We've been surprised at the interest in and popularity of bat houses at the market this summer. We started out with a couple, sold out, and have since made more, in several sizes and designs. We've found that when it comes to bat houses, there are two reactions: "Bat houses! Cool, I've been wanting to put one of those up!" Or, "Bat houses? YUCK! Who wants bats around, anyway?"
I have to admit, I'm not terribly fond of bats. They're just kind of creepy. However, they are very beneficial creatures to have around. According to Bat Conservation International, they are important pest controllers, pollinators, seed dispersers. Believe it or not, a single brown bat can eat as many as 1,000 mosquito-sized insects in just one hour! Imagine how many of the little pests a whole colony of bats could take care of in an evening!
A lot of people are concerned about the risk of disease from exposure to bats, rabies in particular. However, since rabies can only be spread by direct contact with an infected animal (generally from bites), the risk is very minimal. Children should be taught never to handle any wild animal.
For more information on bats, bat conservation, and installing a bat house, visit Bat Conservation International. They also have guidelines for safe and humane bat exclusion. Help the bats! Put up a bat house on your property today! Our bat houses are built according to guidelines provided by Bat Conservation International.
Your Local Nature Store, located at 1813 Washington Street, Two Rivers, WI 54241, Phone: (920) 860-6324
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