BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Boy Scouts and the Ford Dream Builders Program are taking a different approach to combat mosquito populations here in Kern.
The participants created 22 bat boxes, which will provide shelter for bats as they take a bite out of the mosquito population. The event took place at Norris Middle School on Feb. 10. Boy Scout Troop 194 assembled the bat boxes, which act as “birdhouses” for bats.
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One bat can eat up to 1,200 mosquitos an hour and those working on the project see it as a possible solution.
“It’s like more of a natural way to eradicate them,” said Ekkum Boprai, a participant.
Harjassal Brar got the inspiration for the hands on Science Experience Project last year as urbanization continues to destroy habitats suitable for bats.
“In a box of this size, it’s about 50 to 100 bats off the research,” said Brar. “They kind of climb into the bottom and grab on the walls as it hangs from a tree, or a pole, or another high area.”