Preparing for the Bat Slowdown in June and July
What’s the “bat slowdown”? It’s the time of year when bat removal is limited due to state regulations. If you find bats in your attic during June or July, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options. While we’re always available to provide a quote, actual removal may need to wait. That’s because Iowa’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) restricts bat exclusion during these summer months to protect baby bats that are still unable to fly.
Why the Delay?
June and July mark the peak of bat maternity season here in Iowa. This is when female bats settle into safe, warm spaces, like attics, to give birth and raise their pups. These pups are born blind, hairless, and completely dependent on their mothers. They can’t fly for about a month, sometimes longer.
If you were to install a one-way door to exclude the bats during this time, you’d be locking the mothers out and trapping the babies inside—an inhumane outcome and one that’s illegal during this protected period.
The DNR prohibits disrupting active maternity colonies from June 1 through August 15, though this can vary slightly depending on the species and weather. The reason is simple: without their mothers, pups can’t survive, and their attempts to find warmth might bring them into your living spaces. That’s a problem no one wants.
So, What Can You Do?
Contact us before we come to the dates where we are put on pause from our humane exclusion tactics. Like. Now.
What Happens Later?
If you don’t hear bats until this time frame, we are still happy to come out, provide a quote, and confirm if you have bats roosting in your attic. While having bats in your attic isn’t ideal, it’s not usually an immediate emergency either. Here’s what you can do:
Let them be (and book your removal): Once the pups can fly, the colony will begin to move out on its own.
Seal interior entry points: You can prevent bats from entering your living space by sealing off attic access from inside your home.
Avoid disturbing the colony: Stay away from the attic or roosting area until the season ends.
Once the young are able to fly—usually by mid-to-late August—we will step in. That’s when bat exclusion is allowed again. At that point, Bats and Bugs Pest Solutions can:
- Provide a free quote for bat removal
- Help you seal up entry points to prevent future issues
Schedule a full exclusion service at the right time, when it’s both safe and legal.
A Quick Look at Bat Behavior in Iowa
One pup per female: Most Iowa bats give birth to a single pup between mid-June and early July. Development timeline: Pups nurse until they can fly, usually within 25 to 37 days.
Annual return: Female bats often return to the same maternity colony each year, which is why we offer warranty service in case they decide to return. Ask us about it.
Protected by law: It’s illegal to exclude bats from a roost during the maternity season due to the risk it poses to the young.
From Des Moines to Adel to Urbandale, these rules apply statewide. Trying to evict a bat colony too early can result in hidden carcasses, unpleasant odors, and even an increased risk of bats entering living spaces in a panic.
Let’s Work With the Cycle
Bat removal is one of those services that requires timing and care. While it might be frustrating to delay, it’s the best long-term solution for both your home and Iowa’s native wildlife. By understanding the life cycle of bats and respecting the DNR’s guidelines, we can protect your home and these important creatures.