When the sun goes down and the air grows still, some of the most active animals in the natural world come alive. Bats are the only true flying mammals, and they often emerge from attics, barns, trees, and caves. If you’ve ever heard a strange fluttering noise, a faint chirp, or high-pitched squeaks at night, you may have asked yourself: Is that a bat or another animal?
Whether you’re a homeowner, property manager, or wildlife enthusiast, understanding bat vocalizations is the first step toward identifying and solving bat-related problems that you might be facing. If you have a bat infestation in your home or business, Nuisance Wildlife Rangers is here to help. We can remove bats from your property in a humane and ethical way.
In this article, you will learn:
- What noises do bats produce?
- What do the sounds that bats make mean?
- How to recognize a bat infestation in your home or building?
What Noises Do Bats Make?
Bats communicate and navigate using sound, but not all their sounds are audible to you and me. Their vocalizations can change depending on the situation. For example, when they are hunting, communicating with other bats, or roosting in a structure, they might make different sounds.
1. Echolocation: Ultrasonic Sounds for Navigation
Most bat species use echolocation to navigate in the dark and locate their prey. They can create rapid pulses of ultrasonic sounds, which are frequencies higher than 20 kHz or the upper limit of human hearing.[1] These sound waves bounce off objects, allowing bats to “see” using echoes.
Because bat echolocation sounds are above the range of human hearing, researchers use bat detectors and specialized microphones to record ultrasonic sounds. These electronics allow scientists and pest control professionals to determine the bat species and observe their behaviors.
2. Audible Bat Noises
While much of their communication is ultrasonic, bats also produce noises that are audible under certain conditions. Some of the sounds bats make include:[2]
- Chirps or squeaks- Bats might make rhythmic and repetitive squeaks that are sometimes mistaken for bird chirps.
- Scratching or shuffling noises- Bats might make scratching or shuffling noises in wall cavities, attics, or under eaves.
- Fluttering noises- Bats make fluttering noises while they are flying or settling onto surfaces.
- High-pitched calls- Certain bat species can emit short bursts of sound that can be heard by humans during quiet nights
Not all bat vocalizations sound the same. Different species produce different frequencies and patterns, making each type of bat’s calls unique.
Signs of a Bat Infestation
Identifying a bat colony in your home or business early can help prevent long-term property damage and sanitation issues. Look for the following signs:
1. Unusual Noises at Night
If you hear bat sounds—especially around early morning or dusk—listen for repetitive squeaks, chirps, or fluttering. These are clearest in attics, behind walls, or near chimneys, where bats often roost.
2. Guano (Bat Droppings)
Bat guano is a major indicator of infestation. It appears similar to rodent droppings but often contains insect fragments. You can find bat poop near entry points, window sills, or attic floors.
3. Visual Sightings
Spotting bats flying near your home at sunset is a strong sign. If they consistently emerge from the same spot (like a soffit or roof vent), that is a clear sign that they are roosting inside of your home.
4. Strong Odor
A large bat infestation can produce a strong, musty ammonia-like smell. This occurs because their droppings accumulate over time.
Where Bats Hide in Homes
Bats prefer to live in dark, quiet, and elevated places. Common locations include:
- Wall cavities
- Chimneys
- Vents
- Attics
- Behind shutters or siding
- Under the roof tiles
Bats enter homes through gaps as small as ½ inch. Once inside, bats can remain undetected for weeks or even months, especially if their noises go unnoticed or are mistaken for other animals like mice or squirrels.
Why You Should Not Remove Bats Yourself
Attempting DIY bat removal is dangerous, as you could become bitten or scratched and develop diseases like rabies. Also, it is often illegal, depending on local wildlife protection laws. Many bat species are protected because of their critical role in insect control and pollination.
Improper removal can:
- Separate mothers from pups (leading to further infestation or dead bats inside walls)
- Result in bites or scratches
- Violate state or federal wildlife regulations
Safe and Humane Bat Removal
For confirmed or suspected infestations, it’s essential to contact professional wildlife control services like Nuisance Wildlife Rangers. Certified technicians will:
- Inspect the property to locate the bat’s roosting areas and entry points
- Use one-way exclusion devices that allow bats to exit but prevent them from re-entering
- Seal all access points after confirming the colony has vacated
- Clean and sanitize the area, especially where guano has accumulated
This process ensures the bat colony is relocated without harming the animals or damaging the structure further. Getting rid of bats can be difficult; however, Nuisance Wildlife Rangers can help you solve your infestation with experience and expertise.
Preventing Future Bat Infestations
Once bats have been removed, you should take these steps to prevent them from returning:
- Seal all cracks and crevices larger than ¼ inch
- Install bat-friendly vent covers
Use chimney caps and attic vent screens - Trim tree branches near your roofline to limit access
- Avoid attracting insects with outdoor lights (as bats locate prey near light sources)
If you enjoy watching bats in your area but want them out of your home, consider installing a bat house on a nearby tree or pole. This provides a natural alternative for roosting sites and keeps them out of your house.
Conclusion: Knowing What Bat Sounds Mean
Bats make a variety of sounds, many of which are inaudible to humans. You might hear squeaks, chirps, scratching, or fluttering if bats are roosting nearby. Using specialized microphones and bat detectors, professionals can tell if there are bats in your home or business.
Recognizing the signs of a bat infestation is key to early intervention and beginning the process of removal. You should always work with a licensed wildlife control expert for safe and humane bat removal.
Whether you’re dealing with a single stray bat or a full bat colony, understanding what bats sound like helps protect your property and coexist responsibly with these remarkable nocturnal creatures.
Get Connected to Bat Removal in Florida
If you are dealing with a bat infestation, it’s time to seek professional help. Hearing bat wings fluttering in your home or business can be frightening. You might not know how to remove the bats from your building without harming yourself or the animals in the process.
Thankfully, Nuisance Wildlife Rangers are here to solve all of your bat-related problems. Contact us today for more information on our bat removal services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can pets hear bat sounds that humans can’t?
Yes. Dogs and cats have more sensitive hearing ranges than humans, which allows them to detect ultrasonic bat vocalizations. Pets may become alert, bark, or fixate on walls or ceilings where bats are active, even when you can’t hear the bats.
2. Do bats make noise during the day?
Bats are primarily nocturnal, so they are mostly silent during the day while they are roosting. However, during hot weather, overcrowding, or disturbances, bats may emit faint chirps or shuffling noises during the daylight hours.
3. Are bat sounds seasonal?
Yes. Bat activity and their associated noises increase during warmer months. During spring through early fall, bats are breeding, raising young, and actively foraging. In colder regions, bats may migrate or enter hibernation, which reduces or eliminates noise.
4. Can electronics in my home pick up bat sounds?
Some sensitive electronic devices, like baby monitors, sound systems, or security cameras, can pick up high-pitched bat noises or feedback caused by the ultrasonic interference. That said, this is rare and usually incidental.
5. Do all bats use echolocation?
Most bat species do, but not all. For example, fruit bats (also known as flying foxes) rely more on eyesight and their sense of smell.[3] These bats tend to be silent compared to echolocating species of bats and are less likely to infest human homes.
6. Can I use sound to repel bats?
There are commercial ultrasonic repellents marketed for bat removal, but their effectiveness is questionable and not scientifically proven. Bats often adapt or ignore these devices. Physical exclusion with a wildlife professional is the most reliable and humane method of removal.
References:
- BMC Biology: Analysis of echolocation behavior of bats in “echo space” using acoustic simulation
- Goethe University Frankfurt: Neurobiology: How bats distinguish different sounds
- Field Museum: Do All Bats Echolocate?
