Nature Done Wright

    It’s time to talk bats. The little furry kind.

  I have been a bit fascinated by them ever since one flew into my childhood home one night and sent my brother, mother and me into an illogical panic.

   I am embarrassed to say we were so afraid of head lice and rabies that we wrapped towels on our heads and grabbed tennis rackets to protect ourselves.

   The bat flew out the same window it had entered by, no doubt laughing hysterically.

   It turns out that bats have an undeservedly nasty reputation, thanks to their mysterious nocturnal habits, old wives’ tales and that Dracula guy. 

   As for rabies, don’t worry: Your chances of getting them from a bat are remote.

   Bats actually do all sorts of beneficial things, like eat mosquitoes and other bugs. By one estimate, they can eat 1200 mosquitoes in an hour, although I file that one in the "hard to believe" folder.

  This summer, I put up two bat houses on the side of our house. Bats are having trouble finding places to live, and our place, right next to the Celery Farm wetlands, is prime real estate.

   With some luck, I’ll get some tenants next spring.

  Next: The ABCs of attracting bats.