To the beginning of the talk now that the warmer weather and longer days are here, we are the only ones spending more time outdoors. This is an active time for bats as well. Migratory bats are now returning to the area, and young bats are starting to explore their environment. Young bats go off course, and this is when most people come into contact with them. Bats are a normal part of our environment and can even be a good thing. That's help keep down the insect population, especially mosquitoes. Normal bad activity includes sleeping during the daytime and becoming active and flying around in search of food at night, starting at dusk. It's unusual to see a bat during the day. Normal bats don't fly around in the daytime or lie or crawl on the ground. So if you encounter about like that, you should call the health department immediately. If you have bats in your attic or house contact a pest control agency, they do not kill the bats, but make recommendations on how to get the bats out of your home. You want to create a one way valve from your house to outside so they can get out, but can't come in to avoid having bats in your house altogether. Find all possible entry points into the house and close them by caulking or screening the gap. Bats can squeeze through a gap of one half inch. Bats are the most likely carriers of rabies in our area, and almost one hundred percent of rabies cases are fatal. Make sure your dogs and cats are vaccinated against rabies. If you should come in physical contact with a bat, it's important to get in touch with the health department or a doctor immediately.