When are Bats Active and when are you likely to see them?

Most bats tend to hibernate during the winter months, often times this will begin in November and last through around February or March. If you live in a warmer southern state, you might see bat activity year-round. Bats become more active in April, and breeding season starts in late April or early May. This breeding time of year is more than likely when you might start noticing an issue with bats in your attic. They are looking for a safe place to have their babies, and if the cave population is becoming overcrowded, this may prompt them to seek alternative living spaces – like your attic! When it is mating season, the females tend to roost together while the men will roost together in a separate group. Once the babies are about 6 weeks old they are capable of hunting for insects on their own.

Since bats are nocturnal, they will normally leave the roost around sunset, or dusk. Often, you can see them flying out of their entry point if you are outside during this time. They’ll be gone all night, flying around and eating mosquitos, and should return to the roost right before sunrise. At least you can get a full night’s sleep without hearing noises all night! You might hear slight rustling noises as they are preparing to leave the roost, and also upon their return back when they are getting settled back in. Other than that, bats will typically sleep all day, so you probably won’t experience much noise from them at all.

The best time to see bats, rather you’re looking to see if they are in your attic or if you’re just into bat watching, is on warm dry nights around sunset.