1. Highway structures that incorporate crevices between 0.5 and 1.25 inches wide (1.2 and 3.2 cm) can provide ideal roosting habitat for several of the most rapidly declining and valuable bat species in Texas, especially if these crevices are 12 inches (30 cm) or more in depth and covered at the top.

2. Bats typically use only concrete or wooden roosting surfaces, preferring the highest, darkest locations.

3. Efforts to accommodate bats in highway structures can be highly successful, especially in central, southern, and western Texas.

4. Structures can be retrofitted with Texas Bat-Abodes or concrete panels to create bat habitat.

5. Large concrete culverts under divided highways can provide excellent roosts for threatened and endangered bats, though most would require provision of roughened ceiling cavities during construction.

6. No structural damage, aquatic pollution, or disease transmission to humans has been associated with even the largest bat colonies living in Texas bridges and culverts, but warnings not to handle downed individuals or inhale dust associated with bird or bats droppings are recommended.

7. Where bats are unwanted, simple elimination of preferred crevice widths can prevent potential nuisance problems.

8. Texas bats are primary predators of vast numbers of insect pests that are extremely costly to farmers and foresters. Bats roosting in bridges can also be a major source of tourist dollars.