Dear Sun Spots: I’m hoping that Sun Spots or a reader can tell me how to get some information on bats. I had some living in a crevice area over my deck last summer. The good part is, they kept the mosquitoes away. The bad part is, they left droppings all over my deck area all summer! I want to keep the bats around the area, to keep the mosquitoes away, but relocate them to a more convenient spot. If anyone knows anything about bats, you can e-mail me at CE4938ANDERSON@aol.com. Any information at all would be appreciated. – No Name, Lisbon.
Answer: Sun Spots spoke with David Sparks of Sparks’ Ark, 46 Rousseau Road, Windham, ME 04062, (207) 892-8905 who says the best thing you can do is to block up the places where you know the bats come in. Typically the bats enter through the roof where the dormer roof line meets the regular roof line and on chimney flashing. Sparks says timing is critical as the bats will likely be back around May 1. Sparks recommends you seal every 1/4 inch gap that they can enter, using any caulking as a seal. Sparks, a USM graduate, was the animal control officer in Westbrook and is a local celebrity of sorts when it comes to wild critters. He started rehabbing animals as a hobby in 1980. Sparks says the bats will find another place to live. He does not recommend purchasing bat houses as he says they don’t use them. Sparks says that 98 percent of bats migrate south in the winter, and 1 to 2 percent stay behind. Contrary to popular belief they don’t attack people, he says. Nor do they suck blood or get into girls’ hair. Bats like insects, and occasionally they will have rabies so you need to be cautious. Bat urine and droppings can also create an odor problem in your home if you have a lot of them.
Dear Sun Spots: You helped me many times. I would like to know why we don’t see Ron in the Price is Right? We only hear his voice. – No Name, Lewiston.
Answer: Unfortunately Sun Spots was unable to receive a response to several e-mails to CBS or Price Is Right. Perhaps other readers have an answer to this one and can assist you.
Dear Sun Spots: I have a $5 bill that says silver certificate series of 1934 and also $1 bill silver certificate of 1935-1957. Are they worth more than the face value? – L.G., Lewiston.
Answer: – You might want to try contacting Republic Jewelry & Collectibles, 212 Center Street, Auburn, (207) 782-9492.
Dear Sun Spots: I hope you can help me find someone who makes those tin men ornaments that a lot of people have on their lawns. Perhaps there is someone out there who would be willing to share their pattern with me so that I can make one for myself. I would appreciate it very much. I can be reached at 22 Glendale Ave., Auburn, (207) 783-8222. – Helen Wilson, Auburn.
Dear Sun Spots: In response to Margaret R., from Farmington, April 1: Our American Baptist Women group at church is saving Campbell labels. We help Bacone College, a native American college. We are now trying to get labels to buy a van to transport students to school activities ((207) 897-6946. – Ceneretta Ward, Jay.
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