As the weather gets cooler bats search for anywhere to roost. During the winter they cuddle together and hibernate in large numbers. Consistent temperatures are important for bats. Somewhere dry. Somewhere dark. Sounds a lot like your attic.
Bats roosting inside a soffit.
Bats hibernate by altering their body temperature and metabolism
Many bats found in Ontario hibernate. Small brown bats generally flock to caves or mines. Big brown bats are more likely to roost in buildings, homes and attics. Usually when the weather gets colder the flying insect population that forms the basis of their diet disappears and bats begin looking for hibernation sites.
Their winter slumber can last up to six months. Bats make it through that amount of time on only a few grams of stored fat. Dropping their body temperature to around 3ºC to 6ºC helps them to conserve energy. Their metabolism slows and their heart rate sinks to 10 beats a minute. A pretty deep sleep. By the time bats wake up in spring they have lost approximately half their body weight.
Hibernaculum differs per species
Bats are looking for places to hibernate that are safe and temperature specific. Caves and abandoned mines are popular places for large bat colonies. They offer a consistency in environmental conditions where bats can relax undisturbed. A hibernaculum refers to the protective shelter, covering or structure for hibernating animals. Bats often hibernate in roosts.
Big brown bats are more tend to over winter in the same places they spend spring and summer. This species is more likely to roost in buildings, homes and attics. Every couple weeks they wake up to exercise and fly around. If the temperature inside the house changes dramatically, they will search for a more appropriate place in the building to hide-out for the rest of the winter. Sometimes they get lost in walls and that’s why people get bats in their home even during winter.
Bat droppings piling up inside an attic.
Bat damage to your home
- They smell. 30-40 bats coming and going can leave behind plenty of droppings.
- Huge stains. Their droppings and roosts can make a big mess and stain drywall.
- Your health. Bats carry rabies, histoplasmosis and parasites.
Brantford wild animal removal
Many times bats will survive longer in your home where the temperature and conditions are stable. There are many signs that you have a bat colony in your roof. Stains, droppings, sightings are all ways to identify infestations.
Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control can remove bats from your attic – but it’s important to get started before it gets cold. Once bats go into hibernations it’s impossible to remove them until next spring.
During summer pay attention to higher bat traffic around your house. Bats might be sneaking in through small holes in your roof or siding. An expert eye is usually needed to identify how bats are getting into your house.
Skedaddle specializes in wild animal removal and exclusion to prevent future infestation. If you’ve had bats in house call us today – 1-888-592-0387!
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