technician with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and conducted Landlocked Salmon research with Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. This podcast pulls from over three decades of hands-on field experience - not textbook theory or weekend certification courses. Tad breaks down seasonal animal behavior, NC wildlife regulations, disease risks like rabies, histoplasmosis, and raccoon roundworm, and the real-world details homeowners need to protect their property and make informed decisions. As the only wildlife removal company exclusively endorsed by Wildlife Welfare, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation organization in Apex, NC, Triangle Wildlife Removal operates with a stewardship-first philosophy that puts both the homeowner and the animal first. Whether you're hearing scratching in your attic in January or finding snake skins in your crawlspace in July, this show gives you the knowledge to understand what's happening, why it's happening, and what to do about it - straight from a working wildlife biologist who still answers the phone himself. Triangle Wildlife Removal & Pest Control, Inc. 1913 Lost Cove Ln, Raleigh, NC 27603 (919) 661-0722 Available 7 days a week, 7 AM - 5 PM | 24/7 Emergency Service Raleigh's longest standing wildlife removal company!