Category Archives: Bat Diseases

Can Bat Guano Hurt Me?

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If you have bat activity on your property, there is a very good chance that you will come across some guano. Bat guano has many positive impacts when used as a fertilizer, as it enriches and improves soil to grow crops. It is even a frequently utilized in villages and tribes all over the world for weapon crafting, building homes, fertilizer, and more. But when it comes to human exposure, bat droppings are not something you want to mess around with, nor be around at all!

Continue reading to learn more about guano, including how it can cause health implications in both people and pets.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Where You’ll Find Guano

Bats like to roost in private, sheltered locations that are dark and cozy. Attics are a common site to find a bat infestation, and a good place to start an inspection if you suspect bats are in your house. Chimneys are another hot spot, as well as, roofs, gaps in siding, barns, and log piles. When it comes to spotting guano, the entrances and exits to these roosts are where you will find the most accumulations. Bat droppings are often found around window sills and door frames, or next to ledges, rooftops, and tall trees.

Dangers of Bat Droppings

The problem with bat guano exposure are the fungal spores that it develops overtime. These fungal spores, known as Histoplasma Capsulatum, can become airborne and travel through a residents vents, ductwork, and more. The airborne spores can be inhaled by both people and pets, which can lead to an infectious lung disease called Histoplasmosis.

Histoplasmosis is referred to by many names, such as Spelunker’s Lung, Cave Disease, Darling’s Disease, or scientifically, Reticuloendotheliosis. The people who are most at risk for developing this illness are spelunkers, chimney cleaners, cave miners, and people that frequent attics and crawl spaces often. However, it is possible for anyone in the presence of such spores to develop the condition as well.

What To Do if you Find Guano

If you come across some guano, just be sure to keep a safe distance to avoid any contact. Your next step is to have the area inspected for bat infestations, and then remove any bats living on your property. From there, you will need to have bat proofing strategies implemented in order to prevent further infestation or exposure. A licensed Louisville bat removal and control company can provide all of these services, including bat cleanup and attic restorations.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control

Louisville Bat Removal Kentucky

Louisville Bat Removal 502-553-7622

Call 502-553-7622 for Louisville bat removal services you can trust. We are DNR licensed and insured bat control contractors who use safe, non-lethal methods of extraction and exclusion. We serve both residential and commercial clients, and at the most competitive prices in town. Emergency 24 hour service is also available. Request a free estimate, today.

Which Ailments Can a Person Contract From a Bat?

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Wild bats are a highly beneficial species to have as a part of our ecosystem. They are magnificent creatures and the only mammals capable of true flight. They are truly amazing. On the other hand, bats, just like any other wild animal, can carry diseases that can cause illness in humans and other animals.

Continue reading to learn about some common diseases carried by bats, how you can contract them, and how to protect yourself from them.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622

⚠ Bat Mites

The first most common illness contracted from a bat is bat mites. These are little insects that sort of resemble tiny fleas. They produce similar symptoms to lice, except the bats typically attack the surface of the skin rather than the scalp. Bat mites are often times confused with bed bugs too. They bite the skin and leave behind a red bumpy rash that itches persistently. There is no need to worry if you or a family member has contracted bat bites; although unpleasant, it is completely curable. Contact a doctor and a bat exclusion professional to get rid of the problem altogether.

⚠ Rabies

Rabies is the most associated illness with bats. The truth is, many other animals carry the rabies virus too, but so can bats. To contract rabies from a bat, a person or pet would have to be bitten by them, ingest their saliva, or come into contact with their waste matter. These are the areas that contain the rabies virus. Be sure to seek out immediate medical attention if you are ever bitten or scratched by a bat.

⚠ Histoplasmosis

Another common illness that a person can contract from a wild bat is Histoplasmosis. This is a disease that attacks the respiratory system, causing difficult breathing, coughing, and other discomforts. Histoplasmosis comes from the spores that grow on bat guano. If a home has a bat colony infestation, they are at risk for this illness. The spores are invisible and move through the air, being breathed in without notice. A licensed Louisville bat removal specialist will need to come in to inspect, remove bats, clean, treat, and possible repair the area where the bats were dwelling.

Louisville Bat Removal You Can Trust

Louisville Bat Removal Kentucky

Louisville Bat Removal 502-553-7622

Call Louisville Bat Removal at 502-553-7622 for bat control service in Kentucky. Our bat removal and control technicians are highly trained and experienced to carry out any degree of bat control, from removing one bat, to an entire structural repair project. We also offer services to protect your home and property from bat damages, as well as, provide minor restorations for bat damages. Request a free estimate, today.

