Once batty over bats, but not anymore
Q: We recently built a room over our garage, and a bat started living in the air vent window on the screen. An exterminator suggested during a casual conversation that I squirt the bat with water — they will fly away because they don’t like to get wet. But after a couple of days I noticed that the bat was back. One day, I had my vacuum cleaner in the area. I pulled out the hose attachment and put it up to the bat. He’s never been back since. Between the sound and the unusual vacuum feeling, I don’t think the bat will return — at least not to that window vent. I thought you might use this tip in your column. — Darlene W., via e-mail
A: That’s a heck of a tip, Darlene! I’ve been fortunate not to have to deal with bats, although I’ve evicted quite a few mice, bugs, raccoons and snakes from houses in my lifetime.
Bats, like other wildlife, can be difficult to chase away once they’ve settled in. For these little guys, professionals will typically use either a chemical repellent to make the environment an undesirable one in which to live, or an ultrasonic device that just annoys the heck out of the bats until they leave. A vacuum cleaner, while not ultrasonic, may produce sound vibrations that bats don’t like. Of course, prodding them with the hose attachment might speed things along, too.
However, I wouldn’t recommend touching wildlife, except as a last resort. Small creatures like raccoons, squirrels and bats are just as likely to bite in self-defense as run away, and rabies is a danger, among other things. If common deterrents (like locking down garbage can lids and spritzing ammonia on surfaces commonly visited) don’t work, then removal is the next option.
Contact a wildlife removal specialist to handle unwelcome visitors. The professional will come out and set traps (usually “live traps,” which capture the animal unharmed) and take away the offending varmint.
Some homeowners are determined to trap wildlife themselves — which is just fine as long as one is willing and able to handle a cage containing a snarling raccoon or a hissing snake — and find a safe (and distant) place to release the creature. However, the fee charged by a licensed wildlife specialist is probably small in comparison to the time it takes to do this yourself, not to mention the risks.
Home Tip
A licensed wildlife removal specialist can safely rid a home of unwanted pests like raccoons, squirrels, bats and snakes.
Tips to beat the heat
If the hot weather hasn’t arrived yet in your part of the country, it soon will; the Southern states have been sweltering for at least a month. But no matter where you are, a few simple steps can make summer life much more comfortable.
•Change air conditioner filters monthly. The owner’s manual may specify changing the filters every two to three months, but if the unit sees daily use, a lot more dust, debris and other particles will build up. Swapping the filters regularly will increase the air conditioner’s efficiency — and reduce the amount of potential allergens circulating through the house. If your air conditioner is a window unit, clean the filter more often: every two weeks.
•Improve air circulation throughout the house. To maximize an air conditioner’s effectiveness and reduce hot and cold spots around the house, make sure a good airflow exists. Proper attic ventilation is a key factor in temperature control; vents installed in the house soffits allow air in and out of the attic (or crawl space), keeping the upper area of the house from getting too hot. Make sure these vents aren’t blocked. In the house’s living space, consider installing ceiling fans in rooms where air remains stagnant, or place a portable fan a couple feet off the floor to get things moving.
•Be prepared for pleasant evenings. Repair those damaged window or porch screens so that you can open up the house when the sun has gone down and the outdoor air is enjoyable. You’ll be able to circulate fresh air throughout the house without having to deal with unwanted guests like mosquitoes and flies. Screen repair kits can be picked up at the local home-improvement store for less than $20, and repairs are relatively easy to make.
•Hydrate! Drink plenty of water on hot days, even when you’re inside. Proper hydration helps regulate your body temperature, winter or summer. If you’ll be spending the day outside, wear sunscreen, shirtsleeves and a hat. Take frequent breaks to drink water and allow your body to get used to the heat. Don’t push yourself when working outside. After all, they’re not called the lazy days of summer for nothing!
Home Tip
To keep your air conditioner working at peak efficiency, cut back vegetation at least 12 inches from an outdoor unit to ensure the airflow around it is not restricted.