how to keep bats away from trees Page 44

Bats are brilliant pest controllers, but when they’re redecorating your fruit trees, the romance fades fast. Use wildlife-safe, fine-weave white netting pulled taut over the whole tree, or bag individual fruit—no loose, knotted netting that can entangle wildlife. Pick fruit promptly, prune to open the canopy, and clear fallen fruit so your backyard doesn’t smell like a free midnight buffet. Skip spikes, gels, poisons or other cowboy tactics—flying-foxes are protected in many states, and cruelty isn’t a good look. Motion lights and ultrasonic gizmos? They’re about as convincing as a fake moustache—bats usually get used to them. If a roost has already formed, ring your local council or a wildlife rescue group for humane, legal options.