How to Extermine and Prevent Household Pests and Infestations

Information, facts and resources to help you deal with an infestation of household pests and, if the worst happens, how to destroy them and prevent the pests return.

Bats

What does a bat look like?

Bats

Bat Description

• In the U.K. there are approximately 14 species of bats, all of which are small.
• Bats’ wings are a soft membrane of skin stretched over their arms and legs.
• Bats are mammals and like other mammals, they are warm blooded and their bodies are covered with fur or hair.
• Bats have long ears and strong claws, which enable them to hang upside down in their roosts.

Where do bats live?

• Bats are found in many places including houses, churches, farms, caves, mines and many other buildings.
• Bats may live in your loft space, the eaves of your house or in trees, outbuildings and sheds.

What are the signs of bat infestation?

• Bats may be sighted at dusk as they leave their roost in search of insects.

What do bats eat?

• The species of bat that are seen in the U.K. live mainly on insects.
• Insects that bats eat include moths, beetles, gnats, mosquitoes which they catch while flying.
• Bats also pick up their food supply from plants.
• Other bat speces may eat fruit.

Why must bats be controlled?

• Bats are not considered to be pests, and are protected in the United Kingdom under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
• Under this Act it is illegal to kill, handle or move bats.
• It is also illegal to restrict access to any place a bat uses for its shelter.

How can I get rid of bats?

• It may be appropriate to contact your local authority for advice if you believe you have bats on your property as they are protected by law, and bats may not handled or moved.
• If you think you have bats roosting within your property, please do not take any action before you phone the U.K. Bat Help Line 0845 1300 228.
• English Nature are also a source of advice for bats in your home 01704 385735
• Contact your local Bat Group or Wildlife Trust for advice.
• Bats are not considered to be pests, and are protected under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
• Under this Act it is illegal to kill, handle or move bats.
• It is also illegal to restrict access to any place a bat uses for its shelter.

How can I prevent bats from returning?

• Bats are not known to cause any damage to buildings.
• They do not gnaw wood, cable or make holes to gain entry to properties;
• Bats only only use existing gaps or holes.
• It is important to remember that bats are protected by law.

Bat Poisons and Bat Pesticides

• Bats are not considered to be pests, and are protected under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
• Under this Act it is illegal to kill, handle or move bats.
• It is also illegal to restrict access to any place a bat uses for its shelter.

The "Green Option" - Environmentally friendly control of Bats

• Tolerate bats - they are protected by law in the United Kingdom.
• Seek the support of your local bat group, you may get a lot of pleasure from providing a home for bats.
• Consider making an unused loft or attic space accessible to bats.

Bats : Household Pests

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