It is a very common misconception that bats are attracted to light. Rather, bats are attracted to the insects that they hunt and eat, which are attracted to the light. If you see a bat heading towards a light pole nearby, chances are he’s chasing after his dinner.
Considered one of the most effective and natural forms of insect control and consuming up to half of their weight in mosquitoes, moths and flies every night, while these creatures can be great for ridding off the bugs around your lawn, but can be a nuisance if you don’t exactly feel comfortable with the thought of having a bat move into the neighborhood. Especially, if it’s your porch light or roof that he or she favors.
How To Deter Bats From Your Porch
The good news is that there are easy, inexpensive and humane ways to deter bats from your neck of the woods. Here are a few tips to get your started:
- Look for an accumulation of bat droppings in the area above the porch, or rub marks on the siding below it as bats will often use these openings for entry and exit. Sometimes the opening a bat uses can even be as small as the width of your thumb so look carefully and be sure that your search is thorough. If possible, spend a few nights watching closely for where bats are entering and exiting the roof space.
- Knowing when to bat proof your house is also very important as you could accidently seal them inside of a wall. Not only would this be tragic, it would also only add to the extinction problem that is already occurring to the bat population worldwide. Timing is everything when it comes to bat proofing your house. Never block off an entrance or exit opening during the months of June-August. It is common during these months for bat colonies to consist of young bats that have not yet learned how to fly. The best time to bat proof your home would be between November and March, as most bats will be hibernating elsewhere during this time.
- To properly bat proof your porch, square pieces of mesh work great. Wait until its dark outside and then using duct tape; attach three sides of the mesh to the area around the opening. Be sure to leave the bottom of the square unattached in case any bats remain inside. This allows them enough space to climb out so they don’t get trapped inside. Don’t worry about them getting back inside; they will not be able to. Leave the mesh in place for a few weeks to allow any additional bats the chance to evacuate the premises. After this, the openings can be permanently filled with a sealer such as caulking.
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