Bat Control and Removal MN
Bats are truly wonders of nature. They represent the only flying mammals (flying squirrels glide but cannot fly). However, bats, like snakes, are poorly understood. As a result, these tiny winged mammals are feared unnecessarily. They are not threatening. However, many species of bats are threatened. Numbers of bats are on the decline due to a number of risks: white nose syndrome, loss of habitat, pesticide use, and disturbance of winter roosts.
While incorrect information has created a fear of bats, the truth is that we need to protect them, especially in winter. Winter is a precarious time for the animals, as they are hibernating and conserving energy resources.
Any disturbance will arouse them from their sleep, using up those precious resources, without which they could starve. Although bats do normally awaken from their torpor every few weeks, any unnecessary awakening is stressful to them. Female bats are carrying young, and their maternity roosts are especially vulnerable.
Excluding Bats
The best way to get rid of bats is also the safest—both for the bats and the humans involved. This is to humanly exclude them. It is very important that proper inspection techniques and exclusion methods be utilized.
It is important not to disturb hibernating bats. If a bat rouses early from hibernation, it must use its fat reserves to increase its body temperature. A single disturbance probably costs a bat as much energy as it would normally expend in two to three weeks hibernating. Thus, if disturbed multiple times, hibernating bats may starve to death before spring.
It is important not to disturb roosting bats at any time of the year. In the spring, disturbing a maternity colony when flightless young are present may cause young bats to be dropped to their deaths, or abandoned, by panicked females. Because some bats hibernate in buildings during the winter months, bat-proof a building only when you are sure no bats are hibernating in it. If bats are found hibernating inside after October 15, they should be left alone until early spring (prior to the birthing period in May) after the weather has warmed enough for insects to be out regularly. Meanwhile, seal all potential entry points into human living spaces, and develop a plan so the exclusion process can be accomplished effectively in spring.
From mid-October to mid-March, when bats should still be hibernating, or after you have made sure no bats are roosting in the attic or other area, seal all potential entry holes.
Note: Never trap flightless young or adult bats inside a structure; this is needlessly cruel to the bats inside and can create a serious odor or pest problem.
A Minnesota Wild Animal Control Company experienced in excluding bats can be hired, or you can do the exclusion work yourself. In attics and areas where large numbers of bats have been roosting for years, it is safer for you to hire a professional to do the work, including the cleanup of accumulated droppings.
