more evidence why a space escalator is needed

this is an interesting article linked from slashdot regarding a test of the technology required for constructing space elevators. basically, a 60-day field test of a balloon platform with 100m tether got inundated with wildlife -- bats, birds, insects etc. these would surely interfere with the robots which would be required to climbe the tethers into space? what is needed is a space escalator -- wildlife would not be attracted to this machine of iron and rubber!