Detecting Bat Activity

Noise

Bats in the attic or walls are often misidentified by homeowners as mice because the noise and volume of the bat is similar to that of mice. Bats are active at night, similar to the activity periods of mice.  Bats are often described as chirping or scratching. The noise will often be centered around the junction of the wall and the ceiling, if in the upper level of the home. During the winter, bats are seeking an ambient temperature that is conducive to their torpor period (hibernation period).

Because we have unique winters here in Minnesota, periodic activity could be noted during the winter as well. This type of activity would be noted during the extreme low or extreme high temperatures during the winter. As these temperatures change, the animals may be prompted to seek out warmer or cooler places. 

Sighting

Homeowners sometimes see bats entering or exiting the structure. This almost certainly indicates the presence of a colony. In other instances, homeowners might see a bat hanging on a soffit or some other part of the home. This is not definitive proof that a colony is on site, but it does increase the likelihood. Bats will land and digest their food, often outside their colony location but also elsewhere.

Guano

Bat droppings, or guano, is very dangerous to humans due to the potential for exposure to zoonotic diseases. It should never be handled without proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety protocols. Bat guano does not mean a colony is on site, but it can be an indicator, much like the presence of bats hanging on or around your home. 

Spring/Summer/Fall 

During warmer months,  bats can make noise during the day when disturbed, but they are primarily nocturnal so they can be heard when leaving or coming into the structure. Depending on the size of the colony, “chirping” and “flapping” are other noises that a client might hear within their wall space or attic space as the bats change positions. One good way to differentiate bats from mice is to knock on the wall or ceiling where you hear the noise. If it continues unabated, it is not a mouse and could indeed be a bat. A wildlife inspection should be performed to confirm the identity of the invader and determine a remediation plan. If following your knock the noise stops for a period of time, then continues, it likely is mice.  

Winter 

Bats are drawn to drafts. As they move about in the attic looking for a comfortable area, they will be attracted to warm spots and any air escaping into the attic area around penetrations such as plumbing pipes, chimneys, structural gaps and other conduits that enter the attic from the warmer area below. These conduits pass through walls and floors, often terminating in the unfinished area of the basement such as a furnace room or laundry room. Bats will follow the drafts at these gaps downward and frequently enter the living space in the basement area.

From there, it can fly to different levels of the home. This is the most common avenue of entry to the living space in the Winter months.

Because bats are not active in the Winter, it would not have gained access to the living space from outdoor environment via a chimney or open door but rather had been hibernating in the attic since late Fall.There are no insects for them to feed on at this time of year so they must hibernate to survive the Winter.

Takeaway

The best way to determine if you have bat or other wildlife issues present in your home is to schedule an inspection. Our team of certified wildlife control operators can inspect your home, including it’s attic and roofline, and bring peace of mind back to your family.