Wasps and bats - unlikely bedfellows

Quite often we visit old buildings, at the owners request to sort out a wasp nest or two. Once we get into a loft space we have to survey the area, checking out nooks and crannies for our guests. The species we often find, living with the wasps and spiders are bats. So far we have 18 species in the UK (17 breed here), they range from the tiny pipistrelle, weighing in at around 5g (less than a £1 coin!), to our biggest bat, the noctule - which is still smaller than the palm of your hand! The key thing to note about bats is that they are protected, in theory they are safer that the Queen herself (God bless her). You may not disturb bats, harm them, capture them, handle them, move or remove them (dead or alive) or interfere or damage their roosts. These little creatures are a big "no-no" as far as pest controllers are concerned. If you commit a bat crime, chances are you will be prosecuted and beheaded on the spot. No chance of getting rid of your wasps with bats around. Protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) they are a wonderful part of our wildlife and biodiversity. We love bats, we dislike wasps and if they are both shacked up together they must all be left in peace - even the spiders!