If you own a home in Michigan, you may have had a few encounters with bats throughout the years. It’s not uncommon to hear the critters flying around in the attic, and we get tons of calls throughout the warmer months from people hoping to get them out as quickly as possible. Yet, once temperatures drop, bats tend to slow down, creating less noise and giving homeowners a false sense of security, as they assume their house is now bat-free.
Unfortunately, this is all too often not the case! In the wintertime, bats hibernate, and cozy attics or warm crawl spaces are a great place for them to hunker down. If you’re concerned that bats may be invading your living space, count on us to get them out. Bat Removal & Prevention has got your back!
All About Hibernation
Bats are essential for keeping pest populations under control and, in the summertime, they can eat up to 1000 insects per hour. Imagine how many more moths, flies, mosquitoes, and other creepy-crawlies we would have without them! With all those bugs and insects to munch on, staying full and satisfied isn’t an issue bats in the state often have to worry about!
Yet, as Michigan residents know all too well, winters here aren’t ideal for bug-eaters. Because of this, bats need a way to make their nutrients last until things heat up again and food becomes easier to find – that’s where hibernation comes in!
When bats hibernate, their metabolism slows down significantly, meaning their bodies require much less food to survive. In fact, their hearts may only beat 10 times per minute, and they can go quite a while without taking a single breath! With their bodies functioning a lot slower, bats become experts at conserving energy, and they are able to keep themselves alive and healthy until food becomes available again.
How To Remove Hibernating Bats
If you have hibernating bats in your attic, never fear… getting rid of them is easier than you think! You can either trap them and set them free yourself or simply give us a call, and we’ll be happy to get the job done right. Just keep in mind that, should you attempt to remove them on your own, it’s important to wear protective gear and avoid contact at all costs. If you do make contact, keep the bat and have it tested for rabies.
Also, remember that intentionally harming or killing hibernating bats is illegal, so be sure you’re handling them in a humane way. Bats are endangered, so we want to do all we can to protect them! Not only will setting them free help with pollination, pest control, and spreading seeds… it also prevents you from facing some pretty serious charges!
If you’re not feeling like a do-it-yourself approach is best for you, contact us. Our experienced and licensed staff will be happy to remove any bats (or other wildlife) and place them in a suitable environment where they can thrive and continue to live long and healthy lives.
For more information, contact us today – we can’t wait to help you kick 2018 off right!
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