A new freefone helpline to deal with queries about bats has been launched by the National Parks & Wildlife Service.This service has been set up in response to a growing interest in bats and in particular to advise homeowners on how to manage bat roosts in their houses. Bats traditionally roost in trees, caves, old buildings, cellars and bridges. But bats will also use houses where attics, walls and eaves provide potential roosting sites. Bats use houses seasonally, rather like swallows, arriving in April or May and leaving in September. Bats rarely cause any problems when they roost in houses and many householders all over Ireland have lived happily with their bats for many years.
“Every summer we get hundreds and hundreds of queries about bats, and in particular about bats in houses" explained Dr Ferdia Marnell of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. "It's the time of year when a bat can fly in an open window pursuing an insect or a young bat exploring their roost in an attic will squeeze down through cracks around piping and end up in the hot press. There are some simple steps that homeowners can take to manage these situations. This helpline will provide such practical advice."
The Bat Helpline freefone number is 1800 405 000. More information about bats and a leaflet on Bats in Houses can be found on www.npws.ie
