BAT-FACTS!

Bats have been getting so much bad press recently that you might be forgiven for thinking that their numbers are on the increase. Sadly, this is not true – however you might be wishing it were if you are one of the many unfortunate homeowners who find themselves with an unwanted flying friend swooping down on you as you sleep.

Many people will be aware that bats and their roosts are protected by law, and as bats return to the same roosts every year, they are protected whether bats are present or not. It is illegal to kill, injure or take a wild bat, or intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to a bat roost. So what does this mean for homeowners?

“Having bats in your roof does not mean building work, repairs or timber treatment cannot take place but you will need to contact the local Statutory Nature Conservation Organisation (SNCO) for their advice before you proceed,” explains Ian Summersgill, managing director at chartered surveyors, Linchpin Ltd.

“There are many myths and misunderstandings about bats so people are unsure what to expect but thousands of households across the UK have bats roosting in their roof or loft space and for the majority it is a wonderful experience,” continues Mr Summersgill.

Here are some key bat-facts to help you get started:

Bats are not rodents and will not nibble or gnaw at wood, wires or insulation.

They do not build nests and therefore do not bring bedding material into the roofs; neither do they bring insect prey into the roost.

All bats in the UK eat insects, so they are a great form of natural pest control.

Their droppings are dry and do not putrify, but crumble away to dust.

Female bats usually only have one baby a year.

Most bats are seasonal visitors to roosts in houses – they are unlikely to live in that roost all year round, although they are loyal to their roosts, so usually return year after year.

There is an incredibly low risk of catching bat rabies from UK bats.

Bats are clean,sociable animals and spend many hours grooming. They prefer to live in clean, cobweb free areas where there are no draughts.

British bats are small: 3.3 – 8.2cm long, depending on the species.

Remember:

You should not attempt any work on your property that may affect a bat roost or access to it before you have spoken to the SNCO.

Although bats do have legal protection, the law does not expect people to co-exist with bats in living areas such as bedrooms or sitting rooms. On the rare occasions where bats are consistently finding their way into the living area, the local SNCO should be consulted to resolve the situation

It is entirely possible for people to live peacefully with a roost in their roof – many people go for years without realising they have bats.

By protecting your bat roost you are playing a vital role in bat conservation.

For further information about bats in residential or commercial dwellings contact Ian Summersgill, Linchpin Ltd Chartered Surveyors on 01423 790155, or by e-mail to info@linchpinltd.co.uk. 

www.linchpinltd.co.uk.