
Pest Identification: Bats
According to the Massachusetts Homeowner’s Guide to Bats, bats in the state are protected by law and can only be killed or captured under specific circumstances, such as posing a risk to public health or damaging property. Attempts to evict bat colonies are restricted to early Spring, May, and from August 1st to mid-October to avoid harming the bats during crucial periods.
The timing is based on important phases in the bats' yearly cycle. In May, bats come out of hibernation, but it's not yet time for them to return to the roost to have pups. From August to October, bat pups are old enough to fly and leave the roost. Evicting bats at other times could lead to their unnecessary death.
Bats play a crucial role in ecosystems and benefit humans in various ways, including pollination, reseeding, and pest control. They pollinate plants by transferring pollen as they drink nectar, contribute to reseeding by excreting undigested seeds, and act as natural pest control by feeding on disease-carrying and crop-damaging insects. The guide emphasizes the importance of bats in preventing disease and supporting ecosystems.

Buzzwords
The Lifecycle of a Mouse: From Birth to Infestation
You’ve heard the saying, “If you see one mouse, there’s always more nearby.” It’s true! Mice are social creatures that rarely live alone, meaning a single mouse sighting often signals a larger problem. Understanding the lifecycle of a mouse is key to grasping how...
No Vacancy: Stop Your Home from Becoming a Roach Motel
A comfortable home is essential, especially when hosting out-of-town guests. But there’s one group of guests you don’t want to entertain: cockroaches. These pests don’t hibernate in the winter—they remain active and can invade your Massachusetts home or business all...
Winter Proof Your Home: Top Tips to Keep Pests Out During the Cold Months
When the temperature in New England drops to an average of 25 degrees during winter, staying warm inside feels like the only option—and pests feel the same way. From mid-November through March, common winter invaders like mice, rats, and squirrels seek warm, cozy...