Bats have been a protected order of animals in the United Kingdom since the enactment of the Wildlife Countryside Act in 1981. However, as the borough of South Tyneside in England has learned, they are pesky obstacles to development as well. The Shields Gazette reported that work on a planned luxury housing complex was suspended due to the possible presence of bat colony at the long-closed Oakleigh Gardens School in Cleadon village. The school was part of the land to be redeveloped for the project.

Hamilton, ON, may be a long way from South Tyneside, but its residents are in the same boat as their U.K. counterparts. There are abandoned structures in the city that are scheduled to be torn down like the ones at Oakleigh Gardens; but the discovery of the resident bats has put a crimp on these projects. As a result, a Hamilton wildlife control company such as Skedaddle will have to be called in to humanely extricate these creatures from the property.

The Gazette stated that two surveys of the school, commissioned by the developer in May 2013, turned up no leads in confirming the bat colony due to difficulties associated with the cold weather. A wildlife control team will be tasked to scour the entire site for the presence of bats and other animal threats. There are many places in houses where bats can safely roost during the hibernation period (October to March): chimneys, loose flashing, and attic corners. Even seemingly inconsequential holes in the structure are potential entry points for bats. A more thorough probing of possible entry points could lead to verification of the presence of bats in the structure.

The removal crew will proceed with the operation once the bat colony has been located. Since wildlife law prohibits the destruction of bats, the team will safely remove all the animals from the site, then clean up the droppings and other potentially dangerous substances. The crew will also use their initial evaluation of the home to recommend possible attic restoration and re-insulation work if the structure is still to be used.

The South Tyneside Council allowed the developer to tear down the old Oakleigh Gardens school building, provided there is no more evidence of bat occupancy. Before that time, the removal crew will apply sealants or control valves in affected sections to prevent a resurgence. With some bats, as with other wild mammals, there’s a possibility of rabies transmission. The technicians will have been vaccinated against rabies, and they will make recommendations about whether or not to contact local health authorities to have anti-rabies shots given to residents.

The dangers associated with bat infestations should not be taken lightly. At the first sign of bats occupying your home, contact firms such as Skedaddle Wildlife Control. Whether you’re a developer who wants to tear down old structures or a homeowner planning simple repairs, it’s best to make sure no protected wildlife is affected.

Sources:

http://www.hamilton.ca/NewsandPublications/NewsReleases/2007News/August/mediarelease_august9_2007.htm

http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/local-news/bat-colony-threat-to-luxury-housing-estate-1-5693293

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_97f41_e.htm