When should bat-proofing be performed to ensure bats are not disturbed?

The practice of bat-proofing should be conducted during late fall through winter to ensure that bats are not disturbed. This timing is crucial because many bat species hibernate or are less active during the colder months. Performing bat-proofing during this period minimizes disruptions to their natural behavior and increases the likelihood of successful exclusion, ensuring that the bats can rest undisturbed as they enter hibernation.

Additionally, late fall through winter is often the time when bats leave their summer roosts and are seeking hibernation sites. By focusing efforts during this time, wildlife management or pest control professionals can effectively seal entry points without impacting the bats' reproductive activities or their roosting habits, which typically occur in warmer months when they are more active and have young.

In contrast, the other options could pose risks of disturbing bats. For instance, late winter through spring might coincide with the time when bats are re-emerging from hibernation and are beginning to seek out roosting sites. Early spring could still capture some of the bats returning, and mid-summer through early fall would coincide with the breeding season, increasing the likelihood of disturbing their activities. Thus, late fall through winter is the most appropriate period for bat-proofing efforts.