It's the season: Bat problems continue for Creston residents

It's bat season.

And, if you're wondering why these bats perpetrate your home each summer and fall, it's mainly because young bats, born in the spring, are taking flight on their own and are prone to taking a wrong turn into the attic or winding up in a bedroom.

Nobody knows that better than Creston resident Luanne Merrill.

Merrill, who lives on North Oak Street, has already had five bats in her home this summer and fall.

"The very first one was in the middle of the night," Merrill said. "It woke my daughter up, and the dog was making noise as it flew around our living room. We were scared to death. We usually have about one bat per year, but this year we have had five. I read this morning it is national bat appreciation month. I will not be appreciating them."

Merrill isn't alone with her bat problems, though. It's happening all over southwest Iowa and across the state.

Robert Harkrader of Harkrader Bat Control, based in Adel, said he has been busy getting calls from flustered homeowners who have had bats in their houses.

"It's been busy over the past month," Harkrader said, "but as of late, business has dried up. I don't think it's because people are having less bats. I think it's because they either don't know to call me or they are leery of contractors. The advantage of me not being busy right now is I can probably get the work done quick – within a week."

Harkrader said he guarantees his bat removal work for two years.

Harkrader said usually the location where the bats are entering is easy to identify. He installs a one-way exit device where it's needed and plugs up other tiny holes so the bats can't get in.

Harkrader can be reached at (515) 669-9652.

Safety

According to a Des Moines Register article published last week, the indoor bat season lasts several weeks, and the main danger comes from the rabies virus.