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

Preventing Raccoons from Climbing Your House

First, you need to make sure the raccoon is not using your house as a home. Details on inspection are at http;//icwdm.org. Never prevent access if the raccoon is living in/on the building. In that situation, you must control the animal according to state law and then after install prevention materials.


As for preventing access (assuming the raccoon is not living there),

1. trim back tree branches at least 4 feet from roof line. This includes horizontally and vertically.

2. install porcupine wire at corners, downspouts and other spots where raccoons can climb. They can't climb flat surfaces (i.e. straight up the wall) but can easily climb corners, vines, and downspouts.

a. Use three strips of 1 foot long porcupine wire (one brand name is called Nixalite; no endorsement is implied) laid out horizontally at least 9 feet off the ground to reduce likelihood of human injury as the spikes are extremely sharp. The spies Space them 4 inches apart at the tips.

Should look like -----------------------
                         ------------------------
                        -------------------------

You may need to use longer strips if you have to go over down spouts etc. The key is to have 6 inches of spikes on each side of the corner.

Caulk screws to prevent water from entering structure. Consult local hardware store for best options.

If the shiny spikes are a concern (they are typically made of stainless steel), then paint them before installation.


Again further details at http://icwdm.org including information on what to look for in hiring a qualified wildlife control operator.

Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACP