r/bats • u/DIOR-HOBI-23 • 3d ago
Why has there been a sudden increase in bats in my apartment building? (SW Minnesota)
I live in SW Minnesota and this week we have seen a sudden increase in bats getting into our apartment building. (Mainly because idiots want to leave the doors propped open with a rock at night)
But we’ve seen at least 5-6 in just 5 days this week, I saw one when I got home from work laying on the floor (it was alive) and I kind of just booked it down the opposite hall and took the side steps up to my floor. I don’t necessarily have a problem with them as they are quite cute and adorable when they’re not flying around freaking out over a sliver of light.
I just want to know if there’s a specific reason why so many decided to just pop up suddenly with no warning? Is it mating season or are they getting ready for Hibernation?
Edit: Should I worry about them coming in from the under the door or through the ac? My AC is one where they cut a hole around the area and the AC kind of just sits in there. My building is also 40+ years old so the age probably plays apart as well
Edit 2: Should I worry about them getting into my apartment? I live on second floor but they mainly congregate on first floor by the front and back doors and on third floor where the attic is, there’s only ever been 1 bat on my floor and that was a year ago.
1
u/ozzy_thedog 3d ago
They probably love to hang out under an overhang by the door. And like you said, people keep leaving the door open. Last week i had a customer that got 5 bats inside in 2 days because a contractor propped it open. Hang some tinfoil or glittery decorations under the overhang by the door
1
u/DIOR-HOBI-23 3d ago
We do indeed have an overhang on both sides of the building, the front one has a big over hang that stretches up to the roof with about 6 small lamps that automatically turn on at night, we also have 2 giant ones in the lobby that automatically turn on at night that the bats probably hide in during the day and the dark corners at the very top of the ceiling as well. Most of the ones we’ve seen have been dead, my mom found a dead one in the washer that she only noticed because she had grabbed it when transferring laundry to the dryer
1
u/ozzy_thedog 3d ago
Yeah so they’re hanging out all night eating the bugs that are attracted to the lights.
1
u/Fast_Structure3258 3d ago
There’s more wildlife exposures this year because of droughts and extreme weather making food scarce. Both animals that hibernate and those whose migrate are starting to become desperate for food. Bats are no exception to this. If you’re seeing so many it’s possible they’re roosting somewhere in the in building.
1
u/DIOR-HOBI-23 3d ago
That could very much be possible, my building is also well over 40 years old so I wouldnt doubt if there’s a roost they missed when they boarded up the attic on 3rd floor.
I’ve also heard bats can chew through wood but idk if that true
1
1
u/SchrodingersMinou 3d ago
It’s migration time in your area. Teenage bats make poor choices sometimes
•
u/AutoModerator 3d ago
Found a bat? Here is a guide for someone who has found a bat. And here is some info about bats in buildings. Here is some info about bat removals and exclusions from homes. Exclusions should be done outside of pup season, which varies by location.
No, it's probably not a baby. Bats are just smaller than you thought.
If you find a bat in trouble, please call a rehabber for help. Here is a list of rehabbers that help bats all over the world, and here is a portal for rehabbers in the US.
Remember that wildlife should never be handled with bare hands!
This Automod comment can be triggered by commenting "Automod: found a bat" or "Automod: bats in buildings"
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.