Some bat roosts are in inappropriate sites. Bats and humans should not be living in direct contact with each other in the same space. Where bats have access to human living quarters, it is better to keep bats from entering this space. This may be difficult in very old homes as bats can enter through tiny spaces.
Where bat colonies are being evicted from buildings it is important to do so with as little injury to the bats as possible. If female bats already have young that cannot fly, it is better if possible to wait until later in July when the young bats can also fly from the roost. Also, there are methods that allow bats to leave and fly away from the roost, but do not allow them to re-enter. It is important not to seal bats inside their roost and thereby kill them inside the building. Also it’s important to know that upright empty buckets, poisons and other items left in sheds and buildings that bats may access, may kill bats. The BC Community Bat Program web site bcbats.ca has lots of information on handling bats in buildings – check out:
- Got Bats? Seven Steps for Excluding bats from Buildings in BC.
- Got Bats? Seven Steps for Excluding bats from Buildings in BC. A Guide for Pest Control Including versions for Pest Management Professionals in BC.
- Got Bats? A Bulletin for Builders in BC.
- Got Bats in a house for sale? A Bulletin for Realtors in BC.
- Got Bats? A Bulletin for Roofers and Chimney Professionals in BC.
Feel free to contact the dhbatproject@gmail.com for questions or information.