Bats Cause a Deadly Disease Called Fibrosing Mediastinitus

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For many years, scientists and researchers have warned us about the dangers of bat guano. Bat droppings commonly grow a fungus called histoplasma Capsulatum that releases toxic, transmissible spores into the air. When breathed in, whether by humans or pets, theses fungal spores can cause a dangerous disease called Histoplasmosis. You may have heard of this lung disease by its other monikers, including Spelunker’s Lung, Cave Disease, Ohio Valley Disease, Reticuloendotheliosis,
and Darling’s Disease.

Mild exposure is not likely to cause the disease, as many of us are exposed to these spores at some point in our lives without even knowing it. But long-term exposure will cause Histoplasmosis, which comes with flu-like symptoms very similar to the common cold. Symptoms of this terrible lung disease include fever, coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. And although not contagious, without proper medical treatment, the disease will only continue to worsen and weaken its host.

Fortunately, there is a treatment for Histoplasmosis, as well as vaccines for pets. But we still can’t rest easy, because now we’ve discovered another bat disease we have to worry about, and it’s caused by Histoplasmosis. This disease is called Fibrosing Mediastinitus. Continue reading to learn more about Fibrosing Mediastinitus, and how to prevent exposure in your home.

Fibrosing Mediastinitus

When a person is ill with Histoplasmosis, they may experience a very rare complication of the disease called Fibrosing Mediastinitus. In contrast to the symptoms of Histoplasmosis, Fibrosing Mediastinitus will cause serious complications that can lead to death. The disease essentially constricts the heart and lungs from functioning. Without immediate treatment, it can be fatal. Although very rare, it is a terrible and painful disease for those infected.

If you have bats in or around your property, it is simply not worth the risk of catching any bat-related diseases like Histoplasmosis and Fibrosing Mediastinitus. Be sure to have a professional wildlife contractor inspect and treat your home for nuisance bats. They have the proper tools, training, and resources to provide safe and humane bat removal services at a fair price. Don’t risk it. Hire a bat removal company as soon as possible to get rid of bats in the attic or other areas of your home.

Louisville Bat Removal

Call 553-502-7622 for prompt and professional bat removal services in Louisville, Kentucky and its surrounding areas. We are DNR licensed bat removal contractors that offer safe and non-lethal bat extraction and exclusion services for residential and commercial properties. We also provide bat cleanup and minor attic restorations for bat damages too. Call 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate for Louisville bat removal and control, today.

Northern Long-Eared Bats are on the U.S. Threatened Species List

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Under the endangered species act, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service added the Northern Long-Eared Bat to the list of threatened species in our country. The ruling when into effect in May of this year.

The difference between “threatened” and “endangered” is significant. A threatened species is predicted to become endangered in the foreseeable future; whereas an endangered species is soon to be extinct.

Although not yet facing extinction, this is a sad year for this incredible species, and we should take some time to learn more about Northern Long-Eared bats and why their populations are facing endangerment.

Northern Myotis

The Northern Long-Eared bat, formally known as Myotis Keenii, is commonly referred to as Northern Myotis or Myotis septentrionalis. It is a small bat native to North America, averaging sizes no more than 3 to 5 inches and weighing no more than an ounce or two. They are primarily found in the Mid to Eastern parts of the country, starting in states like Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee, down through the Carolinas and even Alabama, and all the way up to Main and Canada.

Northern Long-Eared bats dwell in caves and wooded forests, roosting in trees during the day and searching for food at night. Being nocturnal, they are mostly active during the dusk, evening, and early morning hours, and then rest during the daytime. After a few days, they switch roosting areas, so they are often in search of new shelter at night as well.

As microbats do, they eat a wide variety of small insects, like moths, mosquitos, beetles, flies, gnats, and more. In the fall they migrate to caves and other similar locations to hibernate for the winter in populations of 100 bats or more. Emerging in March or April, Northern Long-Eared bats then breed and raise their young though the spring and summer.

White-Nose Syndrome is to Blame

One of the conclusions scientists and researchers have come to regarding the downfall of the Northern Long-Eared bat is that disease is the threat. White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) is a common disease that spreads easily and quickly among bat populations, and most all bats are at risk of contracting the illness. This disease seems to be the reason why this species of bat have now become a threatened one.

White-Nose Syndrome is a fungal disease that attacks the bat’s skin. It is caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans and can be detected by a visible white fungal growth around the wings, snouts, and muzzles of bats; hence the moniker. Assumed to come from Europe, this disease is now wide-spread throughout North America and has wiped out over 5 million bats in just the past four years. White-Nose Syndrome can kill up to 98% of a bat population at a time. It is a serious threat to all species of bat, and mammal as well.

