Dealing with bats in your home
Discovering bats in your roof space can be a surprising and intriguing experience. These enigmatic creatures play a vital role in our ecosystem and are protected by UK law. In this article, we will provide essential guidance on how to handle the presence of bats in your home responsibly and ethically.
1. Bats Are Protected Species
Bats are regarded as protected species in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981 and The Conservation Regulations of 1994. This means you must not harm them or interfere with their roosts in any way.
2. Seek Professional Guidance
If you suspect that bats are roosting in your property, it’s crucial to seek advice from professionals who specialize in bat conservation. Organisations such as the Bat Conservation Trust and local Statutory Nature Conservation agencies are valuable resources. You can easily find your nearest agency through a simple internet search.
3. How Bats Find Their Way into Your Property
Bats have adapted to modern living, and they may choose to roost in various parts of your home, including the roof space, behind fascias, or even in your cellar. They are not permanent residents and tend to be active during certain seasons.
4. Do Not Disturb Their Roosts
Whether bats are present or not, it is important never to meddle with a bat’s roost. If you need to perform maintenance or repair work on your roof or trees where bats are known to roost, always contact a registered nature conservation agency for guidance before seeking a roofer’s assistance.
5. Bats Are Harmless to Your Property
Rest assured that bats do not pose a threat to your property. They are small in size, typically growing to around 3 ¼ inches at most. Bats prefer clean living spaces and spend most of their time grooming themselves. Their droppings are harmless and odorless, quickly disintegrating into dust. Bats do not harm your property’s wiring, wood, or insulation. They don’t build nests or leave debris lying around, and you need not worry about a large infestation because female bats only produce one offspring each year.
6. Bats Are Nocturnal and Tend to Stay Hidden
Bats are nocturnal creatures, mainly active at night, and often confine themselves to tiny spaces beneath felt roofing or in crevices. If you do happen to spot a bat, contact a local conservation agency or your nearest bat group.
Key Points to Remember When Dealing with Bats in Your Roof:
If roofing work, such as repairs or replacements, is required near a bat roost, always consult a conservation agency before contacting a roofer. This ensures that you comply with the law and handle the situation responsibly.
Handling a bat is illegal unless you are licensed to do so.
Bats must not be prevented from roosting in your property or denied access.
It is illegal to destroy or damage a bat roost.
By following these guidelines, you can coexist harmoniously with these fascinating creatures while also adhering to legal requirements. If you ever discover bats in your home, it’s an opportunity to appreciate the unique biodiversity of North Devon and contribute to the preservation of these protected species.
Your local Devon bat group
Website : www.devonbatgroup.org
email: info@devonbatgroup.org
call: 0345 1300 228
or you can call SNR Roofing on 01271900029 and we can help you with any of your Bat problems or needs.
