Bats are fascinating creatures that often evoke a mixture of curiosity and fear in humans. They play a crucial role in our ecosystem by controlling insect populations and pollinating plants. However, when bats take up residence in your home, they can become a nuisance. One of the common concerns homeowners have is whether bats make noise and what those noises might indicate.
At Covenant Wildlife, we aim to provide you with comprehensive information about bat behavior, the sounds they make, and how to address potential bat infestations.
Understanding Bat Behavior
Before diving into the specifics of bat noises, it’s essential to understand a bit about their behavior. Bats are nocturnal mammals, so, they are active at night. They use echolocation, a biological sonar, to navigate and hunt for food in the dark. Bats emit high-frequency sounds that bounce off objects and return to them, as a result, they can determine the location, size, and shape of objects around them.
Types of Bats
There are over 1,400 species of bats, but they are generally categorized into two main types: megabats and microbats.
- Megabats: Also known as fruit bats or flying foxes, megabats have large eyes and rely primarily on their vision and sense of smell to find food. They typically do not use echolocation.
- Microbats: These are the bats most commonly found in North America and include species like the little brown bat and the big brown bat. Microbats use echolocation to hunt insects and navigate their environment.
Do Bats Make Noise?
Yes, bats do make noise, however, the sounds they produce can vary depending on the species and their activities. Here are some common types of noises bats make:
Echolocation Clicks
Microbats use echolocation clicks to navigate and locate prey. These sounds are usually high-pitched and ultrasonic, so, they are above the range of human hearing. However, some lower-frequency clicks may be audible to humans, especially if the bat is close by.
Social Calls
Bats are social animals and use vocalizations to communicate with each other. These social calls can include:
- Chirps: These are often used in communication between bats, especially within a roost.
- Squeaks and Chattering: These sounds may be heard when bats are disturbed or interacting closely with one another.
- Aggression Calls: When bats compete for space or mates, they may emit louder, more aggressive sounds.
Flapping and Scratching
When bats are roosting in your home, you might hear the flapping of their wings as they move around. You might also hear scratching or rustling sounds as they navigate tight spaces within walls or attics.
When Do Bats Make Noise?
The level of noise produced by bats can vary depending on the time of year and their specific activities.
- Nighttime Activity
- Bats are most active at dusk and throughout the night. In most cases, as they leave their roost to hunt for food, you’ll hear them flapping their wings as they exit and return to their roost. If they are roosting in your attic or walls, you might hear increased activity during these times.
- Maternity Colonies
- During the breeding season, typically in the spring and summer, female bats form maternity colonies to raise their young. Maternity colonies can be quite noisy due to the presence of baby bats, or pups. You might hear high-pitched squeaks and chirps as the pups communicate with their mothers and each other.
- Disturbance
- Unfortunately, bats can become noisy when they feel threatened or disturbed. If they are accidentally trapped or if there is a significant change in their environment, they may emit louder sounds. For example, if you enter an attic where bats are roosting, the sudden disturbance can cause them to become more vocal.
Identifying Bat Noises
Differentiating bat noises from other common household sounds can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you identify if bats are the source of the noise:
- Location of the Noise: Bats typically roost in secluded, dark areas such as attics, walls, and chimneys. So, if you hear noises coming from these locations, there is a good chance bats could be the cause.
- Timing of the Noise: Bats are nocturnal, so you are more likely to hear them at dusk and during the night. If the noises are primarily occurring during these times, it can be an indication of bat activity.
- Type of Noise: Pay attention to the type of noise. Bats produce high-pitched chirps, squeaks, and flapping sounds. If the noises are consistent with these descriptions, bats could be the source.
Bats Make Noise and The Noises Matter
Understanding the noises bats make and recognizing them in your home is crucial for several reasons:
- Health Risks: Bats can carry diseases, including rabies, which can pose a significant health risk to humans and pets. Additionally, bat droppings (guano) can harbor fungi that cause histoplasmosis, a respiratory illness. Promptly identifying and addressing a bat infestation can help mitigate these health risks.
- Structural Damage: Bat colonies can cause structural damage to your home. Their droppings can accumulate and damage insulation, wood, and other materials. Over time, this can lead to costly repairs.
- Peace of Mind: No one wants to live with the constant noise and disturbance of a bat colony in their home. Identifying and removing bats can restore peace and comfort to your living environment.
What to Do If You Have Bats in Your Home
If you suspect that bats have taken up residence in your home, it is important to act quickly and safely. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Confirm the Presence of Bats
Look for signs of a bat infestation, such as droppings, stains around entry points, and the sounds described earlier. If you are unsure, it may be helpful to contact a professional wildlife removal service to conduct an inspection.
2. Avoid Direct Contact
Do not attempt to handle bats on your own. Bats can carry diseases, and improper handling can increase the risk of exposure. Always wear protective gear if you need to enter an area where bats are present.
3. Contact a Professional
Professional bat removal services, like Covenant Wildlife, have the expertise and equipment to safely and humanely remove bats from your home. As a result, we use exclusion techniques to ensure that bats can exit your home but cannot re-enter.
4. Seal Entry Points
After the bats have been removed, it is crucial to seal any entry points they used to gain access to your home. This includes gaps in roofing, vents, and other openings. Proper sealing will prevent future infestations.
5. Clean and Decontaminate
Finally, you should thoroughly clean and decontaminate areas where bats have roosted to remove droppings and urine. This will help eliminate odors and reduce the risk of disease.
When You Hear Bats Make Noise in Your Home, Call a Pro
Bats are essential to our ecosystem, however, they can become a nuisance when they invade our homes. Therefore, understanding the noises bats make and being able to identify them can help you take prompt action to address a potential infestation.
At Covenant Wildlife, we are dedicated to providing safe and humane wildlife removal services to protect your home and family. If you suspect that bats are making noise in your home, contact us today for a professional assessment and effective removal solutions. Your peace of mind and safety are our top priorities.
