You likely know that bats are significantly more active at night. However, you may never have thought much about what they do during the day. Although the obvious answer, that they are sleeping, is partially accurate, the full answer is more interesting. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control of Kitchener, we believe that understanding wildlife is the key to effective and humane management. We use this knowledge to aid bat removal in Kitchener and the surrounding area.
Daytime Behaviour of Bats
Although there are many species of bats, each with different behaviours, most are nocturnal. This means that they are at their most active during the night. The main reason for this is that there are many more insects and other treats to catch during the nighttime.
Thus, during the day, bats are primarily resting until the sun starts to set. They retreat to their sleeping spots and settle in. Bats like to sleep in colonies of between 10 and hundreds of individuals. They pack together for warmth and protection.
Famously, bats like to sleep upside down, holding onto the top of their roosts with their feet. This is a defensive mechanism that helps to protect them from predators. Similarly, their expansive colonies allow them to stay safe from threats. This is the reason for the characteristic swarm of bats coming out from a dark space. They are scared of whatever has disturbed them, so they all rush out to the safety of the air.
Where They Go
Bats like to sleep in areas that are dark, warm, secluded and, typically, tightly packed. These characteristics aid their survival by both keeping them warm and hiding them from predators.
Contrary to popular belief, and a lot of cartoons, bats are not necessarily cave-dwellers. There are some species that like to live in caves. However, many of them would much rather side in crevices between rocks or hollows in trees. In other words, they usually want to be somewhere that is hard for larger animals to access. Bats are extremely capable of squeezing through small gaps.
If you have bats in your home, they are likely to find small spaces in attics, crawl spaces, gaps behind chimneys, vents and wall voids. Basically, anywhere that is warm and hidden, bats will use. Unfortunately, this can make it difficult to know that you have bats before they have been infesting your property for some time.
Dealing With Bats Around Your Home
Should bats decide to take up residence in your home or business, you need to deal with the problem. One of the most significant risks associated with bat infestations is the guano. Due to how bats sleep, their droppings can pile up significantly underneath them. In turn, this can cause the growth of fungal spores and other unwanted health risks. Furthermore, bats can carry rabies and other serious diseases.
However, you should not attempt to get rid of bats yourself. When scared, they can potentially act defensively. Even if they are simply trying to get away from you, there is a risk of bites and scratches that could pass on the disease. Even if you are fortunate enough to avoid such attacks, you could be risking your health if you don’t have the right protective gear for the cleanup. In other words, dealing with a bat infestation is a good time to call for professional help.
Schedule a Bat Removal in Kitchener
If you are dealing with a bat infestation in Kitchener, Waterloo or the surrounding area, contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control today. Our professionals know how to correctly handle wildlife to prevent health risks for you and your loved ones. Our three-step removal, prevention and cleanup process will ensure results.