In North America, property owners often deal with nuisance bat problems. The rate of bat infestations tend to increase around this time of year, when bats choose to either hibernate or migrate for the winter. Although the migrating species of bat in North America are not an issue for regions that experience cold winter weather and precipitation, they can be for those who live in warmer regions of the continent.
The opposite applies to bat species that choose to hibernate for the winter. These species often choose residential settings for winter 토토사이트 hibernacula, like hollowed trees, barns, sheds, attics, crawl spaces, walls, basements, porches, and more. If they can find access to a dark, warm, private area, they will use it for the duration of the winter for hibernation purposes. They will even stay for spring to breed their young.
There are 3 common Microchiroptera species that residential property owners have to deal with in the winter time. These include the Large Brown Bat, the Small Brown Bat, and the Mexican Free-Tailed Bat. Continue reading to learn some interesting facts about each species, and whether or not they migrate or hibernate for the winter.
Large Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus)
The Large Brown bat, or Eptesicus fuscus, is a species that hibernates during the winter season. Although they are common all across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and even the northern most points of South America, they will only migrate short distances. This means that Large Brown bats that range in Northern parts of North America are commonly found roosting in caves, mines, hollowed trees, and residential settings like attics, for the winter. Accordingly, they are a common nuisance species this time of year for home owners.
Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus)
The Little Brown Bat, also known as the Small Brown Bat, is just that: very small. They are common nuisances for residential property owners because they can squeeze through the tiniest crevice and gain access inside attics, garages, walls, roofs, and more. However, in the winter time, most Little Brown bats migrate to warmer regions of North America, even as south as Mexico. Many others choose to hibernate if migration is too far. They will hibernate in similar areas of any other bat, including mines, caves, hollowed trees, attics, sheds, garages, and more.
Mexican Free-Tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis)
The Mexican Free-Tailed Bat, also known as the Brazilian free-tailed bat, is a migrating species come winter time. They get their name from their unique tails that extend more than one third beyond the tail membranes. This is unique because most other bats have tails that are completely enclosed within the tail membranes. As for winter migration, Mexican Free-Tailed bats fly south to Central America and Mexico. Since natural range is in the warmer of North and Central America, Mexican Free-Tailed bats don’t necessarily migrate for warmth. Instead, they are mostly following the insects.