The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) recommends that homeowners check now for bats that may be getting into their home and evict them responsibly before pup-rearing season begins on May 1.
Bats are highly beneficial, offering free pest control by devouring nearly their own body weight in insects each night. Their hunger for insects peaks during pup-rearing season, which runs May 1 to July 31 across North Carolina.
Early spring is the perfect time to check for bats and make sure if any are getting into the building, they end up elsewhere before this season’s pups are born. Bat evictions work by allowing bats to leave on their own, while preventing them from getting back in. “Newborn bats can’t fly and are left in the roost while their mothers forage for the evening,” says Katherine Etchison, the agency’s bat biologist. This is the key to why evictions aren’t legal during pupping season. All bats are protected in North Carolina, and evictions during this time can kill newborn bat pups.
“Evicting bats during this time ensures any pups in the roost will starve. To make matters worse, desperate mother bats may fly through open doors or windows trying to reach their pups, increasing the chance of a close encounter with humans” say Etchison.” By August 1, bat pups are old enough to fly, so it’s safe to evict bats after that date.”
Bat guano, which resembles mouse droppings, often piles up under the entry point bats use to get to their roost. Check under attic vents, shutters or other potential entry points for rice-sized droppings that easily crush into a fine powder. If you suspect bats are getting inside, you can hire a licensed Wildlife Control Agent or follow Bat Conservation International’s guidance on evicting bats yourself.
Though evicting bats isn’t an option between May 1 and July 31, homeowners can ensure bats can’t enter the human living space. A licensed Wildlife Control Agent can inspect the home and seal off any gaps that would allow bats to enter the main dwelling area. They can also make any preparations for evicting the bats once pup-rearing season is over. If you do find a bat inside the living space, especially if you can’t rule out that it may have come into direct contact with a person or a pet, contact your county health department immediately to find out if the bat needs to be tested.
Bats return to the same roost each spring, so it’s important to make permanent repairs that prevent them from entering the building in future years. You can give bats an alternative roost by installing a bat box in a sunny area on your property. For the best chance of success, follow Bat Conservation International’s tips on building, buying and installing bat boxes.
Contact NCWRC’s Wildlife Helpline, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 866-318-2401 for questions, or email HWI@ncwildlife.org. You can also visit Co-Existing with Bats on NCWRC’s website.