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bats in the belfry?
Hi All
we have a strange noise coming from a corner of the loft; I will go up there shortly but am puzzled as to what it might be. We had rats some years ago (collapsed drain, since repaired) and I am pretty sure it is not them. All we hear is a short bit of 'scrabbling'. only for a period of 30secs or a minute, around midnight or so, some nights. The noise actually comes from a corner of the first floor ceiling which is an outside corner, as it were. I've taken a look outside at that corner with with binoculars but cannot see anything unusual. As I say, I will take a look in the loft shortly but I am curious in advance as to what it might be, given the very short nature, and timing, of the noise. Theories welcome... Cheers Jon N |
bats in the belfry?
jkn wrote:
we have a strange noise coming from a corner of the loft; Theories welcome... Every time I've thought it might be rodents, it's turned out to be birds. |
bats in the belfry?
On 16/06/17 08:20, jkn wrote:
Hi All we have a strange noise coming from a corner of the loft; I will go up there shortly but am puzzled as to what it might be. We had rats some years ago (collapsed drain, since repaired) and I am pretty sure it is not them. All we hear is a short bit of 'scrabbling'. only for a period of 30secs or a minute, around midnight or so, some nights. The noise actually comes from a corner of the first floor ceiling which is an outside corner, as it were. I've taken a look outside at that corner with with binoculars but cannot see anything unusual. As I say, I will take a look in the loft shortly but I am curious in advance as to what it might be, given the very short nature, and timing, of the noise. Theories welcome... Cheers Jon N Meece... or perhaps another small rodent, or perhaps nesting birds -- To ban Christmas, simply give turkeys the vote. |
bats in the belfry?
On 16/06/17 08:27, Andy Burns wrote:
jkn wrote: we have a strange noise coming from a corner of the loft; Theories welcome... Every time I've thought it might be rodents, it's turned out to be birds. Every time I've thought it might be birds, it's turned out to be rodents. -- To ban Christmas, simply give turkeys the vote. |
bats in the belfry?
The Natural Philosopher formulated on Friday :
Meece... or perhaps another small rodent, or perhaps nesting birds As it kicks in at regular times, could it be the hot water system starting to heat up at a set time? |
bats in the belfry?
Squirrels also like lofts. However from the timing, Bats can be the main
suspect. Brian -- ----- - This newsgroup posting comes to you directly from... The Sofa of Brian Gaff... Blind user, so no pictures please! "The Natural Philosopher" wrote in message ... On 16/06/17 08:20, jkn wrote: Hi All we have a strange noise coming from a corner of the loft; I will go up there shortly but am puzzled as to what it might be. We had rats some years ago (collapsed drain, since repaired) and I am pretty sure it is not them. All we hear is a short bit of 'scrabbling'. only for a period of 30secs or a minute, around midnight or so, some nights. The noise actually comes from a corner of the first floor ceiling which is an outside corner, as it were. I've taken a look outside at that corner with with binoculars but cannot see anything unusual. As I say, I will take a look in the loft shortly but I am curious in advance as to what it might be, given the very short nature, and timing, of the noise. Theories welcome... Cheers Jon N Meece... or perhaps another small rodent, or perhaps nesting birds -- To ban Christmas, simply give turkeys the vote. |
bats in the belfry?
On 16/06/2017 08:20, jkn wrote:
Hi All we have a strange noise coming from a corner of the loft; I will go up there shortly but am puzzled as to what it might be. We had rats some years ago (collapsed drain, since repaired) and I am pretty sure it is not them. All we hear is a short bit of 'scrabbling'. only for a period of 30secs or a minute, around midnight or so, some nights. The noise actually comes from a corner of the first floor ceiling which is an outside corner, as it were. I've taken a look outside at that corner with with binoculars but cannot see anything unusual. If it is bats then watching outside at dusk as they come out to hunt will confirm it. They tend not to be in the roost at night- leaving at dusk to go out hunting and when they come back are lightning fast. As I say, I will take a look in the loft shortly but I am curious in advance as to what it might be, given the very short nature, and timing, of the noise. Theories welcome... I suspect it is more likely mice. Bats do make a noise from time to time but only for a few nights a year when the youngsters are learning to fly and crash into things. Its a bit early for that ~late July where I live. It could also be birds nesting - they make scrabbling noises too. -- Regards, Martin Brown |
bats in the belfry?
