In this BPCA Digital Forum session, Emma Turnbull, Biodiversity Training Officer at the Bat Conservation Trust, gives an introduction to British bats and explains what pest professionals need to consider when carrying out work in buildings where bats may be present.
Emma covers how bats use buildings, what counts as a bat roost, why roosts are protected, and how pest control work can be planned to reduce the risk of harming bats or committing an offence.
The session looks at:
- British bat species and their behaviour
- Why bats use buildings and roof spaces
- What counts as a bat roost
- Signs of bats in buildings, including droppings and feeding remains
- Why maternity and hibernation roosts are particularly vulnerable
- Legal protection for bats and bat roosts
- How pest control work can affect bats
- Risks linked to insecticides, rodenticides, fly papers and sticky traps
- Bat-friendly approaches to pest management
- When to seek advice from an ecologist or the Bat Conservation Trust
- Practical tips for supporting bats in gardens and local environments.
Emma also answers audience questions on migratory bat species, bat boxes, bats flying during the day, public health concerns, bat rabies, and what to do if a dead bat is found during work.
This session is aimed at pest management professionals who may encounter bats or bat roosts while carrying out work in homes, commercial buildings, lofts, roof spaces and other structures.
Useful links:
Bat Conservation Trust: bats.org.uk
National Bat Helpline: bats.org.uk/advice/help
All information is correct at the time of filming. This video is taken from BPCA's Digital Forum 38, 10 June 2026.
Views of the speakers are their own and not necessarily shared by BPCA.
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