Tag Archives: bat dangers

3 Potentially Deadly Diseases Caused By Bats

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Nuisance bats are nuisances for very good, and frightening, reasons. For one, they are highly destructive, and can cause extensive structural damages to homes, buildings, barns, and more. These damages are not only tedious to reverse, but also very costly. However, the threat of structural damage is not the key reason why bats are not something you want around your property. The biggest threat they pose is disease and illness. Bats are common carriers of several infectious and parasitic diseases, some of which are potentially deadly to both people and pets.

Continue reading to learn more about bat diseases and safety threats, including the top 3 diseases that can be fatal.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622
Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Rabies Virus

The most widely known disease associated with bats is the rabies virus.  Rabies is a very serious illness that is easily spread through bodily fluids, like urine or saliva. There is no cure or treatment for Rabies once it is contracted, making it 100% fatal. For this reason, pet vaccinations are crucial. In fact, the Kentucky Administrative Code statute states that all dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated at 4 months of age, and then re-vaccinated annually by a licensed and accredited veterinarian. If a bat were to bite a person, it is possible for that person to contract the Rabies virus. In this case, they would require immediate medical attention involving a series of injections, medications, and treatments. But before the vaccine was invented in the 1900’s, all cases of rabies in humans were fatal. 

Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is an infectious disease that is contracted as a result of being exposure to bat droppings (guano) over a long period of time. A fungus that grows in guano called Histoplasmosis Capsulatum produces spores will travel through ductwork and into the living or trafficked areas of a property, thus exposing people and pets without any knowledge. The inhalation of these spores can cause flu-like symptoms, such as coughing and difficulty breathing. Fortunately, there is a treatment for Histoplasmosis, as well as vaccines for pets. However, the disease can turn deadly for those with existing medical conditions or suppressed immune systems, as well as for infants and elderly folk.

Fibrosing Mediastinitus

If 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.

Dealing With Nuisance Bats?

If you suspect you have issues with bats, or a bat infestation in the attic or other area of your home, contact our DNR licensed and insured professionals at 553-502-7622 for safe and humane bat control service in Louisville, Kentucky and its surrounding counties. We have more than two decades of experience working with bats and offer both residential and commercial bat removal and control services, including minor attic restorations for bat damages. Request a free estimate, today.

Do Bats Carry Diseases?

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If you live near a natural bat habitat, such as large bodies of water, cavernous rock, abandoned mines, or forests, you will eventually spot some sooner or later. And when you start to see bats around your property, it is natural to have some concerns. Aside from structural damages, you are likely worried about the potential of contact, or worse, exposure. That is because bats can carry a wide range of diseases and more.

Continue reading to learn which diseases bats are known to carry, including which ones are transmissible and which are mostly harmless.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622
Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Rabies Virus

The most feared disease that bats are known to be common carriers of is the Rabies virus. This virus is scary because there is no cure once infected, whether animal or human. For this reason, pet vaccinations are vital, and even mandatory by law in some states. Furthermore, vaccines are strongly encouraged for people who are regularly in situations where bat exposure may occur, such as miners, spelunkers, animal handlers, farmers, and exotic vets.

Histoplasmosis

Although Histoplasmosis is not a disease, it is still detrimental to people and pets. It is a fungus that is bred by large accumulations of bat guano, which develop airborne spores that 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.

Parasites

As mentioned, there are some bat diseases that are not necessarily harmful, but nonetheless, severely disadvantageous. Parasites like lice, fleas, ticks, and mites can be carried and spread to people and pets, as well as, upholstery, clothing, outdoor fabrics, and more. Even though they are not fatal and will not likely cause serious illness, they are not pleasant to have around. Furthermore, the process of eliminating such parasites is tedious and cumbersome.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control

Louisville Bat Removal 502-553-7622
Louisville Bat Removal 502-553-7622

Call 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate for Louisville bat removal and control, today. We offer a wide range of bat removal and control services for both residential and commercial properties, at the most competitive prices in town. That means you can get affordable bat removal and control you can trust. It was over 30 years of experience under our belts, you can feel confident in our results.

Learn About Bat Dangers With These FAQS

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Although bats are fascinating creatures, and a vital part of our eco-system, they also pose several health and safety risks. If you live in an area where bat activity is regular, or your property is located near woods and a body of water, it is in your best interest to have your home or business animal-proofed to ensure safety and security.

Continue reading to review some frequently asked questions about the dangers surrounding nuisance bats, as well as, how to get started on bat-proofing your property.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Do Bats Have Diseases?

One of the main reasons why bats are a safety and health risk is due to the fact that they are known carriers of several infectious diseases, as well as, pesky parasites like lice, ticks, fleas, and more. The most threatening and dangerous bat disease is Rabies, which is fatal 100% of the time. This is why pet vaccinations are so vital. Furthermore, bat guano can spread fungal spores that can cause serious eye, lung, and respiratory infections; one such condition is called Histoplasmosis.

Do Bats Bite?

Bats are wild animals, and most wild animals will use any means available to them for self-defense. This means that the answer to this question is yes; however, it is not common for a wild bat to attack for no apparent reason. They are generally protecting their young, or they are provoked in some way or another. The best way to avoid a bat bite is to refrain from touching, trapping, harming, or killing a bat under any circumstances. In the case that you endure a bat bite, it is important to call your doctor immediately.

Can Bat Guano Hurt Me?

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. Although not contagious, complications from bat guano can be easily and unknowingly contracted through inhaling spores in the air of an infested home or building. One such complication is an infectious lung disease called Histoplasmosis, also known as Spelunker’s Lung, Cave Disease, Ohio Valley Disease, Reticuloendotheliosis, and Darling’s Disease.

Will Bats Damage Property?

Bats will damage a property extensively, and the damage will only continue to accrue as long as the bats reside within the area. Common bat damages include structural damage to attics, crawl spaces, garages, siding, roofs, ceilings, and walls. Additional damages include soiled surfaces from urine and droppings, pest outbreaks (i.e. lice, mites, etc.), and lingering odors. Bat damages must be addressed immediately, otherwise, you will face a plethora of health and safety hazards, and ultimately, a reduction in property value.

What Do I Do If I Find a Bat?

Never under any circumstances attempt to touch, trap, provoke, or harm a bat. Whether you find a bat in your house or stranded on your property, the first step is to contact a local Kentucky Bat Removal and Control Company that provides humane and non-lethal bat abatement services. They can give you instructions on what to do while you wait for them to arrive, or even give you some over-the-phone instruction on how to give them certain information about the situation.

Who Can I Call for 24 Hour Bat Removal and Control in Kentucky?

Louisville Bat Removal Kentucky

Louisville Bat Removal 502-553-7622

Call 502-553-7622 for Louisville bat removal and control 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.