Bats in old Garage/Shed.

Western Pomise

Am from a farming area and farm,an elderly neighbour called in a few evenings ago.She has one of those old style loft type stone sheds beside house that is her 'garage'.The roof is leaking and she has organised a local builder to mend the roof this summer.Problem is she spotted bats coming out through a gable hole up near roof two nights in a row last week.She is a frail lady so asked me to check the shed.I sat outside last night for her from about 9pm on...no bats emerged from the hole for the night at dusk.
So she's wondering are they gone now or do Bats not necessarily go out to feed every night?
I'm going to do a bat watch for her again tonight:)....
What are their habits? Looked them up on internet and it said if they are in a house or shed that they usually don't 'migrate' out until Autumn?

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

If you even suspect bats are there and building work is to be carried out, you should contact NPWS.

Western Pomise

Lara Square Harvester wrote: »

If you even suspect bats are there and building work is to be carried out, you should contact NPWS.

That's why I'm asking the question...I knew that bats were protected etc so if I don't see any bats coming out tonight I will suss the shed out carefully

So the question I'd like answered basically is 'do Bats feed every night or not?'

Thanks for any replies.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

Yes, generally bats feed every night. The time of their departure from the roost can vary considerably though. Watch from 8 to about 11.

Interslice

If it's raining they might stay in as it's too noisy out to hunt. Lying on your back beneath the hole should be the best way to see them. Be a alot easier if you had a detector.

Western Pomise

Interslice wrote: »

If it's raining they might stay in as it's too noisy out to hunt. Lying on your back beneath the hole should be the best way to see them. Be a alot easier if you had a detector.

Was a lovely eve here yday and is set to be tonight too...so would you think they feed every night or not?....where do you get the bat detectors,save on a movie set:)?

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

I would reiterate. As bats are suspected and protected you should contact NPWS. They will sort all this out very quickly.
Yes, generally they feed every night. Local bat groups would have detectors or you can buy online but hardly worth the expense for this one situation.

Western Pomise

Lara Square Harvester wrote: »

I would reiterate. As bats are suspected and protected you should contact NPWS. They will sort all this out very quickly.
Yes, generally they feed every night. Local bat groups would have detectors or you can buy online but hardly worth the expense for this one situation.

Thanks Lara Square Harvester...one other question...so I'm not sitting watching like a plank later at wrong hole!:)...are bats creatures of habit that just use one hole as entrance/exit....the lady only saw them come out one hole...which is about size of a mans fist but I saw two more similiar smaller holes on opp side of shed last night....want to be sure I'm perched at the right one later on!!,
Thanks again for any input.

Interslice

Western Pomise wrote: »

Thanks Srameen...one other question...so I'm not sitting watching like a plank later at wrong hole!:)...are bats creatures of habit that just use one hole as entrance/exit....the lady only saw them come out one hole...which is about size of a mans fist but I saw two more similiar smaller holes on opp side of shed last night....want to be sure I'm perched at the right one later on!!,
Thanks again for any input.

Could be using any number of entrances/exits yes. Might only be a roost they use occasionally or in summer months. That doesn't mean it any less important for them though.

As said contact NPWS for advice.

http://www.heritagecouncil.ie/fileadmin/user_upload/Wildlife/Bat_Survey_Guidelines.pdf


http://www.batconservationireland.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/BCIrelandGuidelines_Building.pdf

Uriel.

NPWS has a good info leaflet on this. Includes contact details also if necessary.

https://www.google.ie/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/Bats_in_Houses_leaflet.pdf&ved=0CB4QFjABahUKEwi-5pm3ltvGAhWLjtsKHdkaB9c&usg=AFQjCNGQTvhCUx_W33bkNjb0DuygKBm_7w&sig2=gBWF6JeyZWfYnlF2m6Mx8Q