Flying Bats

I recently received a question about how to prevent bats from flying around a house at night. It appeared that the bats frightened the residents and they wanted them to not be around anymore.

If this situation affects you, here are some strategies to employ to resolve the matter.

First, make sure that the bats are NOT living in your house.  Obviously, if bats are living in your house, it is very likely that you will see them flying around. For tips on how to inspect your home visit Inspection Tips for free training.

Second, turn of lights as these attract and congregate insects that bats consume. Since turning off lights is not always practical, consider changing the light bulb to less attractive color such as yellow or add a motion sensor to the light.

Third, use alternative doors. It may be that bats are more active on one side of the house than others. Find out if they are loafing behind shudders or under overhangs. (Bats often rest to recover and digest their food before venturing out again). Prevent their access to loafing locations by netting, filling the gaps behind the shudders, or screening off overhangs. Remember netting and screening should be no larger than 1/4-inch weave.

Finally consider developing some toleration. Phobias can be overcome with education and help. The more you read about bats the more likely you will appreciate their remarkable abilities and importance to the eco-system. Who knows, you may even grow to like them.

Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACP