Putting together a blog article that is just a reflection of other peoples thoughts and experiences sometimes doesn't seem to be that great of a task, but when the subject theme/problem is already on your doorstep - or in this case akimbo in your roof - the text essence takes on a more thoughtful and delicate approach.

Yes, we have bats; non paying guests that have a daily and nocturnal social calendar that varies little: Out at 5.45pm Dominican time in at 5.0am, give or take a flutter. As yet, there is no unpleasant odour or undue noise to cope with, but expert battlers (my term), suggest that although they do not pose a health hazard or are dangerous to humans in any way, they should be removed humanely and safely using environmentally sound methods.

Whilst mulling over this for a while, I decided to do a little research to establish easily understandable pros. & cons for this complex radar-borne creature:

Most people do not recognize how important bats are to a balanced ecology - they control many night flying insects including many crop and garden eating pests as well as mosquitoes. They also pollinate hundreds on native plants such as calabash, cactus, vine pear, neem and many others. Bats also disburse seeds throughout the islands, helping to keep our region healthy and diverse - a quote from the Cayman Wildlife Connection, read more at www.caymanwildlife.org/wildlife.html#bats On the other side of the coin it appears that the only downside in sharing space with our furry flyers is of a cosmetic or smelly nature. With this in mind, knowledgeable battlers have embarked on numerous projects involving purpose built bat houses that create an environment that is totally bat-friendly and away from the main human living area.

An interesting fact: Bats have to find new roosts on their own. At this time, there are no proven lures or attractants that can be inserted or applied to a bat house. Bats will investigate new roosting opportunities whilst foraging at night. - a quote from Bat House Research Project, you can check more at www.batcon.org/bhra/attracting.html

From a potential property buyers point of view - discovering that his or her new home in the Caribbean contains a number of friendly gatecrashers - it would be wise to understand the methodology of removal and containment of the above, rather than to accept the squatters rights of a misunderstood night-time partygoer that can see you many seconds before you can see it.

As for me, until the pungent aroma hits me it can stay!