Austin, Texas USA is the home of the largest urban bat colony in the world. I’m not sure how anyone knows. Maybe the count wings and divide by two?
When I lived in Austin in the 1970’s the free-tailed bats that migrated from Mexico in the spring to have their babies, were thought to be pests. Then someone said, “we could make money!” and they became a tourist attraction and the subject of festivals, swag and even a hockey team.
Bats eat three times their weight a night in mosquitoes and agricultural pests. They are also great pollinators and an essential part of the ecosystem. My dad loved bats and I was raised with a healthy respect. My mother on the other hand was over the top terrified of them .
While living in Austin we put up a bat house to invite occupancy. I never saw signs of any tenants. However, here in Bacalar, we have residents in the palapa directly outside our front door. You’d think I’d be thrilled. Mmmm not so much.
The bats forage at night and sleep all day. They also poop down the side of our house and on the pathway below. I tried some clever discouragement but they laughed in my face.
I don’t want them to leave, just live somewhere else. They seem quite intent on staying however and I think we’re going to have to make peace with it. Kind of like the rest of life don’t you think?
DOS TORTAS
the adventures of dos tortas 
Bats are excellent for their mosquito-eating prowess, but I do empathize with the mess they make. Still, probably better to have them than not, on balance.
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😔 sigh.
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When I first moved to this condo, there were barn swallows nesting in the corner of the patio. Once the little ones fledged, I tore down the nest and cleaned up the mess. For about two years after that, every spring they tried to return. I finally did discourage them from trying again (everything from blocking off the corners to spreading Vasoline along the edges. I was just more determined than they. Your situation looks way more difficult.
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We have swallows in the palapa on the dock. They poop but I haven’t seen any nests. I like the vaseline idea. The only thing we could do w the bats is shine a strong light in there all day for while. I’m considering it.
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Love, love, love bats. They’re protected this side of the pond. Woe betide anyone who disturbs a colony! 🙂
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When I was in Japan, someone had a bat in a cage. It was huge. They’d put chunks of fruit on top and the bat would uses its little fingers to pull pieces through the top. It was like a little monkey w wings. I’d never seen one up close before.
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I went to Austin to see the bats. I was out on the lake quite close to the bridge. What an amazing sight when they all flew out!
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There’s a cave in Mexico. You hike I. From the highway and sit on the edge. They come pouring out and make a vortex that’s amazing. BTW walking under the Austin bridge is pretty stinky.
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I imagine it IS stinky!!
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