According to bat wildlife control guidelines, which method is considered less effective than exclusion?

Exclusion is considered the most effective method for controlling bat populations because it prevents them from entering a space in the first place. When buildings or structures are bat-proofed, it creates a barrier that bats cannot bypass, leading to a long-term solution without harming the bats.

Trapping, on the other hand, is less effective than exclusion because it only addresses the bats that have already entered a building or area. Trapping might remove some individuals, but it does not prevent new bats from entering, meaning that the problem can persist or recur. This is why exclusion is favored; it eliminates the entry points, thereby solving the problem at the source rather than addressing symptoms.

Blocking access may seem similar to exclusion, but it can be less effective if not done thoroughly or if bats find alternative entry points. Monitoring can be useful in evaluating the effectiveness of exclusions or traps but does not actively resolve infestations.

Thus, while trapping is a method used to manage bat populations, it is not as effective as exclusion in providing a permanent solution to bat intrusion.