Bats in your attic? This NC law says it's illegal to remove them

If you have bats in your attic, this is your last weekend to get them removed for awhile, according to a state law.

A law in North Carolina prevents residents from removing bats during their mating season, which occurs between May 1 and July 31.

During the three months, bats are protected, as females bats are raising their young and bat pups will starve without their mothers.

Bats are extremely beneficial to our ecosystem and are vital in controlling insect populations -- they can consume nearly their body weight in insects each night. However, when they enter homes, they are just seen as a nuisance.

When do you need to worry about bats, and do you even have them? Josh Langdon of Smith Exterminating says it's relatively easy to figure out if bats are in your house.

"Generally, you'll see fecal matter around outdoor attic vents," said Langson. "If they made it inside, there will be fecal matter and an ammonia smell inside the attic."

If bats live in your home during the protected season, officials say there’s no need to freak out. Bats are generally harmless, though they can carry two diseases, including rabies, but North Carolina Wildlife officials say that’s extremely rare.

"As long as they're not causing you a problem -- like living actively in the structure or flying around scaring your kids -- you just need to let them do bat stuff and eat the bugs until the end of July," said Langdon. "They are certainly not evil, and they are good for reducing the mosquito population."

There are several state statutes that protect bats. Any time you want to remove them, for example, you need a permit, which usually comes from wildlife exterminating companies. Permits are not issued during the bats' protected months.

"Depredation permits to take, capture, or kill bats are only issued in unusual circumstances," said Allen Boynton, Wildlife Diversity Program Coordinator.

Bat experts from N.C. Wildlife Commission said these laws have been in place for decades, even dating back to 40s. If you break the law, it's a misdemeanor.

Want to learn more about bats? Here are some frequently asked questions and a guide explaining why bats live in buildings.