Check Now—Before Bat Pup Season Begins in South Carolina!

Spring is here, and while many of us are enjoying warmer temperatures, South Carolina’s bat population is also on the move. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) is urging homeowners to check their attics, chimneys, and eaves before May 1—the start of bat pupping season.

From May 1 through July 31, bats give birth and raise their young. During this time, it’s illegal in South Carolina to exclude bats from buildings, as doing so could trap flightless pups inside. Trapped pups not only risk dying, creating potential health and odor issues, but also increase the chance that desperate adult bats may try to find new exits—sometimes into your living spaces.

To avoid this problem, March and April are ideal months to safely and humanely exclude bats from your home or outbuildings. If you’ve noticed any signs of bat activity—such as squeaking sounds, droppings (guano), or rustling noises in your attic—it’s best to act now.

SCDNR recommends contacting a licensed Wildlife Control Operator to help with inspections and exclusions. For more information on how to handle bats in buildings, or to find a qualified professional, visit:

🔹 Bat Exclusion Guidelines
🔹 List of Certified Wildlife Control Operators

By checking your property now, you’ll be doing your part to protect both your home and one of South Carolina’s most important natural pest controllers.