Bats and Halloween … the two are inseparable in many people’s minds. When people get their homes ready for Halloween, bats are almost invariably part of the spooky decorations. How did bats become associated with Halloween in the first place? Are bats particularly active on Halloween? Do you know how to get rid of bats if they get into your home? This last question is important because while Halloween bat motifs can be fun, the presence of real bats is a serious matter.

It turns out that there are real reasons why bats became associated with Halloween.

1. Bats Are More Numerous and Active in the Fall

Bats give birth to offspring in the spring and raise their babies all through the summer. By early fall, young bats are able to fly on their own, which means they can start finding food for themselves and looking for mates. Bats need to build up fat stores before winter so they can survive hibernation or migration, depending on the species, so they are more active in the fall. Because of bats’ greater numbers and increased activity, humans may be more aware of them during the fall, hence the association with Halloween.

2. Bats Are Associated With Vampire Legends

Most of the vampire legends that are popular today have roots in Europe, where people have told stories about supernatural creatures that supposedly feed on human blood since ancient times. Interestingly, in early vampire legends, they did not have the ability to turn into bats. There are only three bat species in the world that feed on blood, and they all live in South and Central America. It was only when European exploration of the New World began in the late 15th century that Europeans discovered the existence of these bats and called them vampire bats after their old legends.

The association between bats and vampires was solidified by “Dracula,” a novel by Bram Stoker published in 1897 in which the titular vampire has the ability to turn into a bat.

3. Bats Are Liminal

The word “liminal” refers to something that is transitional or exists in in-between spaces. Because it occurs around the transition between fall and winter, Halloween can be said to be liminal. It occurs around the same time as Samhain, an ancient harvest festival marking the approach of winter. As the only mammals that can fly, bats can also be considered liminal, living among birds yet not being part of them. This, combined with their increased activity in late fall may account for their association with Halloween.

4. Bats Are Nocturnal

The festival of Samhain is traditionally associated with a big bonfire, which is ignited after dark to create a more impressive spectacle. Most Halloween celebrations, such as trick-or-treating, also take place after dark. People celebrating Samhain or Halloween may be more likely to see bats than they would be normally, which may account for the association. This may be especially true in the case of Samhain bonfires because the light from the fire may attract insects on which bats feed. As a result, bats may be more visible around a bonfire in late autumn.

5. Bats Are Poorly Understood

Stories about vampires and other supernatural creatures of legend often take place on Halloween. These stories were created partially to explain things that people couldn’t understand intellectually. Because of their nocturnal habits, ability to fly, and exaggerated reputation for bloodthirstiness, bats are often misunderstood by humans. This may partly account for their association with the uncanny creatures that, according to legend, walk about freely on Halloween.

Why You Should Call Skedaddle for Bat Removal in Madison

Wisconsin bats don’t feed on blood as some of their southern neighbors do. Nevertheless, they may bite in self-defense, and they can carry rabies. Our technicians in Madison can formulate a plan to keep your family safe and comply with laws mandating humane bat removal. Find out more about the process of bat removal near me.