This Is Why You See Cotton Balls Outside Houses In Illinois

Some pests take advantage of the changing weather to invade your home. The cotton balls could help keep the worst of them away. Let’s ensure your home stays full of family—and not bats!  If you walk by a house and smell peppermint, eucalyptus, cinnamon, or cloves... it's not for fun. It might just be soaked cotton balls being used to keep pests out.

From creatures that slither to the ones that fly, the changing of seasons bring out the worst of them, making the nights feel even more menacing with their eerie presence.

Types Of Bats In Illinois

There are over 10 common bat species in Illinois. It's actually unlucky number 13. So if you don't like bats, Illinois may not be the place for you.

Some of these include the big brown bat, little brown bat, eastern red bat, and silver-haired bat. The largest bat species in Illinois is the Hoary bat.

Scents Can Keep Bats Away In Illinois

It's important to note that bats are difficult to drive away from the places they typically choose to inhabit.

Bats will go back "home" throughout the year. If your home is that spot... good luck! Maybe these tricks can keep them away. getbatsout.com reports that a few smells may keep bats away.

Bats have a strong sense of smell and are repelled by certain natural scents. You can use essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, cinnamon, or cloves. You can soak cotton balls in the oil and place them around your porch.

Other methods to use that may have better results include:

Using one-way exclusion device: One-way exclusion devices allow bats to escape but not to re-enter. These “one-way doors” can be placed over entry points, such as holes in the wall or roof

Bat-proof screens: These are an inexpensive way to keep bats out.

Bright lights: Bats are nocturnal, so bright lights can deter them. You can install lights and leave them on continuously.

If all else fails... call an expert!