In message , Harry Bloomfield
writes The Natural Philosopher formulated on Friday : Meece... or perhaps another small rodent, or perhaps nesting birds As it kicks in at regular times, could it be the hot water system starting to heat up at a set time? Sounds a bit late for Bat noises. I'm no expert but our Pipistrelles emerge at dusk and go off to feed. They seem to prefer the East side of buildings but this may be conveniently sprung cladding boards. June is a likely time for offspring so maybe mum comes back and you hear the subsequent kerfuffle. -- Tim Lamb |
bats in the belfry?
On 6/16/2017 9:31 AM, Martin Brown wrote:
On 16/06/2017 08:20, jkn wrote: Hi All we have a strange noise coming from a corner of the loft; I will go up there shortly but am puzzled as to what it might be. We had rats some years ago (collapsed drain, since repaired) and I am pretty sure it is not them. All we hear is a short bit of 'scrabbling'. only for a period of 30secs or a minute, around midnight or so, some nights. The noise actually comes from a corner of the first floor ceiling which is an outside corner, as it were. I've taken a look outside at that corner with with binoculars but cannot see anything unusual. If it is bats then watching outside at dusk as they come out to hunt will confirm it. They tend not to be in the roost at night- leaving at dusk to go out hunting and when they come back are lightning fast. As I say, I will take a look in the loft shortly but I am curious in advance as to what it might be, given the very short nature, and timing, of the noise. Theories welcome... I suspect it is more likely mice. Bats do make a noise from time to time but only for a few nights a year when the youngsters are learning to fly and crash into things. Its a bit early for that ~late July where I live. It could also be birds nesting - they make scrabbling noises too. +1 to all that |
bats in the belfry?
On Friday, 16 June 2017 09:10:43 UTC+1, Brian Gaff wrote:
If it is bats, don't tell anyone about it as they are protected and it might be difficult to legally get rid of them if they have been there for some time. Much better, though not for the bats, is to wait till they are all out hunting at night then block up the hole they are using to get in. I have the same problem with students in the lab ;-) |
bats in the belfry?
What students bringing bats or being a protected species?
Brian -- ----- - This newsgroup posting comes to you directly from... The Sofa of Brian Gaff... Blind user, so no pictures please! "whisky-dave" wrote in message ... On Friday, 16 June 2017 09:10:43 UTC+1, Brian Gaff wrote: If it is bats, don't tell anyone about it as they are protected and it might be difficult to legally get rid of them if they have been there for some time. Much better, though not for the bats, is to wait till they are all out hunting at night then block up the hole they are using to get in. I have the same problem with students in the lab ;-) |
bats in the belfry?
Yes if its birds, wait till they all fledge then block it up.
Brian -- ----- - This newsgroup posting comes to you directly from... The Sofa of Brian Gaff... Blind user, so no pictures please! "Martin Brown" wrote in message ... On 16/06/2017 08:20, jkn wrote: Hi All we have a strange noise coming from a corner of the loft; I will go up there shortly but am puzzled as to what it might be. We had rats some years ago (collapsed drain, since repaired) and I am pretty sure it is not them. All we hear is a short bit of 'scrabbling'. only for a period of 30secs or a minute, around midnight or so, some nights. The noise actually comes from a corner of the first floor ceiling which is an outside corner, as it were. I've taken a look outside at that corner with with binoculars but cannot see anything unusual. If it is bats then watching outside at dusk as they come out to hunt will confirm it. They tend not to be in the roost at night- leaving at dusk to go out hunting and when they come back are lightning fast. As I say, I will take a look in the loft shortly but I am curious in advance as to what it might be, given the very short nature, and timing, of the noise. Theories welcome... I suspect it is more likely mice. Bats do make a noise from time to time but only for a few nights a year when the youngsters are learning to fly and crash into things. Its a bit early for that ~late July where I live. It could also be birds nesting - they make scrabbling noises too. -- Regards, Martin Brown |
bats in the belfry?
Also whatever it is, the access hole need not be where the scrabbling
occurs, the roost or next will not be near the hole or the weather will come in. Brian -- ----- - This newsgroup posting comes to you directly from... The Sofa of Brian Gaff... Blind user, so no pictures please! "newshound" wrote in message o.uk... On 6/16/2017 9:31 AM, Martin Brown wrote: On 16/06/2017 08:20, jkn wrote: Hi All we have a strange noise coming from a corner of the loft; I will go up there shortly but am puzzled as to what it might be. We had rats some years ago (collapsed drain, since repaired) and I am pretty sure it is not them. All we hear is a short bit of 'scrabbling'. only for a period of 30secs or a minute, around midnight or so, some nights. The noise actually comes from a corner of the first floor ceiling which is an outside corner, as it were. I've taken a look outside at that corner with with binoculars but cannot see anything unusual. If it is bats then watching outside at dusk as they come out to hunt will confirm it. They tend not to be in the roost at night- leaving at dusk to go out hunting and when they come back are lightning fast. As I say, I will take a look in the loft shortly but I am curious in advance as to what it might be, given the very short nature, and timing, of the noise. Theories welcome... I suspect it is more likely mice. Bats do make a noise from time to time but only for a few nights a year when the youngsters are learning to fly and crash into things. Its a bit early for that ~late July where I live. It could also be birds nesting - they make scrabbling noises too. +1 to all that |
bats in the belfry?
