Bring back bats

Nov 21, 2007 11 Replies

We used to have bats in the attic of our early Victorian house, but they disappeared when the roof was felted about 15 years ago.



Is there any way of starting a new colony of bats, or of encouraging those around (there are very few) to roost in our attic?



I recently found 2 badminton bats and 1 tennis bat in my attic.

Did the felt stop them getting in (or out?)

You could contact the bat group

formatting link
to be loads of info on there :)

Not as far as I know. Bats seem to be particularly picky when it comes to roosts - and that doesn't mean they'll always colonize even the most sumptuous quarters.

The best way appears to be to ensure that they have a decent supply of food in the way of insects - and that's work that can be done in the garden. Plenty of moths is what's required, and plants like Honeysuckle will pull in hundreds of 'in flight' meals every evening in the summer.

Might be worth getting in touch with your local 'Bat Warden' ( bound to be one, or something like it ) for specific advice to your area.

Regards,

I'll raise you by two hockey sticks.

Mary

God, you don't want him in your attic! You'll never get rid of him and you're not allowed to exterminate him any more. WM

"wattie" wrote in news:fi1lq6$ajh$1$ snipped-for-privacy@news.demon.co.uk:

message

house,

years ago.

exterminate him

Yerbut there is always the chance he would bring Kate Humble,

formatting link

Are you really sure you want them? Could be a real turnoff if you try to sell. Rabies is spreading through the bat population, and has already infected one, or maybe two, bat wardens in Scotland. I wouldn't buy a house if I knew there were some. There are now new rules so once there if you want to move them, you have to build them something similar in size and style to what you are ejecting them from. I heard a sorry tale on radio 4 of someone who had to build a large barn-type structure costing many thousands with no guarantee that they roost there.

Peter Scott

I bet they make a racket at night :)

Yes. Plan a loft conversion and you'll never see the last of them.

I don't think so. But the loft was cleaned out and flooboards put down - I guess there would have been plenty of insects for the bats before this.

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required