How to Use a Plastic Owl to Keep Bats Out
Tip
Bats can enter your home through an opening as small as ΒΌ inch. Seal all openings when the bats have been relocated. Bats are shy, intelligent creatures that typically do not attack humans but they can transmit histoplasmosis, a fungal disease that can cause flu like illness, and rabies, so relocating them is highly recommended.
Warning
Wear a mask that is proven to block dust particles as small as 2 microns when cleaning bat droppings or guano. If you are ever bitten by a bat, clean the area with a mild cleanser and attempt to catch the bat before going to the emergency room to have rabies ruled out.
Bats are beneficial mammals that eat 30 to 100 percent of their body weight in insects each night. However, you may want to avoid having them near your home. Keeping bats out of your home is as simple as placing one of their natural enemies, the owl, near their roosting place.
Purchase a plastic owl that has a lifelike all-weather surface.
Mount the plastic owl as high up as possible, ideally above where the bats are roosting or could enter your home, and against the skyline for maximum effect. Use mounting screws to secure the plastic owl to the tree, trim or roof .
Move the plastic owl at least three times a year to keep the bats aware and fearful of it.
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Writer Bio
Based in Covington, Tenn., Cheryl Torrie has been writing how-to articles since 2008. Her articles appear on eHow. Torrie received a certificate in travel and tourism from South Eastern Academy and is enrolled in a computer information systems program at Tennessee Technology Center at Covington.