On Friday, 16 June 2017 11:35:09 UTC+1, whisky-dave wrote:
On Friday, 16 June 2017 09:10:43 UTC+1, Brian Gaff wrote: If it is bats, don't tell anyone about it as they are protected and it might be difficult to legally get rid of them if they have been there for some time. Much better, though not for the bats, is to wait till they are all out hunting at night then block up the hole they are using to get in. I have the same problem with students in the lab ;-) Difficult to legally get rid of them ;-) Best wait until they leave the lab then lock them out until the next day. |
bats in the belfry?
On 16/06/2017 13:32, Brian Gaff wrote:
Also whatever it is, the access hole need not be where the scrabbling occurs, the roost or next will not be near the hole or the weather will come in. Brian There isn't much separation on mine. And the hole is unbelievably small more like a narrow slit of missing mortar. Weather doesn't get in. The young fledgling bats can find their way through miniscule gaps and sometimes end up on the downstairs carpet unable to climb the skirting board to gain height and fly again. bat conservation taught me how to take them back to the roost after getting fed up with callouts. My bats cling to the roof and under the eaves just above the point of entry. I don't begrudge them a home in the loft even and put trays down to catch the droppings. The whole idea freaks my cousins out. I think numbers are less this year with the oil boiler no longer running for hot water. It isn't quite as cosy any more. -- Regards, Martin Brown |
bats in the belfry?
On 16/06/2017 13:30, Brian Gaff wrote:
Yes if its birds, wait till they all fledge then block it up. Our wrens fledged today. I found one of them drowned in a bucket on the patio :( Andy |
bats in the belfry?
Update:
Hi all. I managed to get up in the loft this (sweltering) weekend. The evidence is clear - fresh rat droppings ;-(. Have put some traps down and we will take it from there. Thanks for all the ideas/observations Jon N |
bats in the belfry?
On 18/06/2017 22:17, jkn wrote:
Update: Hi all. I managed to get up in the loft this (sweltering) weekend. The evidence is clear - fresh rat droppings ;-(. Have put some traps down and we will take it from there. Good luck with that. The ones round here are too smart for traps or anything other than farm grade professional poison bait. They were able to eat the stuff normally sold to the public without apparent harm! Snag is with poison that they go off somewhere to die and in this heat that will pong a lot and attract many flies. Thanks for all the ideas/observations Jon N Good luck! -- Regards, Martin Brown |
bats in the belfry?
In message , Martin Brown
writes Snag is with poison that they go off somewhere to die and in this heat that will pong a lot and attract many flies. tangent Our dog loves to bring home remnants of long dead wildlife and, since our bin was last emptied, I have added two rabbits and a pigeon. The bin is due to be emptied Wednesday, and it *stinks*. -- Graeme |
bats in the belfry?
On 18/06/2017 21:03, Vir Campestris wrote:
On 16/06/2017 13:30, Brian Gaff wrote: Yes if its birds, wait till they all fledge then block it up. Our wrens fledged today. I found one of them drowned in a bucket on the patio :( So did my hedge sparrows. I grounded the cat for 24 hours. -- Adam |
bats in the belfry?
On 19/06/2017 08:53, Martin Brown wrote:
Snag is with poison that they go off somewhere to die and in this heat that will pong a lot and attract many flies. For me the life cycle concluded with many hundreds of baby spiders abseiling from the loft hatch. -- mailto: news {at} admac {dot] myzen {dot} co {dot} uk |
bats in the belfry?
On Mon, 19 Jun 2017 19:27:02 +0100, ARW
wrote: So did my hedge sparrows. I grounded the cat for 24 hours. Dunnock? My daughter had a young downy herring gull wander into the house today. It will be a few weeks before it flies but as a parent was nearby she put it out. I've warned her to watch the toddlers as the parent might attack if they go out near it in the garden. My big excitement was finding a stag beetle on the kitchen floor. AJH |
bats in the belfry?
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bats in the belfry?
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bats in the belfry?
