British bats are small: 3.3 - 8.2cm (1.25 to 3.25 inches) long, and prefer to live in clean, cobweb-free areas where there are no draughts. Different species of bat prefer different places to roost.
Pipistrelle bats are the species most often found roosting in houses. They often choose tight spaces to roost in. For example, behind barge boards or hanging tiles, between underfelt and tiles, and sometimes between window frames. Look out for droppings on window sills and walls in the summer.
Long-eared bats usually roost inside the roof void, often along the ridge. Look out for droppings in the loft below the roof apex.
Further Information
- Under the Data Protection Act neither BCT, your Statutory Nature Conservation Organisation nor the local Bat Group can give out your personal details without your permission, so you will not be under siege from bat lovers if you seek advice about bats in your property!
- Although bats do have legal protection, the law does not expect people to co-exist with bats in the living area (i.e. bedrooms, sitting room, etc.). On the rare occasions where bats from a roost in the roof are consistently finding their way into the living area of the house please contact the National Bat Helpline for advice.
