Bats in my belfry...I mean... sails

[Ron Sims]

My marina is dug into a thick woodsy area. My sail is down and has a sail cover. Invariably, when I go down to the marina there is one or two bats sleeping in the folds of the sails. I don't mind them camping out at my expense, but their latrine leaves my sails pretty stained. I tried moth balls but no help. I can tape up the sail cover and be ok, but that's a pain. I need a good bat repellant. I'm sure this will energize some salty humor, but I need some good suggestions too. Thanks.  batty

 

[R.W.Landau]

Ron ,

I had that problem with my last boat.I finally had my sails done by Sailcare and didn't want it to happen again.I made a sail cover with 2" velcro from end to end and then tied off the mast and boom with a spare line. Never had bats again. The fun part of the bats was one time my 14 year old daughter was in the cabin and with the companionway hatch slid open I set the main. The scream was pretty loud when the two bats fell into the cabin.r.w.landau

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners]

That's home

Once bats roost, that's they're home unless they're "evicted". Bats are VERY beneficial creatures so *please* avoid the destruction avenue! You're either going to have to get a new cover or provide them a new home, ie: a bat house. Unfortunately, the bats who live there have made your sail they're home, so it really looks like you're going to have fix your cover.LaDonna

 

[Gary Jensen]

ridding the bats

Bats are definitely a problem getting rid of. We had them in out fire station and they would invade us every so often.We did kill a few with pool sticks but that was difficult as they are very stealthy and can turn on a dime. One fireman was bit in his sleep and had to resort to getting a series of rabies shots.(not a pleasant ordeal) The best thing to do is to eliminate any access to your sail that you can. The author (Landau) gave you excellent advice. As far as killing them, don't lose any sleep over that, because there are plenty of them around. Yes, they are very benificial to our enviroment (with the amount of insects they pluck out of the air),but interfacing with humans is not in your best interest! Good luck