Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings collection
Date of this Version
September 1984
Abstract
Managing nuisance bat colonies can be accomplished via exclusion (bat-proofing) or in limited cases via the use of repellents. Exclusion is emphasized as the first and most desirable approach providing it is also practical. New products and devices have recently become available which may significantly aid in making exclusion programs more possible and practical. Repellents such as lights, fiberglass batting and various improvised mechanical devices may all have some utilization. Controlling nuisance bats can be accomplished via the use of toxicants and trapping, although there is considerable opposition from many bat researchers towards the use of toxicants. Toxicants that have been used against bats include DDT and Chlorophacinone (Rozol®). Efficacy studies conducted on Rozol tracking powder against nuisance big brown bats have demonstrated mean population reductions of 40% within three days, 88% reduction within two weeks and 98% reductions were obtained within one month following application. It is recommended that toxicants be considered for use only when all attempts at exclusion or repelling the bats have been tried and exhausted. It is contended that professionally supervised and administered toxicant programs are preferable to the various haphazard (and sometimes dangerous) "home remedy" approaches undertaken by a frustrated and a noneducated public. These practices often exacerbate the problem of bat-people contacts as well as subject the bats to excessive inhumane treatments.