All Illinois bats are protected under the Wildlife Code (520 ILCS 5/1.1).
Where Do Bats Live in Illinois?
The cave regions of southern Illinois and the valleys of the Mississippi, Illinois River, and Chicago River have ideal natural bat habitats and the highest abundance of bats. Big brown bats, little brown bats, Northern long-eared myotis and tri-colored bats are all colonial bats.
Bat exclusions can be installed when outdoor temperatures exceed 50° F at dusk. Insects are not active at lower temperatures, and all bats in Illinois are insectivores.
When Can You Remove Bats in Attic in Illinois?
Between May 15th to August 5th, you cannot get rid of bats from your attic.
During the spring and summer, females will form maternity colonies in the hollow of trees, attics, or little used buildings. If you find a group of bats in your attic during the spring and summer, tread carefully.
At birth a young bat clings to its mother. When the mother feeds each evening, the young bat is left in the attic. If one were to implement bat removal at this time, the young bats would be stranded inside the attic with no way to feed.
After about three weeks, the young can fly and will start feeding on insects, but they will continue to nurse until they are about 1½ months of age. Once the pups can fly, we can install bat exclusions and a one way valve to get rid of bats in your attic.
Some skill is required to identify all potential entry points because bats can enter through holes as small as 3/8″ (the diameter of a dime) or spaces 3/8″ by 7/8″.
Bat Removal in Chicago, IL
To get rid of bats in Illinois, you need to use exclusion not exterminator. Bats may not be shot, trapped, transported, or held in confinement except when a bat is found in an area where they may have contact with humans or domestic pets.
Bat Exclusions Restrictions in Illinois
You can remove a bat from your living space any time of the year. A living space is any room in your house that you actively use. If a bat or bat colony is in a non-living space, such as an attic, permanent eviction can only occur from March 15 to May 15 when outdoor temperatures exceed 50° F at dusk, and August 5 through October 30 when outdoor temperatures exceed 50° F at dusk. This guideline is in place to protect pups while they are still unable to fly.
How to Get Rid of Bats
The most effective and humane way to remove bats is by utilizing a bat valve in conjunction with a full home exclusion. A bat valve allows for bats to exit your home but not re-enter. Since each bat removal is unique, our specialist will use or create a bat valve specifically for your home.
Once the bat valve is installed, all other entry points will be sealed, allowing for bats to exit only through the valve. The removal process typically takes 3-7 days. Our specialist will perform a final attic inspection before removing the valve. After removing the valve, the final entry point will be sealed, leaving your home bat-free.
Bat Removal during the Winter in Illinois
During the winter they usually roost in mines and caves. If natural habitats aren’t available, bats will winter inside buildings. If able, leave the bats alone for the winter and install exclusions once it gets warm.
They enter a state of bat hibernation called torpor. To survive long periods without a meal, the animals slow their breathing and heart rate to fall into a deep sleep. Unlike true hibernation, bats in this state can wake briefly on warmer days and leave their roost to find meals.
If bats are evicted during one of these warmer months, they won’t have a safe place to return when the temperatures drop again.