Bats invade Antelope County Courthouse

Don't be alarmed if a bat swoops through the air in the hallways of the Antelope County Courthouse.

Commissioners learned from July 25 to 31, five bats were captured in the courthouse.

"There's been one daily since," Marlene Schindler, courthouse custodian, told commissioners during Tuesday's meeting.

"It's time to do something," said Ed Schindler, building and grounds personnel.

Commissioner Charlie Henery questioned how the bats are getting in the annex. Theories included from the attic, cracks near signage on the building or loosely-fitting entryways.

Ed Schindler said in the past, a bat house had been erected outside the facility, but after it was knocked down by a windstorm, it wasn't put up again.

"I don't know if that would help," Schindler said.

"It probably wouldn't hurt to put it up," Henery said.

According to Marlene Schindler, a bat infestation was dealt with before the annex and original courthouse were joined.

"Fifty-six bags of bat dung was what was taken out of upstairs," she said.

Now, about a one-half inch layer of guano is on the attic steps.

Commissioner Dean Smith asked if the bats have infiltrated the annex in just the past several weeks.

Ed Schindler said a bat may be in the annex "every once in awhile, but not like the last two weeks."

Henery asked if the doors between the buildings are closed at night?

Marlene Schindler said she has been leaving lights on in certain areas, in hopes of deterring the bats from flying around the annex.

"It doesn't seem to work," she said.

Following a conference call with a representative from United Bat Control, commissioners approved a bid, in the amount of $18,895, to remove the colony of bats.

Removal is slated to begin Aug. 18, weather permitting. The company representative said bats typically aren't active when it's raining. The process is expected to take several days.

Once the bats are removed, application of sterilizer will take place, including areas the bats were infesting and the guano isn't exposed.

If guano is in an exposed area and commissioners determine it needs to be removed, the company will complete an assessment and calculate charges.

In other business, commissioners:

• learned a planning commission meeting has been set for Aug. 24, for a site where trusses will be constructed;

• rejected bids for pavement projects. Commissioners will add to project specifications and start the bid process over; and

• set Aug. 31 as the public hearing date for the proposed budget process.