Recognising Bat Roost Signs (Safely and Legally)
Bats and their roosts are protected by law so if you have any concerns that a bat roost on your property is at risk of being disturbed or destroyed, reach out to our team of specialist ecologists today.
Recognising signs that bats may be using a building, tree, or structure is a highly skilled and nuanced part of our work. Full bat surveys help us determine exactly where bats are roosting, what type of roost is present, and which species are present. This blog outlines the common signs that a bat roost may be present, but it’s important to note that many bat roosts are not visible from outside, and are only discovered by doing a full, professional bat survey.
Why roost Signs matter
A roost is any place a bat uses for resting, breeding, raising young, or sheltering. These spaces are protected even when bats are not present because bats return to them year after year and rely on them for survival. Spotting clues early can help prevent accidental disturbance, but if you are in any doubt, it’s safer to reach out to us first!
Bat Roost Signs
The majority of bat roosts are not visible from the outside, and need a bat survey to uncover them. If there are signs from the outside, it’s usually one of the following…
#1 Small, dry droppings
Bat droppings crumble easily and are usually found beneath access points, along walls, or near sheltered gaps. They are dry, dark, and contain insect fragments when crushed. Droppings alone do not confirm a roost, but they are a helpful indicator.
#2 Staining around entry points
Oil from bat fur can leave light brown or blackish staining on frequently used access holes. These may appear on rooflines, around loose tiles, behind soffits, or between stonework.
#3 Audible clues
Some bats produce faint chattering or noises from moving around, especially during warmer months. These sounds are usually soft and irregular rather than continuous.
#4 Occasional sightings
Seeing bats emerge at dusk or return at dawn is an indication that a roost may be nearby. Bats can travel quite far for their size so a bat foraging in your garden is unlikely to live in your house, but regularly seeing bats leave or return to your property means they are roosting there.
If In Doubt: Stop and Contact Us
Bats and their roosts are protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended in Scotland) and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This protection applies whether bats are present at the time or not. Disturbing bats or damaging or destroying a roost is an offence with fines of £5k for each individual animal disturbed.
You should never enter confined spaces, climb onto roofs, or disturb cavities in search of bats. Bats should not be handled, and roost areas should not be opened, probed, or illuminated directly. Even shining a torch on a roost entrance without a licence is a crime!
What to do if you Spot roost Signs
If you notice signs of bats, it is best to avoid disturbing the area and make a note of what you have seen. Helpful steps include:
Taking photographs from a safe distance without entering enclosed spaces
Recording the location and date
Avoiding repair work or removal of materials until your property has been surveyed by an ecologist
If in any doubt, contact us!
References
Bat Conservation Trust 2023. Bat Roosts in Buildings. Bat Conservation Trust, London.
NatureScot 2020. Bats: Licensing and Guidance. NatureScot, Inverness.
Scottish Government 2019. Wildlife Crime and Protected Species. Scottish Government, Edinburgh.