Replies

1. 
   scgregg | Jun 02, 2000 05:24am | #6

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   thanks for the web site, bat fan here... but can you post a blueprint or suitable graphic representation of an acceptable bat house?..... builders like a schematic toooo!!!!!

2. 
   Guest_ | Jun 02, 2000 05:24am | #7

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   ...the mammals. They're ok, especially for devouring mosquitos this time of year, but they've taken up residence in the wall of my shop. There's a shed roofed porch where they found a way under the flashing/wall junction. One of these days I know they're going to break through the sheetrock and annex the upstairs studio.

   Are there any products or home remedies, tested and proven, that will force the bats to leave. I only need about 2hrs. to install closure strips under the metal roofing. I just need to make sure they've all left before I plug up their exit.

   David

1. 
   Guest_ | May 31, 2000 12:26pm | #1

   *You might talk to a conservation officer. They might have the answers, or be able to point you in the right direction. It might also help to provide them with an alternate "residence" - like a bat house or something. You can buy them comercially, or I have some plans I could send you a copy of if you like.

1. 
   Guest_ | May 31, 2000 02:03pm | #2

   *Before we occupied our 250 year old house, I had to get rid of hundreds of bats. Fortunately, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health was doing an extensive study of bats at that time, so I had the benefit of expert advice.First there is no simple agent - chemical, spray, etc. that will cause bats to leave. There are lethal gases that can be used by a licensed applicator, but it is frowned upon because of the cost and easier methods.Bats are helpful critters as long as they are not living in the same place as you. So you want to eliminate their entry areas - bats can crawl through very small opening - a classic entry is the space under roof eaves - a half inch space is all they need.Bats hibernate in colder climates - along the mid-atlantic, they leave for mountain caves in early October and return in the early spring.During the day, they sleep - it sounds like they like your shop and will stay there all day - as dusk approaches, they fly out and spend the night eating many times their weight in bugs. You need to post yourself close enough to where they are exiting so you can determine exactly where they are leaving. The next day, close up all the space except a small area so they can get out that evening - and be ready to close that last space after they leave the following evening. Check at dusk for the next few nights to ensure they are not getting-in/leaving any other areas.After they are gone, make sure all cracks/openings are sealed and periodically inspect to make sure new openings have not occurred. Thats it - a little work but very effective.Remember, bats are not interested in you - all they want are all those bugs you have flying around, so they are helpful. My barn is full of them and I think that's fine - as long as they stay in the barn!Good Luck!

1. 
   Armin_Hammer | Jun 01, 2000 03:28am | #3

   *Try those newfangled electronic untrasound insect repellers. I always considered them a joke untill my wife bought one and put in in her horse barn. I couldn't beleave it, the flies are gone. The high frequency sound it admits repels the bugs I beleave it would work on bats since they have high frequency hearing. At anyrate for $9.99 its worth a try. There are two Kinds, look for the type that uses the electrical house wireing as an antenna, it should work inside the wall cavity.

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   Guest_ | Jun 01, 2000 04:07am | #4

   *In the state of Wisconsin it is illegal to kill a bat.

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   Guest_ | Jun 01, 2000 04:39am | #5

   *I think bats are neat critters and I plan on building some bat houses on my place. Most bat houses are fairly simple and information on them can be found at:http://www.batcon.org/bhra/bhcriter.htmlBe aware, however, that a fraction of one percent of bats have been found to be rabid, so sick or injured bats should not be handled. Approximately one death per year in the United states is attributed to rabies of the type carried by bats (according to one report, only a few species have been found to be carriers). Thus if you get tangled up with one, you should discuss the situation with your health care provider. However, one death per year puts that well below the risk of getting killed by lightening, slipping in your bathtub, or, certainly, taking your jalopy for a spin...You can read more about non-rabid bats at Bat Conservation International:http://www.batcon.org/