Bat pupping season is approaching. And there are ways to keep bats from taking up residence in unwanted places.
DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife says Delaware is home to an estimated nine bat species. And this is the time of year they begin their annual move from winter sites to their summer maternity colonies.
“And in Delaware a lot of those bats will raise their pups in woodlands and natural surroundings,” said Holly Niederriter - a wildlife biologist with the Division of Fish and Wildlife.
She says the problem comes when female bats - in maternity colonies - come together to raise their pups all in one location
“And sometimes they choose people’s attics or barns or garages. And often what happens is - people don’t want the bats there - of course. And so they want to get the bats out,” said Niederriter.
Niederriter says the bats are expected to start having their young by May 15, 2019.
She says between now and then, residents should check their homes and buildings to make sure no openings are available for bats to get in to roost. If the bats do get in, Niederriter says a bat exclusion is needed - a one way door so the bats can get out, but not back in.
Niederriter notes the bats only need a very small opening to get into a home, garage or outbuilding.
Niederriter adds for the most part, bats are not dangerous. They can carry rabies, but since bats generally want to avoid humans - there’s really only a slight chance you will ever get bit by one.
You can read more about bats here or here.
