Massachusetts Bat Facts
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of a bat infestation in my home?
Common signs of an infestation include strange noises, such as scratching or squeaking, coming from the ceilings or walls. You may also notice droppings (guano) around your attic or on surfaces in your home, which give off a strong ammonia smell. They are nocturnal, so they typically enter and leave your home at dawn and dusk.
How does South Shore IPM handle bat infestations?
We follow all state regulations and best practices for safe and humane removal. Our trained technicians perform thorough inspections to locate entry points. We then use excluders, which are funnel-shaped devices that allow them to leave the premises but prevent them from re-entering. Once all have exited, we seal any openings to ensure they do not return.
Are bats dangerous to my health or property?
They can carry diseases such as rabies and transmit parasites like fleas and mites. Their droppings (guano) can cause health risks and deteriorate the structure of your home. They can also bring in bugs, such as bed bugs, that can spread throughout your home. It’s important to address an infestation quickly to avoid these health risks and property damage.
When is the best time to remove bats from my home?
They are most active from July to October, making this the best time to address an infestation. During this period, they are typically in their colonies, and it’s the ideal time to use excluders to safely remove them. It’s important to remove them before they have a chance to cause extensive damage or spread diseases.
How can I prevent bats from returning after removal?
After we remove them, we will seal all potential entry points in your home, including cracks, vents, and other openings. We use eco-friendly methods to ensure they cannot re-enter, and we provide ongoing monitoring and maintenance to prevent future infestations. Our excluder system is a key part of this process, allowing them to leave without returning.