Facts About White Nose Syndrome Disease in Bats

White Nose Syndrome (WNS) is a devastating illness that has killed millions of hibernating bats all across the nation. Continue reading to learn more about White Nose Syndrome, and how it affects wild bat populations.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

White Nose Syndrome (WNS) Facts

White Nose Syndrome happens to be one of the most misunderstood bat diseases. This fatal malady gets its name from the distinguishable white residue that grows on the snouts and wings of infected bats during hibernation. The residue that grows on the noses of bats is actually a fungus caused by the fungal pathogen, Pseudogymnoascus destructans. Back in 2010, new evidence proved that a fungus called Geomyces destructans can also cause WNS in bats.

Discovery and Range

The initial documentation of White Nose Syndrome occurred in 2006 near Albany, New York. The following year, several nearby caves were recorded to have WNS infected bat colonies. From there, the deadly disease continued to spread across the country, as well as Canada. As of October of 2017, the fungal pathogen has been detected in 33 U.S. states and 5 Canadian provinces. Furthermore, the actual disease has been confirmed in 31 of the 33 U.S. states, and in all 5 Canadian provinces.

So far, Canadian White Nose Syndrome has killed more than 7 million bats, and has successfully wiped out entire colonies. Some of the most at-risk bat species include the Indiana bat and the Gray Bat. These species are federally-endangered, and at a higher risk of becoming extinct due to this disease. Common species affected by WNS include the Big Brown bat (ptesicus fuscus), Eastern Small-Footed bat (Myotis leibii), Gray bat (Myotis grisescens), Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), Little Brown bat (Myotis lucifugus),    Tricolored bat (Perimyotis Subflavus), and the Northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis).

Searching for a Workable Solution

The extensive rate of mortality is devastating, and unfortunately, there is no cure. Research laboratories and state and federal biologists continue to investigate and study these WNS deaths, in hopes for a solution. In fact, back in March of 2012, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announced 8 grants totaling approximately $1.6 million to continue the examination of white-nose syndrome, and to find ways to manage it.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control Services

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for humane bat removal and control in Virginia. We serve all of Old Dominion, including Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and all of their surrounding areas, with 24 hour bat removal, as well as, numerous residential and commercial bat exclusion services, such as bat cleanup and restorations for bat damages. We even provide insurance work! Contact us at 804-729-9097 to request a free estimate, anytime.

Did You Find a Bat Infestation During Your Annual Spring Cleaning?

Spring cleaning is a tradition for many families, and right now, many of us have plenty of time on our hands to get it all done. But beware, it is very common to come across some scary stuff; stuff that has been piling up for over a year. One such scary spring cleaning discovery happens to be quite common: bat infestations!

That’s right; bats often find shelter in our attics, garages, and patios, and spend all winter long keeping cozy and reproducing. Come spring, they are often discovered since many people begin to get their outdoor supplies and equipment ready for the warmer seasons ahead. This is bad news for homeowners since bats are dirty, contagious, and destructive.

If you find a bat infestation in your house after a spring cleaning, continue below to learn exactly what you need to do.

Virginia Bat Removal 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal 804-729-9097

Bat in the House

If you have a bat inside the house, whether inside a wall void or flying around the kitchen, your first priority is to separate people and pets from the area the bat is occupying. Once all people and pets are secluded in a room with shut doors and windows, proceed to open all windows and doors in the area closest to the bat. If the bat does not fly out on its own, use a broom with a long handle to gently tap the surface of the wall next to the bat and encourage it to fly out. If the bat still does not move, use a shoe box and thick piece of paper to capture the bat. Then you can transfer the bat outside to an area where it can take flight, at least 3 feet off the ground.

Bats in the Attic

Bats in the attic are not something you want to take on. If you find bats in the attic, your first step is to contact a local Virginia bat abatement company for emergency bat removal service. The longer a bat infestation remains, the worse the damages will be, which results from their nesting habits, as well as their smelly urine and droppings. Needless to say, the more damages, the costlier the repairs. Not only will bats in the attic need to be removed, your attic space will require a certain degree of restoration, such as guano cleanup, sanitizing, parasite fumigation, insulation replacement, and more.

Bat in the Garage

Finding a bat in the garage, whether attached or not, is an easier dilemma to deal with. All you have to do is leave the garage door open for as long as you can. Obviously, you might not want to leave your garage door overnight, or when you are away from home. Eventually, the bat will fly out, but not until nighttime, when they are most active. If you find bats roosting in an outdoor barn or shed, use the same method to encourage them to fly out. Just be sure to shut the door when you see they are gone!

