If you have bats in or around the house, there are some important facts you need to know. These facts will protect you, your occupants, your home, and the bats. Continue reading to learn what you SHOULD NEVER do if you have a nuisance bat problem on your property, as well as, what you SHOULD DO for a safe and humane solution.

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❶ NEVER Touch, Handle, or Provoke Bats

Bats are known carriers of several infectious diseases that can affect both people and pets. And although they are not likely to attack or bite unless provoked or ill, you still run the risk of being bitten or scratched by a bat if you attempt to disturb them in any way. They also tend to have lice and mites, which are also transmissible to people and pets. It is important to never touch or provoke a bat under any circumstances.

❷ NEVER Attempt to Trap, Capture, Harm, or Kill Bats

Not only is it unethical, immoral, and inhumane to trap or kill bats, it is illegal under most circumstances. Bats are protected species, and there are laws that prohibit handling, transporting, or domesticating bats without the proper licensing and permits. Never try to harm or kill a bat. Remember, they are not your enemy and you are not their enemy!

❸ NEVER Call the Local Dog Pound to Get Rid of Bats

A dog catcher is not the answer to a nuisance bat problem, so do not waste your time calling them for help. They only deal with stray dogs and cats, and will simply refer you to a local wildlife rescue and rehabilitation company who specializes in bat removal and control services.

❹ NEVER Rely On Local Animal Control Services to Help

For the same reasons a local dog catcher won’t be any help, you should never rely on the county or city animal control department to solve your bat problem. Not only are they under-staffed and overworked, they do not have the proper resources and training to abate and relocate bats. They may tell you they will get around to it, but their case loads are so full, it is not likely to happen any time soon.

❺ NEVER Tamper or Disrupt Their Bat Droppings (Guano)

Bat droppings (guano) can be highly toxic, especially for elderly folk, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. Guano commonly grows a fungus called Histoplasmosis Capsulatum, which emits toxic spores into the air. Upon inhalation and exposure, these spores can cause an infectious lung disease called Histoplasmosis, which is also known as Spelunker’s Lung, Cave Disease, Ohio Valley Disease, Reticuloendotheliosis, and Darling’s Disease.

❻ NEVER Seal Up Their Entry and Exits Points to the House

Bat abatement and proofing methods are very complex. The process requires proper equipment, knowledge, training, permits, and experience. Not only is it unsafe for you and the bats, immediately sealing up bat openings is not the proper procedure for bat removal and control. There are several other steps that come first in order to protect the bats and the house, and to ensure long-term results.

❼ NEVER Settle for Living With a Bat Problem

Not only are bats unsafe to have around your loved ones and pets, they are destructive to your property. Never settle for living with a bat problem, because there is no reason you have to! Contact a licensed Virginia bat removal and control company for expert bat abatement and exclusion services you can trust.

What You SHOULD DO Instead…

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 when you need prompt and professional Virginia bat removal and control you can afford. We use safe and humane methods to deliver effective 24 hour bat control for residential and commercial properties throughout Virginia. We serve all of Virginia, including Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and all of their surrounding areas.

Bats Are Not Rodents

Many people refer to bats as rodents when in fact, they are mammals. One of the most amazing characteristics of bats is their ability to fly because they are the only mammal on earth that can! Furthermore, they are incredibly vital to our surrounding ecosystems and even provide useful contributions for mankind.

Bats and the Eco-System

Not only do bats help pollinate and distribute seeds, plants, and various sorts of flora, they also help control the insect population. A single bat can consume more than 1,000 insects in a single night. For those of us who love backyard barbecues, campfires, and outdoor fun, this is a fantastic asset to have around. Bats eat all the nuisance insects, like moths, beetles, gnats, flies, mites, and of best of all, mosquitoes.

Bat Myths

A common misunderstanding is that bats have rabies. Although bats are common carriers of the virus, very few actually transmit the virus, and even fewer are rabid. However, Rabies prevention and awareness are still vital to our health and well-being.

Another common myth about bats is that they are blind and will fly right into your hair. The reality is that bats can see quite well, even in the dark. They have a built-in sonar system called Echolocation, which they use to better dive and dart for prey at night. Echolocation is not used in place of their vision, it simply enhances their nighttime navigational skills.

Have you ever heard that a bat will attack you? This will not happen unless you provoke a sick or nursing bat. As for getting tangles up in your hair, the chances of that happening to anyone is highly unlikely. Bats are just too agile and intelligent; they are also scared of humans and steer clear of us at all costs.

Many people are wrongly under the impression that bats suck blood. The only species that consumes blood is the Vampire bat, and they live in Latin America. They mostly target livestock like cows, pigs, and horses. Furthermore, they do not kill their prey; it is more of a symbiotic relationship. They make a small incision in the flesh, lap up the pooling blood with their tongues, and then scurry off into the night. The wound seals up quickly and the animal is not harmed or bothered in anyway.

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Monthly Archives: July 2018

7 Things You Should Never Do If You Have Bats