Protect Bats and Your Home

It is important to never harm, kill, catch, or trap bats under any circumstances. Not only are they an imperative part of our natural surrounding Eco-system, it is often against the law to do so anyway. If you have a bat in the attic, or bats around your house, it is best to call a professional wildlife removal company for safe and legal assistance. They use non-lethal methods to exclude bats, prevent future bat problems, and relocate bats to a faraway habitat.

Bat Removal Louisville

Call 502-553-7622 for prompt and professional bat removal in Louisville, Kentucky. We are DNR licensed and experienced wildlife rescue and control specialists that only use safe and humane methods of bat exclusion. We offer a wide range of services for residential and commercial properties, including minor structural damage repairs, bat removal and control, bat cleanup, bat proofing, and more. Call 502-553-7622 to learn how to protect bats and your home from bats in Louisville, KY and its surrounding counties.

What to Do if Bitten by a Bat

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Bats are nocturnal mammals that are known to carry various communicable and contagious diseases. They are capable of spreading these illnesses either through their feces or saliva. Humans and domesticated pets are at risk of becoming infected with any of these diseases if contact with a wild bat occurs. This is why it is vital for people and pets to steer clear of bats if they ever spot one nearby. It is equally important to seek immediate care if ever bitten by a bat. Not all bats are infected, but it is safer to assume that they all may be.

Common diseases carried and passed along by wild bats include Rabies, Histoplasmosis, lice, mites, and more. Some illnesses are life-threatening, while others are not; but it is strongly encouraged to always keep your distance near bats and never attempt to disturb them, trap the, catch them, or touch them! Continue reading to learn what you should do if you or a loved one is bitten by a bat.

Treatment for Bat Bites

If you or a loved one are ever bitten by a bat, there are specific and critical steps that need to be taken in order to protect the victim. Remember to take immediate action and keep a positive mind! Below are the steps you should take if ever bitten or attacked by a bat:

1. Immediately Wash the Wounds with Clean Water and Antibacterial Soap
2. Maintain Constant Pressure on the Wounds to Stop Excessive Bleeding
3. Determine if the Bat is Inside or Outside
4. Contact a Louisville Bat Removal and Control Company to Capture the Bat
5. Have the Bat Submitted for Rabies Testing at the Local County Health Department
6. Make an Appointment with a Primary Physician to be Tested for Any Subsequent Illnesses
7. Outsource Bat Control Services to Bat-Proof Interior and Exterior Property

There is only one true and accurate method to determining if a bat is infected with a virus or disease. They must be captured by a licensed bat removal specialist, handed over to a Health Department, euthanized, and their brains examined. Although there are several physical and behavioral indications that a bat has Rabies or some other illness, not all bats are infected; instead, they are just carriers and show no signs of any disease. Never attempt to capture a bat. This is the most common way a person is bitten by one.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control

Call 502-553-7622 for DNR licensed bat removal and control services in Louisville, Kentucky. We are highly trained and experienced bat control specialists, and we offer a wide-range of services for residential and commercial properties throughout the state. Our friendly and professional bat removal technicians provide prompt, courteous, and efficient bat control services and cleanup at a price that anyone can afford. Call us today at 502-553-7622 and receive a free estimate for bat removal in Louisville, KY or its surrounding counties.

Will a Bat Bite Me?

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Unfortunately, the quick answer to this question is yes; however, for more evidence, it is necessary to continue reading about bat behavior and control. Bats are wild animals, and most wild animals will use any means available to them for self-defense. Biting, clawing, and fleeing are the most common bat defensive mechanisms known to experts and observers. They are also known to urinate, defecate, and play dead as a means for survival.

When it comes to bats, it is recommended to steer clear at all times. In the case that you have bats in or around your property, continue reading to learn who to call for help and what to do if you or a loved one is bitten or attacked.

Bat Bites and Attacks

Although it is not common for a wild bat to attack for no apparent reason, it is still highly advised to avoid contact at all times. This is for a number of reasons. Bats can be carriers of many deadly or infectious diseases. Illnesses such as Rabies, Leptospirosis, Histoplasmosis, ticks, fleas, and lice are all contagious and harmful to humans and pets. Also, bats can cause a serious amount of structural damages to the interior and exterior of a home or building. Guano accumulation, nesting, dry wall saturation, and more are all messy and damaging situations to have on your hands. This is why bat removal and control is a crucial service for home and property owners near water holes, woodlands, or commercial areas.

