Tag Archives: bat control Louisville KY

White-Nose Syndrome is a Dangerous Disease in the Bat World

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Bats are prone to various illnesses and diseases, just as all living creatures. But there is a disease that seems to only target cave-dwelling, hibernating bats. This disease is called White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) and it has killed thousands of bats. It was first discovered in early 2007 in New York. Bats at that time started evincing unusual behavior, like neglecting to hibernate or remaining active during the daytime in cold weather. This was an indication to scientists and researchers that something wasn’t quite right. After years of liberal investigation and testing, White-Nose Syndrome was given a name.

It started in the Northeastern parts of the United States, and continues to spread to the central parts to this day. More than 25 states have been infected by this disease since winter 2008, as well as, a handful of Canadian provinces. White-Nose Syndrome causes a growth of white fungus all over a bat’s body, including the ears, muzzle, and wings. This is where the name, “White-Nose” comes from.

When a bat is infected with White-Nose Syndrome, on top of white fungus growth on its wings and muzzle, it might also demonstrate certain signs and symptoms. For example, when scientists are determining whether or not a bat is infected, they will look for microscopic pattern of skin erosion, but they will also consider a bat’s behavior as another key identifier of the disease. When bats are not hibernating as they should, or flying far from their roosts in cold or hazardous weather, they are showing common signs of the syndrome. This doesn’t mean that all bats flying far from their hibernation roosts in cold weather are infected, it simply means that infected bats often evince this particular behavior. Severe emaciation is another indicator.

Several organizations and governmental departments are working together to stop this disease from plaguing even more bat colonies than it already has. The USGS National Wildlife Health Center, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, ivy league collegiate teams, and more have all collaborated to find a means to control this disease.

Bat Removal Louisville Kentucky

Call 502-553-7622 for bat removal and control in Louisville, Kentucky today. We are highly trained and DNR licensed wildlife control contractors with decades of experience in the bat removal industry. We use safe and humane methods to remove bats and prevent their return, never killing or harming them in any way. Call 502-553-7622 for more information about bat removal services in Louisville, KY and its surrounding counties.

A Newly Discovered Technique Bats Use to Navigate in the Dark!

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A new study recently revealed that microbats use more than echolocation to navigate around at night. No more is sonar the only navigational resource used by bats! Just to review, echolocation is a type of sonar system that microbats use to map their surroundings in the dark. Although not blind, microbats have small visual centers that inhibit their vision capabilities. By emitting small sounds and listening for the return echo, bats can make a mental grid of their surroundings, and better hunt for prey. The only megabat known to also use sonar is the Egyptian Fruit Bat. All other megabats retain a large visual center that allows them to see well at night.

Microbat Navigation

Now back to the topic at hand! The newly discovered ability in bats involves polarized light! That’s right; microbats apparently use patterns of polarized sky light to navigate their way around. They can actually calibrate their internal magnetic compasses by using the pattern of scattered sunlight in the atmosphere! This is a truly remarkable gift! You see, depending on the position of the sun during the day, polarization patterns and directional sunlight vary.

What we don’t know is how microbats detect polarized sunlight. I guess that answer will come later after more research and studies! One interesting fact is that bees also use this type of navigational resource, and other insects as well. Bats truly are fascinating and wonderful creatures that are a vital part of our Eco-system; however, when they trespass onto our properties, they can make quite the mess and cause quite the disturbance. When this happens, be sure to call a licensed Louisville Bat Removal contractor for safe and humane bat exclusion services and assistance. Bats should never be trapped, harmed, or killed.

Louisville Bat Removal

Call Louisville Bat Removal at 502-553-7622 if you have a bat infestation problem. We are DNR licensed bat exclusion specialists with decades of experience in the bat removal and control industry. We offer emergency services, free estimates, DIY advice, and a wide range of bat control services. Call 502-553-7622 for licensed bat removal services in Louisville, KY and its nearby counties.

The Bat Quiz: Learning about Wild Bats

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Bats are wonderful creatures that are found all across the globe! You may be scared of them, or you might be fascinated by them. Either way, learning about bats is fun! Take this bat quiz to test your knowledge on wild bats, and perhaps learn a thing or two while you’re at it! Once you complete the quiz, match your answers to the answer-key and see just how much you know about these amazing creature we call bats!

Get Started!

Question 1

What “Class” of Species are Bats?

a. Birds
b. Mammals
c. Reptiles
d. Aquatic

Question 2

Bats are Nocturnal. True or False?

a. True, bats are active primarily at night.
b. False, bats are diurnal and active at day.
c. False, bats are neither nocturnal nor diurnal.

