Are you
considering building a bat
house?
Bats are a
very important part of our
local ecosystem. Bat houses
can provide protection and
habitat for them. However,
there are health issues to
consider when choosing the
location for a bat house.
When wild animals are
invited into areas close to
your home, the is an
increased possibility of a
person or pet coming in
direct contact. Before
adding a bat house to your
yard or garden the following
should be considered.
1. Is
your home “bat proof”?
Bat houses
can provide a nice roosting
area for bats, but often
attic or rafter space is
even more hospitable.
Take steps to bat-proof your
home before bats move in.
between late fall and early
spring, before any bats move
in.
Avoid “bat-proofing” your
home from May through
September
when young bats that cannot
yet fly might be inside -
they can can get
trapped and die. During late fall
and winter when bats
hibernate is the best time
to “bat-proof”your home.
Examine
the outside of your home
for any openings ¼ inch by ½
inch or larger (to include
electrical and plumping
holes) and apply water-based caulking.
Heavy duty wire mesh can be
installed over vents. Ensure all doors to the
outside close tightly.
Always use window screens,
chimney caps and
draft-guards beneath doors.
Additionally, bat houses
shouldn’t be mounted
directly on homes as it can
increase the chance that a
bat may fly into the home
through an open window or
door.
2. How close are your
neighbors?
Even if you “bat-proof” your
home, your neighbors may not
and your bat house could
increase your neighbor’s
chance of encountering an
unwanted bat.
Are children or pets nearby?
Children and pets are
curious by nature and may
attempt to handle a bat on
the ground. Therefore, bat
houses should not be
installed in areas easily
accessible to children and
pets.
|
Have an encounter with a bat
in LA County?
Call Public Health for
rabies exposure consultation
213-288-7060 8-5pm
after hours 213-240-7941
(Physician on Call) |
