Did you know that bats consume 2,000 - 6,000 mosquito-sized bugs in one night? They are helpful creatures, but not inside! Bats are an essential part of our ecosystem, but they are not welcome guests indoors. They can bring in bat bugs (yes, those bite) and bat guano, so it's best we keep them outdoors.
Typically in our area, the most common bat species are the Little Brown bat, or the Northern bat, both of which are cave bats. Cave bats live in caves and mines during the winter, but in the summer they come out to hunt for food, living in bridges, buildings, rock crevices, beneath loose bark, or in cracks or crevices in trees. It is best to contact your local wildlife management professional if you suspect bat activity. Here is some helpful information about these creatures:
Bat guano can be dangerous in large quantities and arid conditions, potentially causing Histoplasmosis. This disease, spread by simply breathing in the fungal spores from bat guano, causes fevers, chest pains and coughs, and in very severe cases, the disease can spread to other organs. Children, senior citizens and people with weaker immune systems are most susceptible to the disease.
Signs of a Bat Problem
Bats are nocturnal, so it is not always easy to detect a bat problem. They are active at night, and sleep during the day making it difficult to determine where they roost. Bats tend to hibernate or migrate in winter, so you will not see them when it is cold. They reappear in our area in late March to early April, when they hunt for places to roost until they leave again in September.
Bugs are attracted to porch lights, and sometimes bats will follow, roosting near these food sources. They may accidentally enter your home through open doors, chimneys, or fireplaces and make strange sounds such as high-pitched squeaks or scratching. These sounds will most likely come from high up inside the walls. You might also notice their guano as a sign of a bat problem. It's dark in color, and has a strong, pungent odor.
A common misconception about bats is that they are blind. It is possible for bats inside your home to see their way to an exit, if the exit to the outdoors is in the same room. If you find a bat in your home, turn on the lights and open all doors and windows to the outdoors to encourage the bat to navigate to an exit. If you find multiple bats or if a bat does not find its way out within a few minutes, you have a problem and should call a professional.
Getting Rid of Bats
A&C Pest Management is equipped to handle bats, our experts know how to navigate the processes necessary to find and then remove the bats. Using smart, humane techniques we get the bats out of your house and take extra precautions to prevent injuries to people and the bats.
For more information on wildlife control contact A&C Pest Management.