What to Do if Bitten by a Bat

If you or a loved one finds a bat in the house or on your property, never try to kill or capture it on your own. This can be very dangerous to the people around you, the bat, your property, and yourself. In the case that you attempt to handle a wild bat, or accidentally endure a bat bite, it is important to call your doctor immediately. Depending on the description of the bat and the boosters you have one file, your doctor will determine whether or not you need emergency services. In most cases, a person bitten by a bat will be instructed to immediately seek medical attention. This will eventually involve vaccinations, immunizations, and a serious of other injections to eliminate the threat of spreading contagious illnesses and infections.

Bat Removal in Louisville, KY

For more information about bat removal and control in Louisville, Kentucky, call a professional bat exclusion expert at 502-553-7622 today. Our qualified technicians provide a wide range of bat control and exclusion services at the lowest prices in town! We are DNR licensed and insured, with more than three decades of experience in the wild animal control industry. Visit our webpage at http://www.batremovallouisvilleky.com/bat-control-louisville-ky.php for details about getting rid of bats and our company background. Call 502-553-7622 for professional and affordable bat control and removal services in Louisville, KY and its surrounding counties.

The Reality Among Bats and Rabies

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Bats are stereotyped as rabies-infested creatures that attack humans and pass along disease and illnesses. These stereotypes are brought-on by movies, books, and old wives tales. In reality, bat populations are not nearly as infested with rabies as the general human population is led to believe. For more information about bats and rabies, continue reading and learn a little about bat removal and control.

Bat Rabies

Bat colonies make up more than a fourth of the world’s mammal population. Within that population, less than two percent are actually infected with rabies. The record shows that less than 11 people in the past fifty years have contracted rabies from a bat. With this said, bats do not have to be seen as an aggressive threat; however, bats can still be dangerous.

Bats are nocturnal, meaning they are active at night and sleep during daylight hours. When a bat is seen during the day, this is usually a sign that the animal is ill and may very well be infected with either rabies, or another virus. Bats will not usually attack if they’re sick, but if approached, they can lunge, scratch, or bite the instigator. Signs of an ill bat can be irregular flight patterns, lying flat on the ground, or attempting flight but failing. If any of these signs are exhibited during daytime hours, it can mean the bat is carrying a disease or sickness, and has fallen ill.

The Pro’s to Having Bats Around

Although bats have a bad reputation due to the potential diseases they can pass along, they are helpful mammals that should be appreciated. One reason to be grateful is that a bat can consume almost a third of its body weight in insects each night. This means, fewer mosquitoes are biting us at our cookouts and spiders are not finding their way into our homes. Having a bat colony living near your home is harmless because they eat so many insects and fertilize our gardens and lawns with their guano. As long as bats are not using our homes and rooftops to nest, they are advantageous and busy neighbors to have in a residential and commercial community.

Bat Control and Removal

If you discover that bats are finding their way into your home and using your property as a breeding and feeding spot, then be sure to act immediately and call a professional in the bat control industry. If you allow a bat infestation to grow, it can cause irrefutable structural damage and costly repairs. By calling a professional right away, you can avoid high repair and removal costs.

Louisville Bat Removal is a professional bat control company in Kentucky that is licensed and insured with over 15 years of experience in the animal control industry. Our licensed and insured bat control technicians use state-of-the-art equipment and the latest bat removal technologies to quickly remove bats and prevent them from returning again. We offer a wide variety of bat control services other than removal; from guano cleanup to structural damage restoration and repairs. We are even insurance company compatible! We also provide free estimates, DIY advice, and more. Visit our website at http://www.batremovallouisvilleky.com/get-rid-of-bats-louisville-ky.php or call 502-553-7622 to speak with a live bat removal technician about how to get rid of bats in your home or office. Affordable and effective bat removal and control in Louisville, Kentucky is only a phone call away!

Why Are Indiana Bats Dangerous?

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It is important to keep in mind that most wild animals have the potential to be dangerous. Bats are not any different. Indiana bats are tiny creatures, usually gray, black, or chestnut colored. They are native to central and northern parts of America. They are often times confused for the Little Brown Bat, which evinces some of the same characteristics. Continue reading to learn why Indiana bats, as well as, all other bats, can be considered dangerous, and what to do if ever faced with one.

Reasons to Steer Clear of Wild Bats

The most obvious reason to avoid wild animal encounters is disease. Bats are known to be possible carriers of a variety of bacterial and viral infections, and other serious diseases. These illnesses can infect adults, children, and pets as well. The most common disease associated with bats is rabies; however, they are more likely to carry and pass along a string of other common infections. These include Canine Distemper, Leptospirosis, Canine Parvo, Salmonella, Histoplasmosis, and much more. Some of these infections are passed along in their urine and saliva; while others are contracted by inhaling fungal spores grown on bat droppings. Bats are beneficial to our ecosystem in many ways, and it is important to protect their species; however, it is never recommended to approach or provoke a wild bat because they can be contagious or carry infections that are harmful to our health.

