Released on April 14, 2026
Spring renovation season is almost here, and homeowners are encouraged to check for an unexpected tenant - bats. This year's reminder comes as the province highlights the safest way to help bats move out. Installing one-way exits at the right time of year allows these important animals to leave buildings on their own while protecting both their young and your renovation plans.
"Bats protect our environment and support our economy by eating pests that damage crops, forests, parks and gardens," Environment Minister Darlene Rowden said. "As bats often use buildings for shelter, there are rules about when and how they can be safely removed."
If building owners wish to evict bats, May and September are the best times to install one-way exits. Bats are difficult to find inside buildings. One way exits work with the biology of bats by allowing them to leave on their own, reducing overall costs to building owners. In May, bats can exit the roost and find new homes before their flightless babies are born, ensuring that bats aren't trapped inside. A bat eviction permit is required and can be obtained free of charge from the Ministry of Environment by contacting the Inquiry Centre.
Bat populations across North America are facing several challenges. Their numbers are declining due to threats including shrinking insect populations, wind turbine collisions, habitat loss, and a disease called white-nose syndrome. You can support bats by adopting home maintenance, landscaping, and farming practices that benefit them. These practices include:
- Maintaining healthy wetlands and native vegetation;
- Reducing or better targeting pesticide use; and
- Installing bat houses to provide safe roosting sites if bat roosts are destroyed.
Building owners are responsible for all costs associated with eviction efforts. Regular maintenance helps prevent wildlife from initially accessing buildings.
For more information about bats including eviction times, eviction permitting and tips for bat-proofing your home, visit the Ministry of Environment Bats in Saskatchewan page and the Environment Resource Library. You can also contact the Ministry of Environment Inquiry Centre at centre.inquiry@gov.sk.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Media Relations
Environment
Phone: 306-953-2459
Email: envmedia@gov.sk.ca
For public inquiries:
Environment Inquiry Line
Regina
Email: centre.inquiry@gov.sk.ca