As summer gives way to cooler weather, Ohio homeowners may start noticing an increase in bat activity. Fall is a critical time of year for bats as they prepare for the colder months ahead. Understanding their seasonal behavior can help you identify signs of bat presence and take appropriate action if they find their way into your home.
Bat Behavior in Autumn
During the fall, bats are busy feeding to build up fat reserves for hibernation or migration. In Ohio, some bat species migrate south to warmer climates, while others stay and hibernate locally. This seasonal shift often leads to more bat sightings as they increase their foraging activity in the early evening hours.
Increased movement also means bats are more likely to enter homes through small cracks, vents, or chimneys as they search for warm, sheltered roosting sites.
Common Entry Points
Bats can fit through openings as small as half an inch. Common entry points include attic vents, loose siding, gaps in roofing materials, and uncapped chimneys. If you hear scratching or fluttering sounds in the walls or attic, especially around dusk or dawn, you may be dealing with bats seeking a place to roost.
Why Bats Choose Homes
As natural roosting spots such as trees and caves become less available due to development or seasonal changes, bats look for alternative shelter. Homes provide warmth and security, making them an attractive option during the fall. Attics and wall voids mimic the dark, quiet spaces bats prefer.
Health Concerns and Legal Protections
While bats play a vital role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations, their presence inside a home can pose health risks. Bat guano can accumulate quickly and carry harmful spores that lead to respiratory illnesses like histoplasmosis. There is also a small but serious risk of rabies.
It’s important to note that bats are protected under federal and state law in Ohio. This means they cannot be harmed or removed during certain times of the year, especially during maternity season. Any removal must be done humanely and in compliance with wildlife regulations.
What to Do if You Suspect Bats
If you believe bats have entered your home, do not try to handle the situation yourself. Attempting to remove them without proper equipment or knowledge can result in injury to you or the animal and may violate legal protections.
Instead, contact a professional wildlife control service experienced in humane bat removal. They can safely assess the situation, remove the bats, and advise on preventative steps to keep them from returning in the future.
Trust Critter Control of Cleveland
At Critter Control of Cleveland, we specialize in humane bat control throughout the fall season. Our trained technicians understand bat behavior, Ohio wildlife laws, and effective methods to remove and exclude bats safely.
If you’re hearing strange noises or seeing signs of bats in or around your home, contact us for a professional inspection before the problem gets worse. Fall bat activity peaks quickly, and acting early is the best way to protect your home and your health.