SALINA (AP) – Officials in Salina are happy to welcome thousands of visitors to the Bicentennial Center for conventions and sporting events every year, but there’s one group they’re trying to oust.

Several thousand bats have entered the Bicentennial Center through cracks and vents. They’ve taken up residence in the mezzanine level, right above the public restrooms.

The City Commission voted unanimously Monday to pay a pest control company about $35,000 to remove the winged mammals. The company will also seal the cracks and vents and clean up the bats’ droppings, as well as a type of insect that feeds on bats.

The cleanup and treatment will continue for a year.

The Bicentennial Center houses a 7,500-seat arena and an 18,000-square-foot convention space.