Bats Under the Porch

If you find a bat infestation underneath your porch or deck, your first step is to close off the access to the patio from children and pets. Once the area is secure, you will need to contact a local bat removal company for bat removal and control service. Not only must the bats be removed, certain measures must be taken to ensure they cannot access your porch voids in the future. This requires professional materials like heavy gauge galvanized steel mesh screening, industrial caulking, high-density polyurethane foam, and more.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control Company

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane bat removal and control at a fair price. Regardless of the size or scope of your bat abatement and cleanup needs, we have the experience and resources necessary to remedy your bat problem in no time at all. Our professionals are focused on safe and effective results, but more importantly, our client’s complete satisfaction. Contact us anytime for free estimates, advice, and assistance.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

FAQS About Virginia Bat Removal and Control

Bats are exceptional helpers in the surrounding Eco-systems when it comes to insect control; but when it comes to homes and businesses, they are not something you want to have around. Not only are bats capable of causing tremendous structural damage inside and out, their presence can pose several health risks to both people and pets.

Unfortunately, bat infestations are quite common since they can gain access inside somewhere through a hole as little as 3/8th of an inch wide. So many homes and buildings are susceptible to bat infestations. And once they are inside, the problems really start to get serious. They can get through crumbling mortar, dry rotting wood, attic vents, exterior cracks, and more. For these reasons, it is vital to address a bat infestation problem right away by contacting a local and trusted Virginia Bat Removal and Control Company for non-lethal bat abatement service.

Before you contact a wildlife control specialist, continue reading to review the answers to some of the most common questions people have about bat removal and control. This can help you understand what to expect, and help you make the best decisions regarding your property’s wildlife protection needs.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097
Fruit Bat, Megabat, Megachiroptera

Frequently Asked Questions:

Bats are Blind; Right?

Microchiroptera, or microbats, use echolocation to help hunt their prey and navigate around in the dark; however, they are not blind. In fact, microbats can see quite well (and hear quite well), but they use their echolocation abilities to navigate their course, as well as, dart and dash for prey at a more precise rate. Megabats, or fruit bats, do not have echolocation abilities. They have big eyes and great vision, so they have no need for echolocation.

Will a Bat Attack?

Due to movies and television, many people fear that bats will attack or bite them. The truth is, they CAN if they want to, but most often, they WON’T. Bats are more afraid of us than we are of them, and it is very unlikely for bats to attack a person or other animal. However, there are exceptions. Bats that are ill, injured, mothering, and/or aggravated, may defend themselves upon provocation by biting or scratching. If you have a bat in the house, simply leave it alone to avoid any trouble. If you give it space and let the professionals take it from there, you should not be at risk of a bat bite or attack.

Can I Catch a Bat and Kill It?

Most states forbid anyone from harming, trapping, or killing bats without the proper permits. Bats are a vital part of our Eco-system; they should never be exterminated unless they are infected with a fatal or infectious disease, or injured beyond the point of rehabilitation. Only licensed wildlife rescue organizations have the resources and permissions to put a sick or injured bat down. Never attempt to touch, trap, harm, or kill bats. Not only is it likely illegal in our state, it is highly unethical and inhumane. See our blog, “State Laws Surrounding Wild Bats” to learn more.

What Do I Do if I Find a Bat in the House?

If you discover a lone bat in your house, your first step should be to isolate it from the rest of the family and your pets. This means closing off the room it is in, but leaving open a window for an exit point. For example, if you find a bat in your bathroom, shut the bathroom door so that it cannot move to other areas of the home, but leave the bathroom window open so the bat can let itself out. Wait 12 hours for the bat to leave. If it is still there, contact a licensed bat removal and control company. If you discover a bat colony living in your home, or suspect that you might have bats in the attic, contact a licensed bat removal and control company for professional inspection and service.

Where Can I Find Trust Bat Removal Service in Virginia?

Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane bat removal and control at the right price. Regardless of the size or scope of your bat abatement and cleanup needs, we have the experience and resources necessary to remedy your bat problem in no time at all. Our professionals are focused on safe and effective results, but more importantly, our client’s complete satisfaction. Contact us anytime for free estimates, advice, and assistance.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control