Provocation is another subject that leads into the next reason why bats can be labeled dangerous. A bat is a wild animal, and wild animals cannot be tamed or controlled. If a bat thinks you are a threat to themselves or their young, they may be capable of attack. It is not likely that a bat will attack a human because in most cases, they are more afraid of us than we are of them. This isn’t to say that they are capable of clawing, scratching, biting, and flying into us if we provoke them or threaten them in any way. Never try to pester a wild bat and you can avoid getting hurt.

For more information about wild bats and bat control in Louisville, KY, call 502-553-7622 today. Our experts at Louisville Bat Removal can answer any questions you have about getting rid of bats in your home and property. We are happy to give free DIY advice and always provide accurate and up-to-date information about animal control. Visit our website at http://batremovallouisvilleky.com/bat-control-louisville-ky.php for details about our services any time. For proper bat control information in Louisville, Kentucky, call us right away!

Bat Diseases

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Bats can be dangerous to pets and humans. One of the main reasons why this is true has to do with the illnesses and infections that bats can pass along. Bats should be avoided at all costs in order to prevent becoming infected with a harmful disease. Continue reading to learn about the different types of bat diseases and why they are such a threat.

Rabies

This disease is the most common illness associated with bats; especially in Kentucky. Not all bats carry rabies, but it is very common for them to be carriers of the disease. This means, no matter what, assume all bats have rabies in the wild. It is never a good idea to take a chance. Rabies has to be treated with a series of shots and injections to prevent further harm. Pets are common victims of bat bites and attacks, and should be given rabies vaccinations at the time of adoption.

Bat Mites

Much less serious than rabies, but still extremely unpleasant, is bat mites. Many people often mistake a case of bat mites for a case of bed bugs. Both infestations produce the same symptoms; itching, rash, small surface bumps. These mites are tiny little parasites that feed on bats. Treatments include aerosol bombs, insecticide treatments, and professional bat exclusion services.

Histoplasmosis

This is not a disease, but a fungus, that is bred by large accumulations of bat guano, or droppings. The spores can be inhaled and cause serious eye, lung, and other respiratory infections. If you suspect that your home or property has a bat infestation, you may have a Histoplasmosis problem as well. Have the entire vicinity inspected by a professional who retains proper equipment and training to accurately identify bat threats.

For more information about bat diseases, call Bat Removal Louisville at 502-553-7622. We are professional bat exclusion and removal technicians with decades of experience removing bats from residential and commercial properties in Kentucky. Visit our website at http://batremovallouisvilleky.com/bat-removal-louisville-ky.php for details about our bat control services in Louisville, KY.

Do Bats Bite?

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The quick answer to this question is yes; however, there is a longer explanation to support the actual reasoning behind the answer. Bats are wild animals, making them extremely impulsive and hard to control. This can pose a threat to anyone, including pets. Bats do have teeth, and yes they will bite; but, why do they bite? And what can result from these wounds? These are the more important questions you should be asking yourself.

Will Bats Attack People?

Bats are wild animals that are instinctively programmed to defend themselves when threatened or provokes. If a person happens to disturb a sleeping bat colony, it could easily explode into a swarm and potentially harm anyone in its path. Bats also have claws. These claws can scratch and scrape our skin, leaving painful cuts and abrasions. Bats have teeth and could possible bite a human too; however, there are more cases of dogs being bitten than humans. Bites and open wounds are what make us susceptible to bat diseases, and without treatment, could mean death.

Diseases Passed on By Bats

Bats are common carriers of a well-known virus called rabies. Rabies is deadly for cats, dogs, and other small animals. This is why vaccinations are so important. When a human contracts Rabies, they are in store for a very painful shot, and uncomfortable treatment. If the illness goes untreated, it can also mean death. Along with rabies, bats carry other undesirable and contagious ailments. For example, bats are carriers of little tiny insects called bat mites. They are microscopic, and cause similar symptoms as bed bugs. In fact, they are commonly mistaken for them in residential homes. As you can see, bats are not meant for domestication or interference by humans. Steer clear of these mammals, and if you see one, call a local bat removal company for instructions right away!

Louisville Bat Removal is the company you can call if you ever encounter a bat problem in Kentucky. We are qualified and insured bat removal specialists with decades of experience and training. Visit our website at http://batremovallouisvilleky.com/, or call us at 502-553-7622 anytime.