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Milford reports wasp infestation and bat presence at pool building; staff proposes cleanup and roof work after bats migrate
Summary
City staff reported an ongoing wasp infestation near the municipal pool that is burrowing into trees and ground, and a bat colony inside the pool building attic. Staff proposed a timeline—cleanup and roof replacement after bats leave in late summer—and recommended hiring a disaster cleanup contractor and sealing the building.
City staff informed Milford City Council on July 15 of two pest issues at the municipal pool: a ground-burrowing wasp infestation around the pool perimeter and an active bat roost inside the pool building attic.
Staff said wasps (described as a species that burrows into the ground) have been present and that Vision Pest Control has been contacted for an assessment of possible spraying; because nests originate off-site in trees that wrap the pool, staff will consult the school district (where some of the trees are located) before spraying. Staff reported that the wasps have not been aggressive and no stings had been reported, but the infestation has been persistent for two years in the broader county area.
Separately, staff reported bats have taken up residence in the attic of the pool building. Because bats are protected, staff said the city cannot seal the openings while bats are present; city staff described a mitigation plan timed to the bats’ seasonal migration. The proposed steps discussed at the meeting included: contract a mitigation/disaster-cleanup firm to assess and clean guano and droppings after bats leave (late August–September), replace the roof in October, and seal entry points mid-October so the building remains bat-free before the next season. Staff warned that bat guano poses health risks and that personnel entering the attic require protective equipment.
Staff also recommended coordinating with a wildlife mitigation contractor (the same mitigation contractor used for another city building) to assess the extent of the colony and produce a remediation plan. The council directed staff to solicit assessments and to place cleanup and repair procurement on a next-step schedule; staff said they would contact the mitigation company to determine whether to inspect now or wait until bats migrate.
Council members discussed whether to have city crews conduct ground-level observation and emphasized not exposing staff to guano without appropriate protective gear. Staff said they would prepare a plan for council consideration and indicated funding and scheduling details would follow.
