We get calls all summer long from customers who have bats in their homes or on their properties. Most customers call expecting the problem to be taken care of immediately. However, many are surprised to find that while we can take steps to make sure the bats do not enter living quarters, we cannot actually remove the bats from homes until August.

There are several laws that protect bats, their offspring and their homes. (Check out The Endangered Species Act of 1973 and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1956 for more information.) Bats are very beneficial for our environment. They can eat thousands of insects each night, therefore making your backyard a much more enjoyable spot to hangout in the summer.

During May, June and July, baby bats are dependent on their mothers. Female bats typically give birth to one offspring and will nurse them throughout the summer. Mothers only leave their young in order to go catch a quick bite to eat. The females cannot leave their offspring alone for very long or they might not survive. At about 6 weeks of age, bats are able to fly and catch their own insects. In August, the time is right for bats to venture out into the wild and leave your home or property.

A common technique for the removal of bats is to put up a one way valve at the bats’ entry and exit points. This valve allows bats to leave your home or property, but will not let them return. If we were to insert this valve during June or July – baby bats would be left alone in your property. Once August begins, the young bats are able to fly and leave your property on their own. They travel out of the bat valve and cannot return to your property.

You might be afraid that bats will get into your living quarters during those summer months. Critter Control of the Triangle can take a few steps to help ease your mind. Baby bats are extremely small and can fit through all kinds of cracks. As soon as you believe you have bats in your attic, Critter Control will come to your home and do a complete inspection. We can seal off any entry points to prevent the bats from getting any closer to you and your family. We can do this any time of year, even during June and July.

Now that it is almost August, it is time to book your bat removal appointment. Contact us at 919-382-0651 for more information or to schedule your appointment today.