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What are the signs that bats are nesting on your property

00:00 Tue 24th Apr 2001 | Home & Garden

Jayne b-t asked

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A.� Traditionally, bats nested in caves or in holes in trees, but as more and more trees were cut down over the centuries they increasingly took to roosting in buildings. The image of a row of bats hanging upside down is a bit of a myth as most prefer crawling into gaps and crevices. The most common bat in Britain is the pipistrelle, which measures no more than four centimetres long.

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The telltale signs are a series of small pellet-like droppings appearing on the floor of a loft or barn or on an elevated windowsill and, obviously, the appearance of a number of fast moving bird-like creatures around the property around dusk.

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Q.� So what should I do if I have got bats

A.� Whatever you do don't try to harm them or discourage them in any way, it is against the law. Of the 16 types of bats found in the British Isles, six are endangered and all are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981.

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If the bats are unwelcome or you are perhaps planning to do some work on a building that is housing them you are obliged to contact the relevant conservation body in your area and to let them advise on what to do.

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In England that is English Nature (Tel: 01733 455000); In Wales the Countryside Council of Wales (01248 370444); In Scotland it's Scottish Natural Heritage (0131 447478) and in Northern Ireland the Department of Environment on 01232 251477.

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You are also urged to contact your local bat group through the Bat Conservation Trust on 020 7627 2629, so they can identify and record the colony.

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Q.� Does the same apply to bees or wasp nests

A.� No, wasps are usually unwelcome and their nests are probably best dealt with by experts, although there are treatments on the market if you fancy dealing with the problem yourself.

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Wild bees are slightly different and are much more useful insects. If you want to get rid of a bees' nest contact the British Beekeeping Association through your local National Union of Farmers office. They will advise you on treatment and may even remove the bees for you.

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If you've got a question on your home or garden, click here.

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Tom Gard

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