REGINA — Residents should be on the lookout for bats heading into the warmer months of the year.
So far, two rabid bats have been found in Regina, according to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment.
With this in mind, pest control experts say there are preventive measures residents can take to remove bats.
"Do not approach it with your bare hands. Use a very thick glove, like a welder's glove, and grab it gently. Take it outside and toss it in the trees," said Mathew Gelowitz, owner of All-Pro Pest Control.
Bats will have a tendency to hiss, squeal or bite a person, so having protection is key, said Gelowitz.
Gelowitz also noted bats are easy to remove once they’re on the ground since most species drop from a higher perch before flying.
Bats can come into a home from upper cracks, chimneys or any openings in a foundation.
Some homes have multiple openings where a bat can come in and out, making it difficult to keep the creature away.
One mistake Gelowitz sees homeowners make is sealing up an area the bat is using.
"This sets up a recipe for disaster because they can chew their way out, or they get trapped and start dying."
Rather than seal an area, Gelowitz uses an exclusion device. The devices act as a one-way system, allowing animals to leave an opening but preventing them from getting back in.
Gelowitz said it’s taken multiple tries at some homes to remove a bat because nothing is guaranteed on the first try.
Once a bat is fully removed, Gelowitz recommends a homeowner seal their foundation.
Under Sask. law, "bat exclusions nor live animal removal is permitted from June 1 to August 30."
Gelowitz said this helps bats give birth to babies and have a place to stay.
He also stressed the importance of bats regarding bug removal.
"They consume so many bugs in the months of July and August that they're extremely good to have around."
More information on bat prevention measures can be found here.
