Dracula's got a lot to answer for – but could you give a bat a home?

Published on Sunday 18 May 2008 22:28

BATS have long been associated with vampires and Halloween, but they are harmless creatures that need our help, according to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).

There are ten species of bat in Scotland and on the first day of Biodiversity Week, SNH is asking everyone to consider if they can help provide a home for the threatened creatures.

In many parts of the world, including the UK, bat numbers have declined significantly in recent years. Some species have dropped in numbers by as much as 70 per cent since the start of the 20th century.

The brown long-eared bat is one common species in Scotland that has been in decline. Others such as nathusius' pipistrelle, Brandt's bat and Leisler's bat are very rare in this country.

The main reasons for the fall in numbers are the loss of natural roost sites, such as holes in trees, and the decreasing availability of insects, which are one of their main food sources.

Clearing of woodland, loss of hedgerows and wetlands, and the use of agricultural pesticides have all contributed, too.

SNH says bats have adapted to living in buildings and often seek to build roosts in the roofs of houses at this time of year, as they prepare to give birth. But their survival relies upon the goodwill and tolerance of their human landlords.

It says there are many ways to help, such as planting night-scented flowers to attract insects for food, joining local bat groups, installing bat boxes in the garden or on the house and leaving hollow trees.

A spokeswoman for SNH said there was no need to be frightened. "Bats have suffered from a bad press over the years," she said. "However, the bats found in Britain do not suck blood. Instead, they feed on small flying insects.

"More recently, bats have been associated with rabies. However, the majority of bat roosts in houses in Scotland are occupied by pipistrelle bats and, in 20 years of surveillance, none has been found with rabies."

In August and September, bats usually leave roosts in houses for colder hibernation sites, such as derelict buildings, caves and disused tunnels.

Due to the rapid decline in numbers, all species are now protected by European legislation. This means it is an offence to disturb bats, except when they find their way into the living area of a house.

Paul Sutherland, area officer for SNH, said: "If you think you have a bat roost in the roof space of your home and you want to carry out work such as reroofing, roof repairs, timber treatment or attic alterations, please contact us for advice before starting work.

"Usually it's just a matter of timing – work can take place outside the maternity season when bats are not present.

"And if bats accidentally find their way into the living area of your house, don't panic – just open all the windows, switch off the lights and shut the door of the room they are in; they will usually find their way out. But if they don't, just get in touch with your local SNH office."

Bats are the only true flying mammals and there are nearly 1,000 different species, ranging from the tropical flying fox, which has a wingspan of almost 6ft, to the hog-nosed bat in south-east Asia, which is about the size of a bumble bee.

• For more information, visit www.snh.org.uk/biodiversityweek or call 01738 458530.