Bats in the belfry

[spandit]

Just had a survey report back from the house we're trying to buy and it mentioned there were bats in the loft, which is kind of sweet but can anyone identify what species it is?

 

[Bushwhacker]

At a guess - Brown long-eared bat.

I think I'm only saying that because it's brown and has girt long ears mind.

 

[Harvestman]

Yup, that's a brown long-ear. The only alternative possibility is grey long-ear, which is incredibly rare.

And grey.

 

[Mouse040]

Defiantly the brown long ear the grey long ear has a long nose as apposed to the brown which has a short more stumpy face
Don't be put off by them your local wildlife trust can help with bat boxes and tempting them outside
And it might give you a good reason to get some £ off the asking price

 

[British Red]

Long ears also have a nice habit of breaking open wasp nests in the roof and scoffing them

 

[spandit]

I'm inclined to just leave them... Will be putting up bat boxes anyway in the grounds. When is the breeding season?

 

[British Red]

The loft is probably a Summer roost - a nursery roost where they give birth. In the Winter they like a cooler spot, a cave, hollow tree or a bat box - they take well to bat boxes.

We used to enjoy watching the flittermice when we had them in the loft. They did no harm.