Before Bats Move in, Take Steps to Keep Them Out

This approach works with the natural behaviour and biology of bats while helping reduce risks and costs for building owners. Installing one-way exits in September gives bats an opportunity to leave the roost and find another suitable location before beginning hibernation. Eviction at the wrong time of year can separate mothers from young bats that cannot yet fly.

Property owners carrying out bat eviction work can get their free, mandatory permit from the Ministry of Environment by contacting the Public Inquiry Centre.

Building owners are responsible for costs associated with eviction efforts and are strongly encouraged to work with a wildlife control operator knowledgeable in bat evictions, as these professionals are experienced with the eviction process and often already have the required permit.

Remember: bats are protected wildlife and it is illegal to kill them. Bat eviction must be done safely and humanely. Bat populations across North America face many threats such as shrinking insect populations, collisions with wind turbines, habitat loss and a disease known as white-nose syndrome.

Saskatchewan residents can help support healthy ecosystems in Saskatchewan while helping protect crops, forests, parks and gardens by adopting home maintenance, landscaping and farming practices that benefit bats. These practices include:

Maintaining healthy wetlands and native vegetation;
Reducing or better targeting pesticide use; and
Installing bat houses to provide safe roosting sites when bat roosts are destroyed.

For more information about bats, including eviction timing, permitting requirements and tips for bat-proofing your home, visit the Ministry of Environment’s Bats in Saskatchewan page and the Environment Resource Library. You can also contact the Ministry of Environment Inquiry Centre at centre.inquiry@gov.sk.ca.

by Government of Saskatchewan

Before Bats Move in, Take Steps to Keep Them Out

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