Category Archives: Bat Diseases

Is Bat Guano Toxic?

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Bat guano is the organic waste matter produced by bats.  When a person spots an area with bat guano accumulation, they can safely suggest there is a bat colony nearby.  Bats typically reside in one area, where they eat and produce waste for as long as they inhabit the space.  Many homeowners suffer the consequences of bat infestation, mostly due to the mass accumulation of bat guano and droppings in their home.  Read on to learn why bat guano is unhealthy and unsafe for humans, and how to get rid of bat guano in your home or commercial building.

Histoplasmosis

Bat guano and bat droppings can be unsafe for humans, especially children.  In bat guano, a fungus called Histoplasmosis Capsulatum grows and gives off toxic spores that we inhale in the air.  These spores can cause infectious lung diseases like Histoplasmosis, Spelunker’s Lung, Cave Disease, Ohio Valley Disease, Reticuloendotheliosis, and Darling’s Disease.  These illnesses have similar symptoms of the common cold or flu.  Cough, fever, sneezing, and difficulty breathing are all signs of Histoplasmosis and other lung diseases.  These illnesses are not contagious, but can be easily and unknowingly contracted through inhaling spores in the air of an infested home or building.

Bat Guano Odor and Stain Detection

Many homeowners begin to suspect bat infestation and guano problems with odor and stain detection.  A common tell-tale sign of long-term bat intrusion is stained walls and strong odor presence within certain areas of the home.  Bat droppings and urine create a very unique smell that experts can detect immediately.  It also stains walls a yellowish and sometimes brown-like color.  If a homeowner comes across this situation, it is suggested that they have their home inspected by a professional bat or animal removal company (not a pest control company) right away.  Long-term bat infestation means there is a large accumulation of bat guano in the infested area of the property.  If odor is detected, inhalation of lung disease-causing spores could have occurred.  A professional company retains the proper equipment and knowledge to accurately and thoroughly inspect a home for babies, colonies, damages, and more.  A reputable company will be licensed and insured to quickly and safely resolve the entire issue, including the inspection.

For more information about bat guano clean up and restoration, call Louisville Bat Removal today!  We are DNR licensed and insured to remove bats and provide repairs and restorations for damages caused by bats.  Our company specializes in bat removal and control, as has been in the bat removal industry for over twenty years.  Call us at 502-553-7622 for details about our Louisville KY Bat Removal Services today!

The Facts about Rabies and Bats

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Bats and rabies are constantly linked together due to horror movies, Halloween, and embellished stories.  The facts are actually different than common belief.  Read on to learn more about rabies and how they affect bats and other mammals as well.

Do All Bats Have Rabies?

The answer is, of course not; not all bats have rabies.  Among the various bat species all over the world, (which makes up more than a quarter of the world’s mammal population), less than two percent are infected with rabies.  In fact, less than ten people in the past 50 years have been reported to have contracted rabies through a bat.  The myth behind bats and rabies stems from movies, books, and rumors.  The truth is, bats are intelligent and helpful creatures of nature, and should be respected and protected as much as possible.

Signs of an Infected Bat

Although not all bats have rabies, they can still carry other infectious diseases just the same as any other animal could.  To determine if a bat is infected, look out for tell-tale signs that point toward danger.  If a bat is seen out during the daylight hours and/or is flying rapidly in an unorganized fashion, this could be a sign that it is sick. The simplest way to explain why is that bats are nocturnal, meaning they sleep at day and come out at night.  It is very uncommon to see a bat during daylight.  Odd behavior like that can represent an ill bat.  A bat will not likely attack, but can bite or lunch if instigated or approached.

Why Are They Helpful?

Bats are insect eaters, and big eaters at that.  In a single evening, a bat can consume nearly 1/3 of its body weight in insects.  That’s like 1000 insects per hour.  So at our cookouts and bonfires, fewer mosquitoes will be out biting because they are being preyed upon by your local bat colonies.

For more information about bats and rabies, contact a professional at 502-553-7622.  We have been removing bats from residential and commercial properties for over 20 years.  Call us today for information, services, and estimates, or visit our Louisville KY Bat Control website anytime!