Massachusetts Bat Facts
Bats are found all across New England. They are most commonly 3 to 4 inches long with hairy, brown bodies and with close to a 9 inch wingspan. Bats mate in the fall and their pups are born between late May and early July. The average bat lifespan is 6 to 7 years, but some have been know to live for much longer. Bats eat insects, especially mosquitoes.
They are nocturnal so they are active at night. If you see a bat during the daytime it could be infected with rabies and it is best to stay away.
Bats are able to fly and hunt using echolocation. They blast out a call and listen for an echo that bounces back to them off of their prey. This also helps them avoid other bats and objects while flying at night. Bats have been known to transmit diseases like rabies, as well as parasites like tapeworms, fleas and mites.
Remove a Bat Infestation
The first sign of a bat infestation might be strange noises in your ceilings like scratching and squeaking. Bats have been known to take up residence in the roofs and chimneys of homes across New England. When bats enter your home, they’ll leave stains on from droppings and urine. The bat droppings, known as guano, will give off a strong smell of ammonia and help make it very obvious what type of pest you’re dealing with. Bats are nocturnal so they will regularly enter and leave homes at dawn and dusk.
Bat infestations can severely damage a home. They have been known to lead to structural damage, health risks and also help pave the way for other pests. Piles of bat guano will deteriorate the exterior of your house. Bat droppings may also contain dangerous diseases that it is best to stay away from. Bats also have the potential to transport bat bugs, a cousin of the bed bug, into your home.
Bat Identification
Bats have glossy fur that can be dark-brown, reddish or golden-brown. Their wings and membranes are dark brown or black, and hairless. Their ears are small and they have large hind feet. During the day they are often found sleeping hanging upside down by their feet. Bats like to stay in dark places and can sometimes only be seen just as the sun is going down.
Exterminating Bats In The Home & The Attic
Bats prefer warm, dry places that are often found in attics. They may also find spaces suited to their needs behind walls, in your garage, under floorboards and behind shutters and roof shingles. A bat can climb through cracks and other openings in your home.
Southshore IPM follows all state regulations and best practices so that we can ensure bats are removed from your property as safely as possible. Bats are active from the July to October and Southshore IPM can help seal-up any area where bats are living. Our trained technicians can also install an excluder so the bats won’t be able to return. This funnel-shaped “door” allows bats to exit wherever they are living in your home, but prevents them from getting back in.
An excluder is a safe way of allowing the bats to leave your home and find a new place to live. Once all the bats have left, Southshote IPM can remove the excluder and seal the opening.
