Franklinton, N.C. — The onset of warm weather means bat problems for some residents. This time of year, which is mating season for the flying animals, bats are looking for dimly lit areas to hide, experts say.

Bob Jankowski, owner of Critter Control, specializes in getting rid of animals like bats. He said calls to his company about bat problems have jumped from three-a-week to three-a-day.

“The insects are showing up so the bats are showing up. They follow the food source,” Jankowski said.

Doreen Brathwaite, of Franklinton, has had numerous run-ins with bats during the past four years at the Academy Village Apartments, 207 Hawkins St.

Brathwaite captured one bat in a box; another is stored in her freezer. One night, Brathwaite noticed a bat in her bed.

“I just felt something and I pulled the covers and the thing jumped and started flying,” she said.

Brathwaite said she called her local animal control officer to help remove the bat.

Letters from the Town of Franklinton show officials have tried to help Brathwaite get rid of the bat problem.

Brathwaite says a representative from the apartment's parent company even checked her home back in February and declared the bat problem over. Two months after the inspection, Brathwaite found another bat.

“I don’t know where I’m going, but I can’t stay here,” she said.

Jankowski says removing bats is simple but because they are a protected species in the state a professional should be called. Local animal control offices remove many animals, including bats.

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