As cooler nights roll in across Saskatchewan, bats may begin looking for warmer homes to settle into for the winter.
September is an ideal time for home and cabin owners to prepare their properties for winter. As temperatures drop, a variety of animals such as bats, squirrels, or pigeons may seek shelter in warm, protected spaces. Taking steps to prevent bats and wildlife from entering buildings now can help property owners avoid dealing with unwanted house guests after they have already moved in.
“Bats are an important part of Saskatchewan’s ecosystem and help protect crops, forests, parks and gardens by feeding on insect pests,” Environment Minister Darlene Rowden said. “When bats take shelter in buildings, it is important that property owners understand how and when they can be safely removed. September gives property owners an opportunity to safely encourage bats to move along to a new home before winter sets in.”
For building owners who are dealing with bats, May and September are the ideal times to install one-way exits. Because bats can be difficult to locate within a building, one-way exits provide an effective option by allowing them to leave on their own. This approach works with the natural behaviour and biology of bats while helping reduce risks and costs for building owners. Installing one-way exits in September gives bats an opportunity to leave the roost and find another suitable location before beginning hibernation. Eviction at the wrong time of year can separate mothers from young bats that cannot yet fly.
Property owners carrying out bat eviction work can get their free, mandatory permit from the Ministry of Environment by contacting the Public Inquiry Centre. Building owners are responsible for costs associated with eviction efforts and are strongly encouraged to work with a wildlife control operator knowledgeable in bat evictions, as these professionals are experienced with the eviction process and often already have the required permit.
Remember: bats are protected wildlife and it is illegal to kill them. Bat eviction must be done safely and humanely. Bat populations across North America face many threats such as shrinking insect populations, collisions with wind turbines, habitat loss and a disease known as white-nose syndrome.
Saskatchewan residents can help support healthy ecosystems in Saskatchewan while helping protect crops, forests, parks and gardens by adopting home maintenance, landscaping and farming practices that benefit bats. These practices include:
- Maintaining healthy wetlands and native vegetation;
- Reducing or better targeting pesticide use; and
- Installing bat houses to provide safe roosting sites when bat roosts are destroyed.
For more information about bats, including eviction timing, permitting requirements and tips for bat-proofing your home, visit the Ministry of Environment’s Bats in Saskatchewan page and the Environment Resource Library. You can also contact the Ministry of Environment Inquiry Centre at centre.inquiry@gov.sk.ca.