Bat Houses Donated to Council

Two bat houses used to help drive down the mosquito population were donated to Anne Arundel County councilmen on Monday by the .

Councilman Dick Ladd (R-5th District) said he had encouraged the Providence Center to use its woodworking skills to do something about bats. And on Monday night, the center delivered on that promise.

"In my travels over the last few years talking to people who have had stormwater runoff projects put in their home, we always seemed to talk about the problem of mosquitos," Ladd said. 

The bat houses give bats a place to live instead of garages or buildings. The two houses were presented to the council on Monday by Jeremy Flowers, a woodworker and a participant of the Providence Center, which serves adults with developmental disabilities.

Chuck Coble, the president of the Providence Center, said these bat houses are particularly useful in Anne Arundel County. Wetland grasses have been growing for about 30 years to stabilize the coastline, and mosquitos tend to breed there in droves, he said.

"Dick challenged us to do something about the bats. The poor bat population was being decimated, and in this county with all of the waterfront property, you need a lot of mosquito control," Coble said.

Councilman John Grasso (R-2nd District), of Glen Burnie, said he admired the quality of the bat house. He has his own at home.

"We purchased one five years ago, but I'm sad to say I'm just too lazy to get it up. I've just got to be honest about it," Grasso said. "But I would definitely encourage these bat houses."

The bat houses are made of cedar plywood and are available for $30 through The Providence Center. For more information on the bat house and other products, call 443-995-9732 or visit their website.

The Providence Center is a nonprofit organization based in Anne Arundel County, with locations in Arnold. It operates five facilities that provide care and training in programs such as horticulture, woodshop, and pottery throughout the county, according to a press release.