As the temperatures rise in Minnesota, so does bat activity. Spring marks the season when bats emerge from hibernation or return from migration, often seeking shelter in attics, barns, and other structures. While these flying mammals play a vital role in controlling insect populations, they can become a nuisance—and even a health hazard—when they take up residence in your home. If you’re dealing with unwanted bats this spring, here’s what you need to know about their behavior, risks, and how to remove them safely.
Why Are Bats a Problem in Spring?
During the winter months, many bats in Minnesota hibernate in caves, abandoned buildings, or other secluded spots. However, as the weather warms up, they become active again, searching for food and suitable roosting sites. In some cases, bats return to homes they’ve used in previous years, entering through small openings in eaves, vents, or chimneys.
Spring is also the start of the maternity season. Female bats gather in warm, sheltered areas to give birth and care for their young. If a colony forms inside your home, removal becomes more complicated because baby bats (pups) cannot fly for several weeks. Attempting to remove a colony too early can leave pups stranded, increasing the risk of further issues.
Common Signs of a Bat Infestation
Wondering if bats have moved into your home? Look for these telltale signs:
• Strange Noises – Bats are nocturnal, so you might hear scratching, chirping, or fluttering sounds in the attic or walls at night.
• Guano (Bat Droppings) – Bat droppings often accumulate near entry points and have a strong, musty odor. Piles of guano can lead to serious health risks.
• Grease Stains – Bats leave behind dark, oily smudges near their entry points as they squeeze through small openings.
• Sightings at Dusk or Dawn – If you see bats flying around your home in the early morning or evening, there’s a good chance they’re roosting nearby.
Health and Structural Risks From Bats
Bats aren’t aggressive, but their presence in your home can pose significant risks. Their droppings (guano) can harbor histoplasmosis, a fungal infection that affects the lungs. Additionally, bats can carry rabies, a potentially fatal disease that can spread to humans and pets through bites or scratches.
Beyond health concerns, bat colonies can cause structural damage. Over time, accumulated guano can weaken insulation, drywall, and wooden beams. The strong ammonia-like odor from bat urine can also seep into living spaces, making cleanup a major concern.
If you suspect bats have taken up residence in your home, it’s crucial to address the issue as soon as possible. However, Minnesota has laws protecting bats, as they play an essential role in the ecosystem. The best approach is a humane exclusion process that ensures the bats leave safely without harming them.
Steps for Effective Bat Removal
1. Inspection – A professional bat removal expert will identify entry points and assess the size of the infestation.
2. Exclusion Devices – These one-way doors allow bats to leave but prevent them from re-entering.
3. Sealing Entry Points – After all bats have vacated, professionals will seal up holes, cracks, and vents to keep them from returning.
4. Cleanup and Sanitization – Proper guano removal and disinfection help eliminate odors and reduce health risks.
Preventing Future Bat Infestations
To keep bats from returning, homeowners should take preventive measures:
• Seal Cracks and Openings – Regularly inspect your roofline, vents, and soffits for gaps. Even a half-inch opening is enough for a bat to squeeze through.
• Install Bat Exclusion Screens – Use mesh screens over vents and chimney openings to prevent entry.
• Reduce Outdoor Attractants – Minimize outdoor lighting that attracts insects (a bat’s primary food source) and trim overhanging tree branches near your roof.
Call the Experts for Safe Bat Removal
Spring bat issues should be handled professionally to ensure a safe and effective removal process. At Badger Wildlife, we specialize in humane bat exclusion services, ensuring your home is bat-free while protecting these beneficial creatures. If you suspect a bat infestation, contact us today for an inspection and expert assistance.
