08/30/2000 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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km single little brown bat can catch more than 600 mosquitoes In an hour. Watching bats fly around light posts catching bugs can be an interesting nighttime activity. To help attract bats and pro- vide them with much-need- ed roosting habitat, you may want to consider putting a bat house in your yard.The houses should be placed on poles or buildings at least 15 feet high in a spot that receives 6 or more hours of sun per day. Tree trunks are usually too shady for bat boxes. Some species, such as red bats and hoary bats, will use foliage of shrubs and trees, while oth- ers, such as evening and Indiana bats, will roost under loose bark or in cavities. As with all wildlife, bats should be watched but not handled or chased. Bats are generally shy of humans, and rarely "attack" or fly after a person, but if caught or picked up from the ground, a bat may bite in self- defense. Bats should not be handled. F,* Water for wildlife Clean, fresh water is as important to birds, bats, and other wildlife as it is for people. Water in a saucer, bird bath, or backyard pond gives wildlife the water they need. Remember to change the water every few days to keep it fresh. In hot weather, it may be necessary to refill the con- tainer every day. Logs, rocks, and other in -water structures provide drinking and basking habitat for turtles, butterflies, and songbirds. Stones with depressions that collect water will help attract butterflies. Hint Butterflies, birds, bees, and all wildlife are very vulnerable to many pesticides and other chemicals. Probably the best single thing a gardener can do for wildlife is to minimize chemi- cal use. If you use chemicals, always follow label instructions. 12 •