Depending on the species, bats either hibernate or migrate during the winter. The main reason is that cold weather limits the supply of insects available for bats to eat.
All bat species in the United States are insectivores. The cold weather limits the supply of insects. So during the winter, bats must migrate or hibernate. Depending on the bat's location, winter temperatures may not drop below 35-40 degrees, which is the point at which bats may suffer from winter weather. In such cases, bats may choose to stick around the area. Others will migrate to much warmer areas where bugs are plentiful.
Bat Hibernation
During bat hibernation, it will lower its heart rate and body temperature and stay in a sleep-like state for months. Bats can drop their average heart rate of 200-300 beats per minute to 10 beats per minute. They can also go for several minutes without breathing to conserve energy.
Bats start preparing for hibernation in mid-October by eating as much as posisble. The extra fat will metabolize slowly over the winter months, sustaining them through hibernation.
Where do Bats Hibernate in Winter?
Bats thibernate in a specific areas called hibernacula, like caves, mines, cracks in mountainsides, and some trees. Bats living in urban areas may choose to hibernate locally. If so, your attic, barn, or shed is the perfect place.Some bat species hibernate alone, while others hibernate in colonies.
Bats are small and do not need large spaces to roost. They enter attics through broken screens or windows, cracked wood, or separated flashing. If your chimney cap is missing, bats may choose to live there for the winter. They also take advantage of loose siding, empty barn rafters, carports, gazebos, and other outdoor structures with access to a space protected from the outdoor elements.
Where Do Bats Migrate?
Most migratory bats in the U.S. migrate to Mexico, but there are some places within the United States that get migratory bats during the winter. Resients in the Rio Grande Valley can have bat problems from migratory bats in the winter.
Bats in Your Attic
Knowing the signs of a bat living in your home is essential. Bats tend to produce a lot of guano or feces. Bat guano may resemble rat feces, but instead of being scattered, it piles up underneath the bat's roost. Bats often roost near the space they use to enter and exit your attic.
Another sign that bats are in your attic is hearing unfamiliar noises. Yes, bats mostly stay still during hibernation. However, some bats will temporarily come out of torpor or full hibernation when temperatures rise. When temperatures drop and become colder, bats may try to move to a warmer spot inside your home. If you hear fluttering or shuffling around, it may be a bat.
Bats use high-pitched squeaks to communicate with one another. Typically, humans cannot hear them. Occasionally, when awoken from torpor suddenly, you may be able to hear them.
Stains and smudges on your walls, floors, siding, beams, or around cracks and holes are indicators bats are present. The stains are from bat guano dripping over a bat's body while it roosts. Bat fur is usually covered in guano.
What to Do About Bats in Your Home
Getting rid of bats from your home should involve a professional wildlife removal expert. One reason is that bats have protection federally and at the state level. With diseases like the white-nosed syndrome killing many bats, species are now threatened, and a fear of extinction exists.
We need bats and must do what we can to save them. They help balance the ecosystem by each eating thousands of insects each night. Regulations are in place to prevent the eviction of a bat during certain times of the year, like during maternity season, from May to August. During this time, removing a bat or trying to get it to leave on its own is illegal.
Bats, and their pups, must be able to survive after eviction. If you find bats hibernating in your attic during winter, it is best to wait until early autumn before trying to remove them.
Excluding Bats from Your Home
Wildlife control operators understand all laws regarding bat removal and how to prevent their return using exclusion methods. Installing one-way valves is a safe and humane way to eliminate bats. They can easily fly out of the valve, but because it narrows on the outside end, bats cannot fly back in.
Once the bats are gone, a technician will remove the valve and seal the entry point. They will also teach you how to reduce food and water sources that attract bats to your home. You don't have to wait until you have a bat problem to get help. Call wildlife experts to learn more about prevention today.
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Customer Reviews
It has been very effective at reducing the number of mice, lizard, and snake sightings. During one visit Edgar removed a rattlesnake he came across. We may see a snake maybe two to three times during the spring and summer months, but it has been far less than before.
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Wildlife & Rodent Control in San Diego
Full service. Excellent job of extracting raccoon, cleaning all animal waste, sanitizing, and spraying anti-parasitic substance. They closed all potential ports of entry, though the work did not match the vinyl, and it looks kind of tacky. They added blown insulation, which added a lot to the cost. They provide a one year warranty against animal intrusion, with an option to extend the warranty at the end of each one- year period. They were willing to work with me one the price. I will probably extend my warranty, and will definitely use them it the future.
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Chattanooga
I was really impressed by these guys. Got a call within a few hours of making an inquiry. Had a rep out to inspect the situation by the end of the week, and when they laid out the timeline they kept if not exceeded listed times.
Rob, Travis, and Jim were all professional, polite, and courteous and after months of hearing squirrels in my ceiling they are gone and the repair to my flashing looks excellent. Can't recommend these guys enough.
Jeff was incredibly professional and helpful. I'll use them again and would recommend them to anyone.
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Detroit, MI
Critter Control did a great job of evaluating our house for sites of entry after we found bats and a squirrel in our attic. They completed their work promptly and professionally.
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Seattle, WA
We heard some noise from the corner of our house. Concerned that it could be inside we called for an inspection. Jessy arrived as scheduled and conducted a complete inspection of our home. Based on a recording we made he determined we had a tree frog on our roof. I was pleased that we didn’t have any rodent in our house. And his inspection could a few spots I can tighten up around my house. I am very happy with the outcome.
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New Hampshire
We have a vacation home in
Western Mass and haven’t been there much during the pandemic as we live and work in Atlanta, GA. On our most recent visit we noticed that we had some rodent intrusion as well as some un-welcomed wildlife who decided to make our vacation home their home.
We contacted Critter Control and Mr. Cahoon was quick to set up an appointment as we wouldn’t be in town very long. He came out and assessed our issues. He informed us of our options to both eradicate and control future intrusions. Keeping in mind that wildlife is wildlife! He quickly got to work eradicating the rodents and wildlife from our home and addressing the intrusion issues. We feel much better leaving our vacation home for periods at a time knowing that Mr. Cahoon and Critter Control did their job and did it right! Thanks again!
We bought an old cabin last spring , it was used for years as a summer vacation cabin, therefore maintenance wasn’t a priority. After our project to remodel started, we found evidence of
mice droppings.
We immediately called Critter Control and they came and gave us a reasonable estimate to remove all remnants and insulation. They sanitized and replaced with new insulation and sealing up points of entry .
Seeing their professional work made us feel confident and secure that the problem was solved ! Everyone we worked with continued to show professional and respectful work. Highly recommend this company! We continue to use critter control monthly to be sure we are mice and bug free!
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