Bats are among the most unique and interesting of all mammals. Unfortunately, they are also the most misunderstood. Most bats in the United States are biologically useful mammals because they feed entirely on insects, many of which are pests to humans and to agriculture.
Bats are pests however when they take up residence within buildings, and there are good reasons for not tolerating their presence. The scratching and squeaking noises created by the bats are annoying. Their droppings and urine cause objectionable and persistent odors and may stain walls and ceilings as well as attract insects and other bat colonies even after the original colony is broken up. Additionally, there is a slight chance of someone contacting a rabid bat, although the great majority of house-infesting bats in the United States are not rabid. Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing whether or not any bat is rabid by the bat's appearance.
Many types of buildings are susceptible to bat infestation, but certain factors appear to encourage roosts. Bats usually select buildings that are located near water and food, that is, where insects are found in adequate numbers. No one is really sure as to why bats select specific buildings to roost, but bats are attracted to buildings by odor from previous infestations, coupled with high roost temperatures. Obviously, a structure must also provide the bats with some type of access, because they do not gnaw holes into structures. Actual roost sites within a building may be in exposed areas or in concealed areas. During the daytime, the bats are restful or semi restful. They emerge from structures beginning at dusk, and most bats are out of the roost within 60 minutes from the first bat's exit. They then fly to nearby feeding and watering areas. By dawn, all bats are back in the roost.
Bat-proofing a structure is the most logical and biologically acceptable way to control bats. The objective in controlling bats is to rid a building of the colony permanently. Exclusion is the only method that will guarantee this goal is reached.
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