Michigan Fall Bat Removal
Bat Activity and Removal in Michigan During the Fall Months
Bat removal, bat control and bat relocation during the Fall months is often the best times to complete bat removal exclusions. During the beginning of fall all juvenile pups are in full flight and aren't at risk of being trapped into their dwelling area (attic, eves, walls, vents, etc.). Fall months are often cool, but most times the nights are still warm enough for all the bats to leave their roost for food and water. Once the temperatures drop below 40 degrees at night and frost line hits the food source will die out and the bats can not survive with out relocating or hibernation. Bats will tend to move from the rafters of your attic, the soffits, and outside vents down underneath the insulation to find an area above 40 or 50 degrees where it is most comfortable for them to survive.
Because the temperatures are so up and down during the fall months it is very important not to remove the exclusion devices installed on your home until late spring or early summer of the following year. Also there is no guarantee during the Fall months that the bats will be excluded from their roosting area. We continue to monitor the flight activity of the bats during these months.
Having your home bat proofed and exclusion work done during the Fall months can also be beneficial to the home owner because any open airways into your home can be sealed to cut down on energy bills. During home inspections our technicians can make you aware of your insulation value where we can offer more insulation to make your house more energy sufficient. Also if you have asphalt shingles they wont be at risk of being ruined because of being too hot when our technician are moving around on your roof top sealing entry points.
How do you get rid of bats during the Fall?
Like most month is starts with an inspection and then an exclusion. The only difference is the one way bat doors will need to remain on the home through the fall and winter due to temperature changes and hibernating bats.
The bat removal process in the fall is a 3 step process:
- Inspection: Locating entry points and other potential entry points.
- Live Bat Exclusion: Installing one way doors and bat proofing the rest of the home.
- Return visit: Re-inspect the home and remove one way door devices during the spring.
The length of time it takes bats to exit your home varies depending on the season. During summer months, getting rid of bats usually takes between one and three days. During winter, or other times of extreme cold, bats often hibernate and have very low activity levels. Getting rid of bats during these seasons may take several weeks or months.
Improper Bat Removal Techniques
The process mentioned above is the only acceptable way to get rid of bats from homes and attics. Glue boards, “Bat-A-Way”, or high frequency noise emitters are gimmicks and unacceptable ways to solve a bat problem. The Federal Trade Commission has provided a ban against the selling ultrasonic pest control devices. There are no poisons, pesticides or fumigations you can use to evict bats from your home. Bats are both state and federally protected species here in Michigan. Because of White Nose Syndrome (WNS) bats are now on the endangered list. Also because of West Nile and other various diseases bats are great to control the insect population and prevent the spread of diseases. Fines for killing bats in Michigan can be up to $5,000.
Bats are a beneficial species. They are an important part of any local ecosystem, with some species eating significant numbers of potential agricultural pests such as mosquitoes, beetles and moths. Like all wildlife in Michigan, bats can carry rabies. Human rabies cases are rare in the U.S., with an average of 2-3 cases documented each year. It is estimated that in the U.S., 40,000 people each year receive rabies post-exposure and many of these following an exposure to bats. Some of these treatments can be avoided if the bat can be collected and tested for rabies. If the animal tests negative for rabies, no treatment is necessary.
Can Your Start the Bat Exclusion Process in the Fall?
Many states won't allow companies to exclude bats from the attic until late summer or early fall. This is due to maternity season and you have to make sure all juvenile bat pups are able to fly. The problem with this is all about timing. You must complete the bat exclusion process in early fall or you may find bats won't leave the attic due to the colder climates. Bat exclusions done during the fall should happen in September or early October to avoid living with bats during the winter.
Why is a bat flying in my house during the fall?
The ever constant weather change over the fall causes bats to become disoriented and come in and out of early hibernation. Bats wake up time to time and fly into your living quarters. If you have a bat in the house during the fall it may indicate a colony of bats looking for a place to hibernate.
Why start the bat removal process during the fall?
Did the bat fly in from the outside?
Most likely no. Bats that enter your home during the fall are bats coming from the attic or walls. These are bats looking to hibernate and sometimes end up in your living quarters instead of nesting or roosting sites in the attic or walls.
What can I do if there is a colony of bats in the attic?
Most importantly you have to be patient. Bats living in your attic over the fall are not going to leave over night. It may take several nights or months for the bats to leave your home. Bats that enter your home during this time may be very disoriented and are simply looking for a way out. If you find a bat flying in your house open a window or door. The bat may fly out within a few short minutes. If you can not get rid of the bat from your house, it may be time to call a professional.
Should I clean my attic out if there is bat poop?
Not all attics need to be clean out, but many do. The winter or colder months are the best times to clean out the attic. We can often times remove hibernating bats located underneath insulation while we remove the insulation. During your home inspection we will look in the attic and determine if you need attic restoration work.
Bat Control Topics and Quick Links
Bat Control Services in These Areas
Common areas we serve throughout our Michigan service area are: Bay City, Dewitt, Eagle, Elsie, Fowler, Maple Rapids, Ovid, St. Johns, Westphalia,Bellevue, Charlotte, Dimondale, Eaton Rapids, Grand Ledge, Mulliken, Olivet, Potterville, Sunfield, Vermontville, Waverly, Burton, Clio, Davison, Fenton, Flint, Flushing, Goodrich, Grand Blanc, Linden, Montrose, Mount Morris, Ottisville, Swartz Creek,Dansville, East Lansing, Lansing, Leslie, Mason, Okemos, Stockbridge, Webberville, Williamston, Jackson, Grass Lake, Almont, Attica, Clifford,Columbiaville, Dryden, Imlay City, Lapeer, Metamora, North Branch, Otter Lake, Argentine, Brighton, Fowlerville, Hartland, Howell, Pinckney, Whitmore Lake, Armada, Center Line, Chesterfield, Clinton, Eastpointe, Memphis, Mount Clemons, New Baltimore, New Haven, Romeo, Saint Claire Shores, Shelby, Sterling Heights, Utica, Warren, Midland, Carleton, Dundee, Estral Beach, Luna Pier, Maybee, Monroe, Petersburg, South Rockwood, Auburn Hills, Berkley, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Clarkston, Clawson, Commerce Twp., Farmington, Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Franklin, Holly, Lake Orion, Madison Heights, Milford, Novi, Oak Park, Ortonville, Oxford, Pontiac, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, South Lyon, Southfield, Troy, Walled lake, Wixom, West Bloomfield, Wolverine Lake, Birch Run, Chesaning, Frankenmuth, Merrill, Oakley, Saginaw, St. Charles, Zilwaukee, Bancroft, Byron, Corunna, Durand, Lainsburg, Lennon, Morrice, New Lothrop, Owosso, Perry, Vernon, Akron, Caro, Cass City, Fairgrove, Gagetown, Kingston, Millingston, Reese, Unionville, Vassar, Ann Arbor, Barton Hills, Chelsea, Dexter, Manchester, Milan, Saline, Ypsilanti, Canton, Livonia, Northville, Plymouth, Wayne, Westland