As summer temperatures rise across Eastern North Carolina and Tidewater Virginia, so does bat activity around our homes. These night-time visitors often inspire both fascination and concern for homeowners. While bats play an important role in our ecosystem, they can become unwelcome houseguests when they take up residence in your attic, walls or chimney.
Summer “blackout.”
From May through September, female bats enter what experts call the “bat blackout” period—a critical time when mother bats are nursing and caring for their flightless pups. During this period, professional bat exclusion services are prevented by law as bats are a protected species. This blackout period prevents separating mothers from their young, as that could lead to several problems:
- orphaned pups may die inside your home
- mother bats may become desperate to re-enter, finding new access points
- bat colonies may relocate entirely to neighboring properties
This seasonal restriction makes early spring and fall the ideal times for permanent bat exclusion work, highlighting why timing matters when addressing bat issues.
Why bats choose your home in summer.
Bats seek warm, safe spaces during summer months for several reasons:
- attics provide stable, high temperatures perfect for raising young
- established colonies return to the same roosts year after year
- even small openings (as little as 3/8 inch) allow bats to enter
- proximity to water sources like ponds and streams increases attraction to your property
Female bats typically give birth to just one pup annually, making summer maternity colonies particularly important for bat population sustainability.
Signs you’re hosting summer bat visitors.
How can you tell if bats have chosen your home for their summer residence? Be on the lookout for:
- squeaking or scratching sounds in walls or ceilings, especially at dusk and dawn
- small droppings (guano) accumulating near possible entry points
- dark staining around roof edges or vents from body oils
- bats flying near your home at dusk, potentially returning to roost sites
If you notice these signs, it’s important to begin planning your exclusion strategy for fall implementation.
The bat advantage: Why we need them.
Despite the inconvenience they may cause as houseguests, bats provide remarkable benefits to our local ecosystem:
- a single bat can consume thousands of mosquitoes and other insects nightly
- they serve as natural pest control for agricultural areas
- many plant species rely on bats for pollination and seed dispersal
- their guano, when properly handled, makes excellent fertilizer
This ecological importance is why proper, humane bat management is essential rather than harmful removal methods.
Planning ahead: The smart approach to bat management.
Since immediate exclusion during summer’s “bat blackout” isn’t advisable, here are steps homeowners can take now:
- Schedule a professional inspection to identify entry points and colony size.
- Document bat activity patterns around your home to help with future exclusion.
- Seal obvious entry points except the main access points bats are actively using.
- Plan for professional exclusion services in late September when pups can fly.
This proactive approach protects both your home and these beneficial creatures.
When bats go from helpful to harmful.
While bats provide ecological benefits, their presence in your home creates potential health concerns:
- accumulated guano can harbor histoplasmosis, a respiratory disease
- bat bugs (similar to bed bugs) may infest living spaces
- structural damage can occur from urine accumulation and corrosion
- risk of rabies exposure, though relatively rare, is still present
Professional cleaning and remediation of bat-infested areas requires specialized equipment and protocols to ensure safety.
The Terminix approach: Humane, effective bat solutions.
When the bat blackout period ends, our trained, NWCOA Bat Standards Certified Wildlife Control technicians implement a comprehensive strategy:
- thorough inspection to identify all potential entry points
- installation of one-way exclusion devices allowing bats to exit but not return
- proper sealing of entry points with bat-proof materials
- complete cleanup and sanitization of affected areas
- preventative measures to discourage future colonies
We understand local bat species, regulations and the most effective exclusion techniques specific to our region.
When bats take flight in your home, Terminix takes action—just not during blackout. Planning now for fall exclusion ensures both your family’s safety and the protection of these important mammals. Contact us today to schedule your bat inspection and develop your customized bat management plan for when the blackout period ends.
Don’t let bats make your home their permanent residence. Call Terminix at 800-BUGS-911 or fill out a quick contact form for a quote on our professional bat exclusion services.