THE bats They usually enter homes by accident, attracted by light or in search of shelter. In most cases, a few simple steps are enough to make their departure easier. However, when a colony is established in a housethe situation could become more complicated.
Below is detailed what to do if a bat appears at homehow to act in case of find a colony and what are the recommendations to preserve coexistence.
Reasons why bats enter homes
Bats can gain access to the interior of homes for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common are:
- Finding temporary shelter: Many species of bats find their homes a safe place to protect themselves from predators or adverse weather conditions.
- Attraction to light: Sometimes they can approach the light emitted by open windows at night, which also attracts insects, their main food source.
- Orientation errors: Some bats, especially young ones, can accidentally get lost and end up inside homes.
The bat species found in Spain are generally small and They generally do not pose a danger to people. However, faced with the surprise of finding them inside the house, it is important to follow a series of recommendations to manage them correctly.
What to do if you find a bat at home?
The most common case is to find a lonely bat. A single bat is usually easy to handle if certain precautions are taken. The main recommendations are:
- Leave him an escape route: If the bat is flying, it is best to close the doors to the room and leave a window open. This makes it easier to leave.
- Act with caution during the day: If the bat is resting somewhere during the day, it can be trapped with a cardboard box and cardboard. Placing a cloth inside the box will help her feel safe until it’s time to release her.
- Night outing: Keep the box in a cool, quiet place until the evening, and when the time comes, open it in an elevated location (e.g. a window) so the bat can fly. It is recommended not to handle the bat without gloves to avoid possible bites.
What to do if you find a colony of bats in your home
When it comes to an already established colonymore specific measures need to be taken, as they are often protected by conservation laws. Following, Some guidelines for handling this case:
- Rate the discomfort: In many cases the colony is in areas such as the roof and does not cause any discomfort. If this is the case, it’s best to leave her alone.
- Avoid contact with excrement: If there is a buildup of guano, it is important to remove it with a mask and gloves. These droppings are a good natural fertilizer.
- Consult the authorities: In the event that the colony poses considerable problems, it is recommended to contact the protection agents of the corresponding autonomous community. They are responsible for assessing the situation and, if necessary, managing its safe removal.
When and how to act to remove a colony?
When the presence of bats is more visible, particularly in spring or summer, This may be a breeding colony.. In these cases it is not recommended to evict the colony between May and July, as the young cannot yet fly. If you decide to remove it during the safest months, like September or October, the following methods can be used:
- Install a plastic barrier: Placing a hanging plastic curtain in front of the exit crack prevents bats from entering.
- Fill the cracks gradually: After confirming that there are no more bats in the roost, seal entry points with materials that block access.
Common bat species in homes in Spain
Several Iberian species have adapted to living near humans and frequently take refuge in the cracks of buildings. Among them, the most common are:
- Common bat (Pipistrellus pipistrellus)
- Cabrera’s bat (Pipistrellus pygmaeus)
- Pale-edged bat (Pipistrellus kuhlii)
- Garden bat (Eptesicus serotinus)
It is important to emphasize that all of these species are protected by the Berne Convention and other conservation regulations.
It is very important to remember that, although their presence at home may be annoying, bats play a crucial role in the ecosystemdistinguishing itself in pollination and pest control. Their contribution to insect control helps reduce the need for pesticides and benefits human health because they feed on disease-transmitting mosquitoes.
