‘Don’t worry’ bats may be in your North Carolina home, says wildlife expert. How to get them out

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission says homeowners should prepare for bat roosting season.Photo byJeffrey HamiltononUnsplash

As warmer weather persists in North Carolina, bats are active and may start appearing in homes. North Carolina biologists say bats may be in your home, and time is ticking to safely get them out.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission says bats hibernate or migrate south during the winter, so you may start seeing them now.

Identifying Bats in Your Home

Signs of Bats:

• Guano (Bat Poop): The most telling sign of bats is their droppings, often found in attics or other hidden spaces.

Why Timing Matters

Pup-Rearing Season:

• Begins May 1 and ends around August 1. During this period, young bats are flightless and entirely dependent on their mothers.
• Evicting adult bats during this time can lead to the death of the young bats and cause mothers to invade living spaces seeking their pups.

Safe Bat Removal

Before Pup-Rearing Season (Before May 1):

• Call a Professional: Contact a licensed Wildlife Control Agent to safely remove bats. A list of professionals is available on the NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s website.
• DIY Removal: If you opt to remove the bats yourself, ensure your skin is fully covered to avoid bites. Create an exclusion device that allows bats to leave but prevents re-entry.

During Pup-Rearing Season (May 1 to July 31):

• Avoid Eviction: It’s best to leave the bats alone to prevent harm to the young and avoid further complications.

After Pup-Rearing Season (After August 1):

• Resume Eviction Methods: By this time, young bats are mature enough to fly, making it safe to evict them.

Preventing Future Bat Entry

Seal Entry Points:

• Ensure that attics, gable vents, and other potential entry points are not accessible from the outside. Bats can enter through very small spaces, as small as a quarter inch by a quarter inch.

Handling Emergency Situations

Bats in Living Areas:

• If bats are found in the living areas of your home, it is considered an emergency. In such cases, immediately contact a Wildlife Control Agent for safe removal.

While having bats in your attic is not typically an emergency if they’re not in the living spaces, it’s crucial to manage their presence responsibly to prevent potential issues. By following these guidelines and timing considerations, you can ensure both your safety and the well-being of the bats.