Bats

Identification

• wingspan ranges from a few inches to 17 inches
• 18 species in Utah

Nesting Habits

• caves and mines, tree foliage, hollow trees, cracks in rock cliffs and buildings
• some live in Utah year-round; some are migratory

Diet

• insects

Significance

• major disruptor to building occupants
• health hazard: could transmit histoplasmosis and rabies

IPM Recommendations

• Do NOT kill bats; they are protected by law!
• Do NOT seal cracks and crevices when bats and their young are present (late May - late July).
• Exclude bats: seal exterior cracks, crevices and areas around pipes and electrical that enter through walls.
• Exclude bats: use netting that allows bats to leave structures but blocks them from re-entering the building.
• Construct bat boxes as an alternative roosting site.
• Keep all exterior doors and windows closed.
• Keep screens in good repair.
• Avoid leaving gaps in construction where bats can roost.
• Seal all cracks and crevices where bats may enter a building. This may take great effort and special equipment.
• Use the presence of guano (bat feces) and grease markings on siding, etc., to find openings that need exclusionary measures taken.
• Never handle bats with bare hands.