Bats in Buildings

The Bats in Buildings Program

In 2000, FBN founder, Laura Finn, approached Bat Conservation International (BCI) about the need for a new program specific to ‘nuisance bats’ and the Bats in Buildings Project (BIB) was born. Laura was the program founder and remained active as the project coordinator until 2005.

The BIB began as a cooperative effort between BCI and Fly By Night, Inc. — the goals were to provide an accurate source of information on issues related to urban bats and bats that roost in buildings to both the public and professionals. BCI’s web site includes a detailed BIB web page (coauthored by Laura with Barbara French and Mark Kiser) with information. The program initailly included a certification program for professionals who agreed to use only BCI approved exclusion methods.

Bats in Buildings: An Information and Exclusion Guide

The BIB website used to include a list of 'BCI Bat Approved' professionals. Interested professionals submitted a detailed application and agreed to use only approved methods. Applications were carefully reviewed and professionals were required to meet the highest standards. The review process took time, but the result was a list of professioals we were confident about. After several years, the requirements were simplifed to the point and we could no longer guarantee everyone on the list followed approved Guidelines, only that they claimed to. Homeowners were advised that an interview was still a good idea. The certification program was succesful for several years, but eventually the certication program was ended due to limited resources and the list of BCI certified professionals was removed from BCI's website.

Our work with BCI’s Bats in Buildings Program has been a success, updated materials and information are available on BCI’s web site, and several states required BCI certification for pest control & nuisance wildlife professionals that offered bat exclusions.

But, misinformation remains abundant, even among some professionals, who find the old ways easier. Too many companies continue to use outdated methods and scare tactics. In addition, much of the information found on official web sites is outdated or misleading. Attempts to revise and update public information materials regarding bat exclusion and bat houses continues.