Why Should We Care About White Nose Syndrome in Bats?

Louisville Bat Removal 502-553-7622

Louisville Bat Removal 502-553-7622

Bats are misperceived by most. What is typically thought of as a pest, is actually a mammal with a vital role in our surrounding environments. Bats should be protected and preserved to the best of our abilities, and for many important reasons. Unfortunately, a disease known as White Nose Syndrome (WNS) is affecting millions of bats all across the country, and has resulted in a devastating decline in bat populations. Continue reading to learn why you should care about this fatal bat disease.

White Nose Syndrome (WNS)

White Nose Syndrome was first discovered in 2007 in the Northeastern parts of the United States, and has continued to spread throughout the continent. More than 25 states have been infected by this disease since 2008, as well as, a handful of Canadian provinces. Some common species that have suffered a significant impact in population density include the Little Brown bat (Myotis lucifugus), the Northern Long-Eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis), the Virginia Big-Eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus), the Gray bat (Myotis grisescens), and the Indiana bat (Myotis Soladis).

So What is WNS?

It is a fungal disease that seems to solely target cave-dwelling, hibernating bat species. It appears in the form of a white film around the muzzles, ears, and wings of bats. Although it looks unsuspecting, it causes major problems for bats. It comes from the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, which inhabits the skin of a bat. It is a “psychrophilic” fungus, meaning it prefers cold, damp environments (usually between 39 and 59 °F), where it thrives best. Perhaps this is why cave bats are common victims.

White Nose Syndrome affects bats negatively by disrupting torpor (temporary hibernation), thus causing changes in their behavior that is not favorable for their lifestyle. Primarily, it makes bats more active than normal, causing them to burn excessive calories and lose body fat. And without proper body fat stores, they cannot survive the winter season.

Why Care?

Bats serve a vital ecological importance. The role they play in insect control is massively significant to our local economies, health, comfort, and more. A single bat can consume more than 1,000 insects in just one night. Now keep in mind that bats are not solitary mammals. They live in colonies that can be in the hundreds or thousands. That is an extensive amount of insect extermination for a town!

The amount of insects bats consume contribute to our healthy crops, which help farmers and more earn money; money that is then distributed back into the local economy, keeping everyone happy! Furthermore, their contribution to pest management keeps our backyards and outdoor activity areas free of pesky mosquitoes and other biting insects, which can spread diseases or cause illness.

Curing the Disease

There is no cure or treatment for White-Nose Syndrome. However, researchers, biologists, and scientists all over the world are working on managing the spread of the disease and discovering a means to an end. Although there is no way to cure this disease, there are many ways to continue protecting bat populations. Do you part by vowing to never touch, trap, harm, or kill a bat under any circumstances.

If You Find Bats On Your Property…

Louisville Bat Removal Kentucky

Louisville Bat Removal 502-553-7622

Call 502-553-7622 for prompt and professional Louisville bat removal and control you can trust. We are DNR licensed wildlife control contractors who provide residential and commercial bat removal services at competitive prices. Whether you have one bat or an entire colony, we are fully equipped to manage any job regardless of size or scope. Request a free estimate or advice, anytime.

How to Help a Grounded Bat

If you live on a wooded lot, especially near a body of water, it is likely that you will come across a wild animal every now and again. Finding a stranded or injured animal can be heart wrenching, but it is more important to put your own interests above the animals for the sake of your safety. This is especially true for animals that are known carriers of infectious diseases, like bats.

Continue reading to learn what you should do if you ever find a bat on the ground.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622


Finding a bat on the ground is rather common in forested or wooded areas. There are many reasons why bats are found this way, including sickness, injury, abandonment, isolation, and more. Although you need to ensure your own protection first and foremost, there are ways you can help a stranded bat without jeopardizing your safety.

First an Important Warning!

NEVER, under any circumstances, attempt to touch, handle, move, tamper with, trap, or harm a bat. Not only is it unsafe for both humans and bats, it is illegal in most states. This is the most important fact you need to know about finding a bat.

Here is What You Should Do Instead:

Isolate Potential Predators

Upon discovering a bat on the ground, your first task is to separate any predators. You can’t move the bat, but you can control possible threats, like cats and dogs, or any other wandering pets. You might also go a step further and monitor the bat to protect it from other types of predators, such as fire ants, birds, and snakes.

Protect Surrounding People

If you are on your own property, warn your family and their friends to stay clear of the vicinity of the bat. If your property happens to be near a public area, like a sidewalk or playground, take the necessary precautions to warn people that a stranded bat is nearby. This can help passing folks avoid taking their dogs on a walk in that area, or allowing children to play. Hang signs or contact the local neighborhood association.

Contact a Wildlife Rescue and Control Company

If you approach the bat and it remains still, that does not mean you can safely get closer. Avoid getting within a few feet of the grounded bat at all times. If the bat shows signs of distress or panic, or appears injured in any way, immediately contact a licensed and insured Louisville Bat Removal Company for emergency wildlife extraction and relocation services.

If you approach the bat and it remains still, it could be a sign that it is dying or sick. Bats often isolate themselves from their colonies when close to death. In this case, it is best to let nature take its course. If the bat poses a threat to pets or family, a wildlife rescue and control specialist can extract the bat for you.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control

Louisville Bat Removal Kentucky

Louisville Bat Removal 502-553-7622

Call 502-553-7622 for prompt and professional Louisville bat removal you can trust. We are DNR licensed and insured wildlife rescue and control professionals with more than two decades of experience working with bats. We offer residential and commercial abatement services, including minor attic restorations for bat damages. Request a free estimate, today.