Bat boxes solve Rokeby Museum problem

The Rokeby Museum in Ferrisburgh has finished installing bat boxes to manage the wildlife that regularly enters its nine historic buildings. Museum director Faith Revell said the structures provide a dedicated space for the animals, reducing the need for staff to remove them from visitor areas.

Bats had been seeking shelter inside the museum facilities for years. Revell noted that droppings on the floors forced staff to clean the site every morning. The museum sought a solution that would not scare away its human visitors.

Alyssa Bennett, a small animal biologist with Vermont Fish and Wildlife, assisted the museum with the project. She explained that the bats were simply looking for warm, safe locations to avoid predators. The new boxes are positioned high on the property where sunlight creates suitable living conditions.

Bennett said the current month is an ideal time for homeowners to set up or clean their own bat boxes. She advised residents to check their structures once overnight temperatures drop below freezing for several weeks. If a box is empty, owners should remove debris to prepare it for raising young bats in the spring.

Revell stated that the boxes are making a difference at the museum. The facility is now cultivating a peaceful coexistence with the local bat population. This approach allows the museum to host visitors year-round without relying on specific bat-themed events.