Middlesex County Bat Removal Tip:

4 Questions Related with Bat's Hibernation

Apart from being nocturnal, there are species of bats that are known to go through a state of torpor once the temperature drops. There are around 1,200 species of bats and not all of them will hibernate. Species that live in the higher altitudes where the insect activities will be lower during winter will mostly go thorough this state to save their body fats and energy.

Things to Know about the Hibernation of Bats

Most of the bats that are in the warmer region will not hibernate. The local species in the colder regions will have to wait out the winter either by migrating to the warmer places or by going through a state of torpor.

1. What Happens During Hibernation

As the temperature drops, more and more bats will hibernate. During this time, you will encounter them in a state of activity in our ceilings, walls, or in caves. This is also known as a deep slumber that may last to up to 6 months. The bats will need to make sure that they have enough body fats to survive the winter. In order to conserve their energy, the bats will be reducing their body temperature. They also have the capacity to slow-down their metabolic rate by reducing their heartbeat and breathing rate. Their average heartbeat when hibernating is around 10beats/minute.

2. When Is the Start of Hibernation?

The month when the bats will hibernate will vary. Basically, they will go to a state of inactivity once the activities of the insects decrease due to the cold weather. This may start on October or November. They will then emerge out of their hibernaculum at the month of February or March but will still go through a state of torpor if the temperature drops.

3. Will They Be Active During Hibernation?

While there are types of bats that will remain active during the hibernation period, they will choose to remain inactive as an act of self-preservation. By doing this, the bat will be able to control their energy consumption to only 2 percent compared to the 100 percent when they are active. Some bats will be able to live more than 6 months despite of having a very small amount of body fats by going through this state. After the hibernation, the average bat will lose more than half of its total body weight.

4. Are There Any Negative Effects Brought by Hibernation?

The bats will make sure that they will keep their movement at the minimum level to avoid wasting their stored fats. Unfortunately, there are instances when they will be disturbed. For instance, they can be bothered by street lights, noises, or a sudden increase on the temperature. If they were unable to find food when they are disturbed, they will soon die. In order to control their body heat, some bats can also hide in our insulation. This can encourage the transfer of the fleas, ticks, and bat bugs.

Most of the bats that will hibernate will return to the same hibernaculum each year. Before the bats will return, be sure that all holes have been sealed to keep them outside.