Question 3

Where Do Wild Bats Predominantly Live?

a. Beaches
b. Jungles
c. Caves
d. Deserts

Question 4

What is the Scientific Order for a Bat?

a. Procyon Lotor
b. Mammalia
c. Insectivore
d. Chiroptera

Question 5

What Do Megabats Generally Eat?

a. Birds and Lizards
b. Other Bats
c. Nectar and Pollen
d. Mosquitos

Question 6

Bats Drink Human Blood. True or False?

a. True, bats like the taste of human blood.
b. False, only vampire bats will consume the blood of other animals.

Question 7

Bats are the Only Mammal Capable of True Flight. True or False?

a. True, bats are the only mammals that can really fly, rather than float or glide.
b. False, other mammals can fly.

Question 8

Will Bats Attack People?

a. No, Never.
b. Only if Frightened or Provoked, but Rarely.
c. Yes, Always.

Question 9

Are Bats Blind?

a. Yes, Blind as a Bat!
b. No, Bats Can See

Question 10

Why Does a Bat Use Echolocation?

a. A Way to Talk to Other Bats
b. To Scare Away Predators
c. To Build Nests
d. As Sonar to Map their Surroundings

Let’s See How You Did!

Answer Key: 1-b, 2-a, 3-c, 4-d, 5-c, 6-b, 7-a, 8-b, 9-b, 10-d

Well hopefully you learned something new about bats! Although bats are fascinating to learn about, they can sometimes be a bother to our homes and properties. In this case, be sure to contact a Louisville Bat Removal company that only uses safe and humane bat control methods. We must respect and protect all bat species, but we don’t have to invite them to our homes!

Bat Removal in Louisville, KY

For safe and humane solutions for bat removal in Louisville, Kentucky, call 502-553-7622 today. We are highly trained and DNR licensed bat exclusion specialists with decades of experience in the bat removal and control industry. We offer a wide range of bat removal services for both residential and commercial properties, at the most competitive prices in town. We also offer free estimates, emergency services, insurance compatibility, and cleanup and restoration services. Call 502-553-7622 for licensed and insured bat removal and control services in Louisville, KY and its nearby counties.

Can I Keep a Wild Bat as a Pet?

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In today’s society, it is certainly more popular to own exotic pets than it ever has been before; even though the records show it isn’t always a great idea. When it comes to pet bats, there are societies and exotic pet breeders that sell bats as pets; however, it takes thousands and thousands of years to successfully domesticate a wild animal. Domestic dogs date back all the way to the caveman days!

So no matter how many years a person has been breeding bats, or any wild animal, there is no guarantee that they will adapt well to domestication. Continue reading to learn the details behind whether or not you can, or should, keep a wild bat as a pet in your home.

Bats are Protected Under Law

In most states and jurisdictions, bats are a protected species and cannot be harmed, trapped, captured, or disrupted in any way. If you are caught in a state that does not allow wild animal domestication, you can be fined up to one thousand dollars or more. In some cases, people can even lose their privileges of pet ownership altogether if animal cruelty is suspected. In these areas, a person must retain proper licenses and permits to keep wild bats and other animal in captivity. This is typical for zoos, scientific organizations, and wildlife rescue foundations. These facilities must prove that they are providing a “sanctuary” and an apposite habitat lifestyle for the animals.

Even though there isn’t a need for another reason why a person really can’t keep a wild bat as a pet, there are more of them. For example, bats are primary known carriers of the rabies virus. A simple, quick, and sometimes unnoticeable, bat bite can transfer to illness to a pet or human and make them very sick. Bats carry other contagious diseases as well; such as leptospirosis, salmonella, Histoplasmosis, bat mites, lice, and more. In general, it is never a good or safe idea to come into contact with wild bats in any way, ever. If you truly love bats, try getting involved in a wildlife organization for bats or bat rescue societies. This way you can make a valuable contribution while admiring the species from afar.

If you see a wild bat near your home, be thankful for the nightly insect control; however, if you think you might already have a bat in your house, attic, or roof, call a professional bat control technician. Be sure to hire a company that uses safe and humane bat control methods.

Bat Control in Louisville, Kentucky

If you need bat control in Louisville, Kentucky, call 502-553-7622 today. We are highly trained and qualified bat exclusion experts that can safely and humanely capture and release wild bats in residential or commercial properties. We retain state of the art equipment and the latest technologies to safely and effectively remove bats from any area. We offer free estimates, DIY advice, discounts, and more. Visit our webpage at http://www.batremovallouisvilleky.com/bat-control-louisville-ky.php for details about our services and company background. For affordable and effective bat control in Louisville, KY, call 502-553-7622 for service you can trust.

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!