Don't let those small, flying mammals drive you batty

This month, I have received seven calls from the community requesting information on bats and how to remove them from their premises. For the next two weeks, I will discuss bats, their biology, reproduction, behavior and control and removal.

The North American bat generally mates in the fall and winter, but the female retains the sperm in their uterus until spring when ovulation and fertilization occurs. The pregnant female may congregate in the maternity colonies in buildings, behind chimneys, beneath bridges, in tree hollows, caves, mines or any other dark secluded area. Nests are not built. Births typically occurs from May through July. Young bats grow rapidly and are able to fly within three weeks. Weaning occurs in July and August, after which nursery colonies disperse.

Bats prepare for the winter around the first frost. Some species migrate short distances. Bats in the northern United States and Canada may hibernate from September through May. A bat can live up to 10 years.

Bats often fly around water sources from which they drink and catch insects. White light, commonly used for porch lights, building illumination, street and parking lot lights, attracts flying insects, which in turn attracts bats.

Bats commonly enter buildings through openings associated with roof edges and valleys, eaves, apex of the gable, chimney, attic or roof vents, dormers and siding. Other openings may be found under loose fitting doors, around windows, gaps around conduits (wiring, plumbing and air conditioning), that pass through walls and utility vents.

Bats are able to squeeze through narrow slits and cracks as small as one-fourth of an inch. Smaller species require an opening no wider than three-eighths of an inch and a hold no larger than a dime. Opening of these dimensions are not uncommon in older homes when the boards have shrunk, warped or otherwise become loosened.

In urban areas, they often enter homes through windows or unscreened fireplaces. If unused, chimneys are selected for summer roosts, bats may fall through the open damper into the home.

Next week, I will discuss roosting sites, rub marks, noise, guano and urine, rabies and histoplasmosis.

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed Madan at Northwest Environmental Services (255-2266) or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do?

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection and remediation contractor. Ed is chief executive officer of Northwest Environmental Services, LLC.