Rockledge uses bat boxes to combat Zika

ROCKLEDGE, Fla. — The city of Rockledge is going to new heights to try to fight Zika before it arrives.

With yet another locally-transmitted case announced Wednesday, Florida continues to be a hotbed for the virus.

City leaders are trying to attract bats as a prevention method, and other areas are jumping on the bat bandwagon

The goal is to attract bats by setting up bat boxes in areas where they can eat mosquitoes that may carry the Zika virus

Hidden halfway between the lake and the walking path in Rockledge’s Larry L. Schultz Park, sits a discreet addition that could make a noticeable difference in lowering the Zika threat there and in other public areas.

“It is a low tech solution,” said Larry Schultz, former mayor and member of the Recreation Open Space Conservation.

The ultimate goal is to get bat boxes, sometimes called bat houses, in each of Rockledge's six parks.

“This is a more natural way of controlling mosquitoes mosquitos and would complement the county's mosquitoes  control activities,” said Schultz.

He said the boxes draw bats, and then the bats eat mosquitoes, which could be infected with Zika, reducing the risk to people walking at night when the bugs come out.

“I think it's a good thing. Anything that will keep the mosquitoes  away, or down at least,” said resident Michelle Brown.

Especially as the number of Zika cases keeps climbing with hundreds already diagnosed in Florida, including 12 in Brevard County.

On Wednesday, Gov. Rick Scott called for a more aggressive attack on the virus, while other cities mimic Rockledge.

The Florida Bat Conservancy said that next month, Melbourne Beach will add eight of the bat boxes to its parks.

Workers at the conservancy said they're not just fielding calls from cities, but they’ve seen more people wanting the bat boxes at home.

Cox Media Group