Flying-foxes in your backyard

Flying-foxes are increasingly moving into urban areas in search of food and shelter, due to the loss of their natural habitat. This can sometimes cause conflict between flying-foxes and local residents, because of concerns about health and amenity impacts. When flying-foxes are present in large numbers, their noise and smell can be a nuisance for residents.

There are some simple measures that the community can take to minimise conflict when they are living close to a flying-fox camp:

• Don’t disturb the flying-foxes as this causes them to become stressed, in turn resulting in squabbling and associated noise. They are quietest when left alone.
• Flying-foxes roost in tall vegetation and so may be deterred by trimming and removing branches from around houses or public buildings (subject to approval from the NSW Government if flying-foxes are present).
• Plant low vegetation (shrubs) to act as a buffer, providing a screen between your residence and the flying-foxes.
• Create additional habitat by planting food trees preferred by flying-foxes away from houses and orchards.
• Install properly constructed netting to protect fruit crops.