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Community Corner

Declining Bat Populations Increase Insect Numbers

How to make your own chemical-free insect repellent.

Are you getting assaulted by biting insects more than usual?

There might be a good explanation. According to a press release from the Pennsylvania Game Commission, White-Nose Syndrome fungal disease has been devastating Pennsylvania's bat population.

First identified in 2006 in New York, the fungus has spread to bat populations across Bucks County.

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The PGC stated that White-Nose Syndrome affects all six species of cave bats found in Pa. It is estimated the disease has killed 750,000 to a million bats in Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Virginia since 2006.

Scientists believe WNS kills the bats by causing it to come out of hibernation. Once awake, the bat quickly burns through fat reserves and dies.

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Pennsylvania has more than 5,000 known abandoned mines and about 1,500 natural caves, according to the PGC's website.

The Durham Iron Mine in Bucks County, the second-largest hibernaculum in Pennsylvania, has also been affected by WNS. A Pennsylvania Game Commission biologist stated two-thirds of the bat population he handled at Durham was infected.

Healthy bats emerge in April from hibernation and begin mating and since many of the bats were found with their lesions partially healed, the bats could be on their way to developing immunity.

Because many of the bats were found very thin, one theory noted in The Scientific American's website is the increase in pesticide use. Bats stock up on insects before hibernation and diminished supplies could be cutting off their food supply.

Bats are an invaluable part of the ecosystem. They contribute to insect control, plant pollination and seed dissemination. More than 300 species of fruit depend on bats for population, including mangoes, bananas and guavas.

One example is that one million little brown bats that have already died from WNS would hate eaten between 660 and 1,320 metric tons of insects in one year.

Advice for those who have a bat roosting structure is to allow them to raise their pups and exit the structure at the end of the summer before closing off any entrance holes, then providing them with a bat house for when they return next year. Having a bat house could eliminate the mosquito population near your house – some species can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes per night!

So now we're left with the challenge of controlling the insect population outside your house so you're not a feast for the hungry little buggers while the bats are developing their immune systems.

Here's a handy guide to keeping you bite-free, without the use of harsh pesticides.

  • Plant marigolds around your yard. The flower gives off a scent insects do not like.

  • Neem oil is a natural vegetable oil extract from the Neem tree in India and has a compound called sallanin which is a very effective mosquito repellent.

  • Mix your own bug repellent spray by mixing one part garlic juice with 5 parts water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray on exposed body parts. You'll be bug free for up to 6 hours.

  • Mix together: Tea Tree Oil, Lavender Oil or Peppermint Oil in a spray bottle – lightly mist your body. (you can also mix any of these oils with your favorite lotion for a bug free moisturizer).

  • Mosquitoes hate lavender so rub a lavender flower behind your ears, wrists and neck.

  • Planting catnip around your house will reduce biting insect populations. The oil from this plant has been found to be 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET.

  • Make a catnip mosquito repellent spray. Chop a handful of fresh catnip leaves and stems. Put in a pot and add 2 cups of boiling water over it. Let steep like tea. Strain the leaves out and refrigerate the liquid. Pour into a spray bottle then spray on clothes before going outside. You could also purchase a catnip or other essential oil insect repellent from your local health food store – Bunn's Natural Foods in Southampton is a great place to find many natural options

    • Get rid of any standing water sources around your house, change bird bath water twice a week and remove yard items that collect water.

    Here's a video showing how to make your own simple and effective insect repellent using only witch hazel, vinegar and eucalyptus oil.

    You can also learn how to build your own bat house.

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