Bats are fascinating creatures that have long been misunderstood and feared by many people. But did you know that bats play a vital role in the ecosystem? Not only do they help control insect populations, but they also pollinate plants and spread seeds. However, sometimes bats can become a nuisance, especially during their blackout season. In this article, we’ll explore what blackout season is, how to get rid of bats, and why you should turn to the wildlife control experts at Terminix for help.
What Is Blackout Season?
The blackout season, which spans from May to September, refers to the time when female bats give birth and nurture their young. In North Carolina, this season lasts from May 1 to July 31, while in Virginia, it extends from May 15 to August 15. Female bats gather in maternity colonies during this time, while male bats usually remain solitary. Although both genders search for food, bats are primarily nocturnal creatures and are most active at night. As a result, you may notice an increase in bat activity around your home during the blackout season as bats search for food and roosting spots.
Got Bats? Signs of an Infestation
When bats decide to make your home their own, they can cause some serious problems. Early detection of a bat infestation is key to preventing damage and keeping your family safe. Here are a few signs to look out for:
- Strange Noises: Bats are nocturnal creatures and are most active at night. If you hear strange scratching or squeaking sounds coming from your walls or attic, it may be a sign that bats have taken up residence.
- Droppings: Bat droppings, also known as guano, are small, dark pellets that accumulate quickly. If you notice piles of droppings in or around your home, it could be a sign that bats are present.
- Stains: Bats often leave oily stains on walls and ceilings near their entry points. If you notice any unusual stains, it could be a sign of a bat infestation.
How To Get Rid Of Bats
While bats can be beneficial to have around, they can also become a nuisance if they roost in your home or business. Here are a few ways to get rid of bats:
- Install bat houses: If you want to encourage bats to roost elsewhere, consider installing bat houses on your property. Bat houses provide a safe and comfortable roosting spot for bats, and they can help keep bats out of your home. If there’s a problem with a roosting site, the females will carry their young to a new one. If you decide to go the bat house route, you don’t want to install them on the side of your home.
- Seal entry points (exclusion): Bats can squeeze through even the tiniest of gaps, so it’s important to seal all entry points to your home or business. Use caulk, weatherstripping, or mesh to seal gaps around windows, doors, and vents. These areas should never be sealed without a devise that would allow the bats to leave so that they are not trapped inside, this could lead to a multitude of problems including them finding their way into the home trying to get out. Exclusion cannot be performed during blackout season.
- Turn off exterior lights: Bats are attracted to light, so turning off exterior lights can help deter them from roosting near your home.
- Contact a wildlife control expert: If you have a bat infestation, it’s best to leave the removal to the professionals. A wildlife control expert can safely and humanely remove bats from your home or business and help prevent future infestations.
Choose Terminix For Safe, Humane Bat Control Services
When it comes to wildlife control, Terminix is the name you can trust. Our team of wildlife control experts has the knowledge and experience to safely and humanely remove bats from your home or business. We use the latest technology and methods to ensure that your bat problem is resolved quickly and efficiently.
Bats can admittedly be interesting creatures, they can also become a nuisance during their blackout season. If you have a bat infestation, it’s important to take action to get rid of them safely and humanely. By following the tips in this article and contacting the wildlife control experts at Terminix, you can ensure that your bat problem is resolved quickly and efficiently (see note below concerning blackout season).*
Schedule your free wildlife inspection with Terminix today!
*It is important to note that we cannot remove bats during blackout season. In North Carolina, blackout season runs from May 1- July 31. In Virginia, the dates run from May 15- August 15.