Vermont Fish and Wildlife is encouraging residents to learn about the state’s nine native bat species this fall, a time when bats shift their roosting behavior in preparation for winter. The agency’s October 13 press release, which I read in full on the department’s website, frames the season as a key moment for conservation-minded Vermonters to take action.
What the Agency Recommends
The release notes that if you have noticed bats roosting in your attic, barn, or office over the summer, fall and spring are the periods when you can safely address the situation. Vermont’s bats are protected, and the department suggests that homeowners who find bats in their living spaces should wait until the bats leave on their own before sealing entry points, rather than trapping them inside.
For those who want to support bat populations, the agency recommends installing bat houses as an alternative roosting site. Bats play a significant role in controlling insect populations, and providing a dedicated structure encourages them to roost away from human living areas. This is similar to how homeowners might deal with other wildlife around the property, spotting the early signs of an animal moving in, such as the scratching sounds and droppings that indicate squirrels have taken up residence, helps you act before a small issue becomes a larger one.
What This Means for Homeowners
If you live in Vermont and have seen bats during the warmer months, now is the time to inspect your attic and roofline for entry points. The state’s official guidance, confirmed by Vermont Fish and Wildlife, is that exclusion work should happen in fall or spring, after the bats have departed for the season. Sealing openings during summer could trap young bats inside, which is both inhumane and potentially hazardous.
The agency’s press release, posted on the Vermont Fish and Wildlife website, is the primary source for this guidance and includes details on how to build or purchase a bat house.
The notice is published by Vermont Fish and Wildlife at www.vtfishandwildlife.com.
