Fruit bats

June 2003. Mauritius reported that fruit bats were causing significant damage and wanted to know if something could be done to repel them.

Light nets were suggested, but they were thought to be potentially harmful to the bats and in many countries bats are protected.

These are some of the repellers that could be used: see www.pestproducts.com/bat_scat.htm, for example:

• Bright lights have had some success in repelling bats. On commercial buildings, flood lights can be pointed at the bats’ entry points to keep them from entering. (Of course, the bright lights may attract insects too, which is the bats’ food.)
• Attics can be illuminated with four or more bulbs or flood lights; ensure that all corners of the attic are illuminated.
• Drafts of cool air from fans and air conditioners have, on occasion, kept bats from roosting in a poorly sealed attic.
• Ultrasonic devices do not repel bats for long, so why use them? Try loud, heavy metal music!