As summer rolls into Alabama, the heat is not the only thing ramping up. Our local wildlife, particularly bats and snakes, is buzzing with activity. But why is this season such a busy time for these critters? Let’s dig into the fascinating world of Alabama’s bats and snakes and discover how their summer habits impact our environment and homes.
First up, the summer surge of bats is explained, followed by how the heat affects snakes in our area.
Bat maternity colonies and pup rearing.
For Alabama’s bats, summer is synonymous with new beginnings. Female bats gather in large maternity colonies, often taking refuge in caves, trees or artificial structures. Here, they give birth and raise their young, known as pups.
The warm temperatures of July provide the perfect conditions for these activities, as the heat helps maintain an ideal environment for the pups’ development.
Nightly feeding sprees for bats.
Summer nights in Alabama are alive with the flurry of bats swooping through the air. The reason? An abundance of insects, which are the primary diet for all 16 bat species in the state.
Bats play an essential role in controlling insect populations, consuming vast numbers of bugs during their nightly feeding sprees, making summer the perfect time to witness an increase in bat emergences.
To bat-proof your property, make sure potential entry points to your home are sealed, and keep outdoor lighting to a minimum, as lights attract insects and, in turn, bats.
Cold-blooded metabolism and activity.
Snakes, being cold-blooded, depend entirely on their environment to regulate their body temperature. The summer heat, especially when temperatures range from 70°F to 90°F, makes them more active.
Summer is the time when snakes are on the move, foraging for food to fuel their energy needs.
The hunt for food and mates.
Summer is also the peak season for rodents, amphibians and insects, which makes it a prime hunting period for snakes. Additionally, it’s their mating and gestation season, prompting them to actively seek mates and nesting sites.
Snakes are more frequently spotted in residential areas due to the availability of water, shade and food sources like bird feeders or overgrown brush.
To snake-proof your yard, keep grass short, remove debris, and eliminate food sources for rodents. For more tips, refer to our previous blog on identifying venomous snakes in Alabama.
Summary
The summer heat brings about a bustling season for Alabama’s bats and snakes. These critters are thriving during these months, driven by the need to hunt, mate and care for their young. While they are essential to the ecosystem, they can sometimes pose challenges for homeowners.
For those uncertain about how to handle these wildlife visitors, Pesty Critters Wildlife Control can assess and assist you in creating a safer environment. For more about us, our services and our local wildlife, keep reading our blogs.
