Don't let these critters drive you batty

This week, I have received an unsigned letter from a lady with bat problems. For the next two weeks, I will discuss bats, their biology, reproduction, behavior, and control and removal.

Ma'am, I hope this information will help you and others in solving your bat infestation problem. If it does not, please feel free in calling me directly.

The North American bat generally mates in the fall and winter but the female retains the sperm in her uterus until spring, when ovulation and fertilization occur.

The pregnant female may congregate in maternity colonies in buildings, behind chimneys, beneath bridges, in tree hollows, caves, mine or any other dark secluded areas.

Nests are not built. Birth 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 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, attract flying insects, which, in turn, attract bats.

Bats commonly enter buildings through opening 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, 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 hole no larger than a dime.

Openings of these dimensions are not uncommon in older homes where boards have shrunk, warped or otherwise become loose.

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 at Northwest Executive and 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 the chief executive officer of Northwest Executive and Environmental Services, LLC.