Paula Rodriguez de la Vega, Coordinator for Got Bats? BC Community Bat Project informs that bats typically disappear from our neighbourhoods around the last week of October (Bat Week!) until the return of warmer weather in spring. Because insects such as moths, beetles, mosquitoes, and flies are unavailable to BC bats in winter, they must either leave their summer roosts and migrate or hibernate to survive the season. This makes it the perfect time of year for home renovations that may have been delayed due to the presence of bats. It’s also a great time to clean and repair a bat box without disturbing or injuring bats.
BC residents can help bats by following bat-friendly community guidelines, including protecting bat habitat, planting a bat-friendly garden, preventing bats from drowning in pools or rain barrels, keeping cats indoors or in catios (enclosed outdoor spaces that provide a safe place for cats to enjoy the breeze), and much more. Looking for a winter-time project? Consider building a bat box to welcome bats back in the spring. Free plans and installation instructions are available at https://ow.ly/NGTC50QjYsZ.
