Why Cotton Balls Are Placed Outside Houses in Iowa: The Fascinati

As the weather changes, some pests take the opportunity to invade your home. Cotton balls soaked in certain scents can help keep the worst of them at bay. Let’s make sure your home stays filled with family—rather than unwanted visitors like bats! If you happen to walk by a house and catch a whiff of peppermint, eucalyptus, cinnamon, or cloves, it's not just for decoration. Those scents are often from cotton balls strategically placed to keep pests away to keep their home safe.

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As the seasons change, a variety of creatures—ranging from those that slither to those that fly—emerge in greater numbers, often making the nights feel even more ominous and unsettling. The cooler temperatures and shifting weather patterns create an ideal environment for these pests to seek shelter indoors, amplifying the sense of unease as their presence lingers in the shadows. Whether it’s the sound of scurrying feet, the flutter of wings, or the slithering of a serpent, these unwelcome visitors can transform an otherwise peaceful evening into a spine-chilling experience.

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Types Of Bats In Iowa

Iowa is home to several species of bats. The most common types include:

Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus)
Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus)
Eastern Red Bat (Lasiurus borealis)
Silver-haired Bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans)
Northern Long-eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis)
Tri-colored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus)

Scents Can Keep Bats Away In Iowa

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.