If I See a Bat During the Day, Does it Have Rabies?

When it comes to the Rabies virus, one of the most tell-tale signs that an animal is infected is if it is active during the daytime even though it is a nocturnal species. Daytime behavior is often seen in several rabid nocturnal species of wildlife, including raccoons, possums, and bats. In fact, bats are a prime known carrier of the Rabies virus, but that doesn’t mean that all carrier bats are actually infected. So, does seeing a bat, or some other type of nocturnal animal, out and about during the day a sign that it is infected with Rabies? What else could it mean?

Continue reading to learn the answers to these questions, as well as, the common signs of a rabid bat, and what you should do if you ever one.

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

Bats and Rabies

As mentioned, bats are known carriers of the Rabies virus, but not all bats that are carriers are infected. In fact, some carriers of Rabies never become rabid, nor show signs of the illness. Also mentioned, one of the most common signs that a bat has Rabies is if it is outside and awake during the day. Bats are nocturnal mammals, meaning they are active from dusk to dawn, rather than dawn to dusk like humans.

So, when a bat is out and active during the day, it can be deemed as odd behavior. But this does not mean it has Rabies. A bat exhibiting these kinds of behaviors might be ill with something else, dying, or injured. It could also be an adolescent bat still honing its flying skills, or lost and trying to find its way back to its colony. See our blog, “What You Want to Know About Bats and Rabies” to learn more about bat behavior and the Rabies virus.

Additional Signs of a Rabid Bat:

The Bat is on the Ground – Bats do not sit or lay on the ground, so if you see a live one on the lawn or grass, you can safely assume it is sick, perhaps with Rabies.

The Bat is Not Scared – Like finding a bat on the ground, if you can walk toward a bat, and it does not act scared or threatened, you should assume that it is ill.

The Bat Cannot Fly – If a bat is outside, or on the ground, and it does not fly away, even if you approach it, it is very likely that the bat is sick, and it could be rabid.

What to Do If You Find a Bat

Under no circumstances should you ever attempt to touch, trap, capture, harm, or kill a bat. Bats are not just known carriers of several transmissible diseases, such as Rabies and lice, they are also biters, and can break the skin if provoked. Furthermore, some bats are protected under federal and state law, so you are not allowed to tamper with them at all. Instead, contact a wildlife rescue company for emergency bat removal service. See our blog, “How to Remove a Flying Bat in the House” if you ever spot one indoors.

Where To Get Trusted Bat Removal and Control Service in Virginia

Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane Virginia 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.

What You Want to Know About Bats and Rabies

If your home or commercial building is located near woods, forests, or a large body of water, such as a pond, river, or lake, you can safely bet that there are local bat populations surrounding the property. For this reason, bat infestations are quite common among properties located in such areas. As a result of a bat infestation, properties usually experience extensive structural damages. However, bats also pose several health and safety risks. One of the most common is the Rabies Virus.

If you are unsure about the facts you know regarding bats and rabies, continue reading to clear up the confusion and learn exactly what you want to know.

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

Facts About the Rabies Virus

The fact is, only a small percentage of bats catch rabies. Researchers at Indiana State University conducted a nearly 40 year-long study, testing more than 5,500 big brown bats in the mid-west. Of those numbers, only 3.1% tested positive for rabies. From this study, researchers also concluded that October seems to be the time of year when rabies rates peak.

When contracted, the rabies virus is virtually 100% fatal. That is why rabies vaccines for pets are so vital, especially if they are outdoor pets. When a bat is sick with the rabies virus, they will often segregate themselves from their colonies, which is why so many are found on the ground. If you find a bat on the ground, please beware that it could be infected of rabies or other types of transmissible disease. See our blog, “What To Do if You Find a Bat” to learn some safety tips for managing such a situation.

How Rabies is Contracted

Rabies is contracted when the virus enters the bloodstream through bodily fluids, such as blood, saliva, or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, and throat. Although the virus enters the bloodstream, it actually travels through the host’s central nervous system, which means it reaches the brain at incredible rates, usually within weeks. The most common way those become infected is being bitten or scratched by an infected animal. You cannot get rabies by simply petting a rabid animal, nor touching their blood or droppings. Contracting the rabies virus any other way is very uncommon. Inhaling airborne rabies virus is a possibility, but typically only laboratory workers are at risk of this types of non-bite exposure.

As soon you believe a person or pet has been exposed to the virus, it is important to seek medical treatment immediately to prevent death. If you awaken in your bedroom and find a bat on the wall, you must still get medical care instantly because you may not know if you’ve been exposed. It is important to stay away from wild animals, and simply admired them from afar, to prevent being exposed to deadly or transmissible diseases such as Rabies. If you are concerned about bats around your house, contact a local Virginia bat removal and control company for inspections and bat-proofing services.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control Services

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane bat removal and control assistance in Old Dominion. We serve all of Virginia, 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.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control