Fruit Bats of Melbourne: Night Terrors or Misunderstood Garden Guests?
Ah, the fruit bat. Melbourne's very own gothic choir, flitting through the night with their disconcerting squeaks and impressive wingspans. While these fellas are undeniably fascinating creatures, let's be honest: sometimes, their presence in your backyard can be a bit much. Maybe they've developed a taste for your prize-winning mangoes, or perhaps their nightly serenade is keeping you up past your bedtime (hey, some of us need our beauty sleep!).
Fear not, fellow Melbournian! We can co-exist with our flying friends without resorting to bat-repellent flamethrowers (though that mental image is undeniably entertaining). Here are some tips to gently nudge your backyard bat colony in a new direction:
QuickTip: Slowing down makes content clearer.
Operation: Batty Buh-Bye (The Humane Way, Of Course)
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Become a Lighthouse (Not Literally): Fruit bats, like most vampires... er, nocturnal creatures, dislike bright lights. String up some strategically placed outdoor lights and see if it doesn't put a damper on their late-night fruit tastings. Bonus points for disco balls – who knows, you might start a trendy bat rave in your backyard (not recommended, but hey, it's a free concert!).
Fort Knox Your Fruit Trees: Let's face it, a buffet of juicy mangoes is hard to resist. Protect your precious produce with bird netting (make sure the holes are big enough for birds to escape – we don't want any unintended casualties). Alternatively, consider planting a decoy tree further away, stocked with less-tempting fruit for the bats to enjoy.
Give Them the Bat Cave They Deserve: Fruit bats are social creatures who love roosting in nice, leafy hollows. If you have a large property, consider erecting a special bat box – it might just entice them to move in and leave your fruit trees alone.
Important Note: Fruit bats are a protected species in Victoria, so any eviction attempts must be humane. Do not try to harm them or block their usual roosting spots.
Tip: Read in a quiet space for focus.
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How To Get Rid Of Fruit Bats Melbourne |
Living in Harmony: A Guide to Bat-itude
Let's be honest, Melbourne wouldn't be the same without a touch of the unusual. Fruit bats, despite their occasional fruit-stealing ways, play a vital role in our ecosystem by pollinating plants and dispersing seeds. So, the next time you hear their squeaks, think of it as a lullaby from nature (or the soundtrack to your personal bat rave – we're not judging).
How-To FAQs:
- How to Identify a Fruit Bat: They're the big, (relatively) cute ones with fox-like faces.
- How to Avoid Conflict: Harvest your fruit early and keep your trees trimmed away from your house.
- How to Deal with Bat Droppings: Wear gloves and a mask, then carefully remove the droppings and dispose of them in a sealed bin.
- How to Attract Different Wildlife: Plant native flowers and shrubs to create a haven for beneficial insects and birds.
- How to Get Help With a Bat Problem: Contact your local council or a wildlife removal service that specializes in humane bat relocation.
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