On 19/06/17 20:37, Tim Lamb wrote:
In message , writes On Mon, 19 Jun 2017 19:27:02 +0100, ARW wrote: So did my hedge sparrows. I grounded the cat for 24 hours. Dunnock? My daughter had a young downy herring gull wander into the house today. It will be a few weeks before it flies but as a parent was nearby she put it out. I've warned her to watch the toddlers as the parent might attack if they go out near it in the garden. My big excitement was finding a stag beetle on the kitchen floor. A rain beetle would be more useful just now:-) Nah mate. whear's looking good, and you wont say that when this hot spell ends with a massive thunderstorm localised flooding and the wheat all laid over flat and disgusted. -- New Socialism consists essentially in being seen to have your heart in the right place whilst your head is in the clouds and your hand is in someone else's pocket. |
bats in the belfry?
Andy Burns wrote:
jkn wrote: we have a strange noise coming from a corner of the loft; Theories welcome... Every time I've thought it might be rodents, it's turned out to be birds. And true again today ... first thing this morning scratchy feet type noises from the loft on the bedroom ceiling, then nothing. Later I though the postman had pushed something big through the letterbox which was inexorably slipping to the floor as often happens, then a starling suddenly appears in the bedroom and perches on the curtain pole! It had been slowly pushing its way through insulation in the corner of the bathroom where I've moved/replaced a 110mm vent pipe with an 83mm one. |
bats in the belfry?
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bats in the belfry?
alan_m wrote:
If its birds pigeons are the most likely culprit, and if so get rid of them as fast as possible. Pigeons here are so fat they'd need a cat-flap to get in. As I said it was a starling, they do have a history of getting in underneath the cut tiles around the roof vent. I replaced the lead weathering slate with an aluminium one, and replaced adjacent roof tiles when I changed the vent stack from 110mm to 83mm, and put some bird combs on the eaves for good measure ... persistent buggers. |
bats in the belfry?
Tunnelling birds? Was it related to a Puffin?
Brian -- ----- -- This newsgroup posting comes to you directly from... The Sofa of Brian Gaff... Blind user, so no pictures please Note this Signature is meaningless.! wrote in message ... Andy Burns wrote: jkn wrote: we have a strange noise coming from a corner of the loft; Theories welcome... Every time I've thought it might be rodents, it's turned out to be birds. And true again today ... first thing this morning scratchy feet type noises from the loft on the bedroom ceiling, then nothing. Later I though the postman had pushed something big through the letterbox which was inexorably slipping to the floor as often happens, then a starling suddenly appears in the bedroom and perches on the curtain pole! It had been slowly pushing its way through insulation in the corner of the bathroom where I've moved/replaced a 110mm vent pipe with an 83mm one. |
bats in the belfry?
Yes, I gather that birds do not have much on board storage for poo, and
hence often eject it wherever they are when their tank is full. I often think that mice do the same thing, but of course mice don't fly. Brian -- ----- -- This newsgroup posting comes to you directly from... The Sofa of Brian Gaff... Blind user, so no pictures please Note this Signature is meaningless.! "alan_m" wrote in message ... On 11/11/2019 10:17, wrote: Andy Burns wrote: jkn wrote: we have a strange noise coming from a corner of the loft; Theories welcome... Every time I've thought it might be rodents, it's turned out to be birds. And true again today ... first thing this morning scratchy feet type noises from the loft on the bedroom ceiling, then nothing. Later I though the postman had pushed something big through the letterbox which was inexorably slipping to the floor as often happens, then a starling suddenly appears in the bedroom and perches on the curtain pole! It had been slowly pushing its way through insulation in the corner of the bathroom where I've moved/replaced a 110mm vent pipe with an 83mm one. If its birds pigeons are the most likely culprit, and if so get rid of them as fast as possible. Within a week or so you will be feet deep in pigeon poo. Been there and I have the T shirt. My experience was before having a new roof fitted and I had lost two slates. I put off the repair for a few weeks and my loft was invaded by the local flock of pigeons. Unfortunately for them many were still in the loft when the roof was repaired and being mid summer they soon died. Luckily the heat also rapidly dehyrdated the bodies and I was spared the problem with rotting corpses. When I later went in the loft there were two nests with eggs and a number of dead birds. They had been roosting of the purlins and the amount of **** on them and the boards underneath was substantial. A mask, scraper, vacuum cleaner. mop, scrubbing brush and a garden sprayer filled with bleach later and the area was sanitised allowing for relatively clean storage. -- mailto : news {at} admac {dot} myzen {dot} co {dot} uk |
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