Do you have bats in the attic?
Bats are nocturnal mammals and usually emerge at dusk. They feed on insects and can eat up to 1000 mosquitoes in an hour. They tend to inhabit dark spaces like attics and sometimes crawlspaces where they usually wreak quite a bit of havoc. Their droppings, also known as bat guano, are a major health hazard to humans and pets and after a while, large piles of droppings form. Not only do the droppings and urine corrode wood and metal, but the weight of all the guano can collapse the ceiling below the attic. Bats in North America hibernate in the colder weather. They roost in large colonies in attics, chimneys, churches, under bridges and fly out in large clusters. A bat in your home could be a one-time incident, possibly a window or door was left open, but it could also be a telltale sign of a bat infestation in your attic.
Can I do my own bat removal and bat guano clean-up?
While there are plenty of DIY Websites on bat removal solutions and bat exclusions, it is not only dangerous to try to remove a bat in the attic yourself, but it is also illegal to kill a bat. Most bats are federally protected, and it is best to contact a wildlife control specialist to safely and humanely remove bats from chimneys, attics, churches or any dwelling. Their roosting sites turn into toxic messes. The clean-up of bat guano presents a huge safety concern. Wearing gloves, a respirator mask, and following safety practices is very important. Note that a dust mask may provide some protection against dust, molds, and insulation fibers, but does not protect against viruses.
What are the most common diseases spread by bats?
Rabies from a bite or histoplasmosis from inhaling guano are the most common diseases spread by bats. Bats are also a host for certain parasites like ticks, fleas, and mites that can transmit a number of diseases as well.
What are some bat preventative measures?
- Get your home inspected by a licensed wildlife control specialist
- Seal entry points (be sure that all wildlife is gone)
- Get professional-grade repairs done
- Install vent, ridge, and roof guards
- Bat exclusion
What are the fees associated with bat removal services and control?
The fees associated with bat removal and control is variable. We do recommend hiring a professional as bats are protected and we want to prevent the spread of White-Nose Disease that is seriously affecting our bat population. Contact us, for now, a thorough Bat Survey.
Why should I address the problem?
Guano poses a major health hazard to humans and pets. Entryways made by bats allow for other wildlife and rodents to infest your home. If baby bats are involved, they may not be anything we can do until they mature. It also means you more than likely have a bat colony. If you have bat problems, please take care of it for the health and safety of the little brown bats and your family.
What kind of bat services does Summit offer?
Bat Removal | Bat Exclusion | Bat Guano Clean Up | Bat Survey | Insulation Replacement | Repairs | Bat Disinfecting and Deodorizing