Do Bats Hibernate in the Winter?

Posted on February 20, 2025 by admin

Ever wondered what happens to bats during the cold winter months? While most birds migrate to warmer climates to avoid the chill, bats have their own survival strategies. If you’ve noticed activity in your attic or crawl space, or if you’re simply a nature enthusiast trying to understand Midwest bats, you’ve come to the right place. This blog will cover everything you need to know about bat hibernation, local bat species, their winter roosting habits, and how to handle a potential bat infestation safely and humanely.

By the end of this post, you’ll understand the fascinating winter life of bats—and how to protect both your home and these incredible creatures.

Call 502-553-7622 to Remove Bats in Your Attic in Louisville Kentucky

What Is Hibernation and How Does It Impact Bats?

Hibernation is a state of dormancy that allows animals to conserve energy during periods of cold temperatures and food scarcity. For bats, this means a drastic slowing of their metabolism, heart rate, and breathing. Because they primarily feed on insects, bats are particularly affected in the Midwest winter months, when their food supply diminishes significantly.

During hibernation, bats survive on the fat reserves they’ve built up during the warmer months. Their body temperature drops, allowing them to use less energy for basic bodily functions. However, waking up during hibernation—whether due to weather changes, predators, or human interference—can exhaust these reserves and jeopardize their survival.

Which Bat Species Hibernate in the Midwest?

The Midwest is home to a variety of bat species, many of which hibernate to survive harsh winters. Here are six species commonly found in the region:

Little Brown Bat – A small and widely distributed species, the Little Brown Bat often hibernates in caves or mines. They are known for their adaptability and can sometimes be found in man-made structures during winter.
Big Brown Bat – Larger than most species, the Big Brown Bat is one of the few that may remain semi-active in warmer winter spells. They often roost in attics, crawl spaces, and even barns.
Indiana Bat – Considered an endangered species, the Indiana Bat primarily hibernates in large colonies inside caves called “hibernacula.”
Northern Long-Eared Bat – This bat, often found in wooded areas, prefers to hibernate in caves and mines. It’s also listed as a threatened species, making efforts to protect its winter roosts incredibly important.
Gray Bat – Another endangered species, the Gray Bat is almost exclusively found in caves during hibernation. They are particularly common near water sources like rivers and reservoirs.
Hoary Bat – Unlike many other Midwest bats, the Hoary Bat is more likely to migrate than hibernate. They are often spotted in forests during their southern migration.

Understanding these species is crucial, as some (like the Indiana and Gray Bats) are protected under federal and state conservation laws, including in Louisville, Kentucky.

Where Do Bats Hibernate?

Bats are resourceful when it comes to finding winter roosts. Their hibernation spots depend on the species, environmental conditions, and available shelter. Here are the most common hibernation locations for bats:

Caves and Mines – Many bats seek out caves or abandoned mines because of their stable temperatures and high humidity. These conditions are ideal for conserving energy during hibernation.
Tree Hollows – Some species, like the Hoary Bat, take refuge in tree hollows, particularly in heavily forested areas of the Midwest.
Man-Made Structures – Bats in urban or suburban areas often find their way into homes, barns, and other buildings. Common spots include attics, crawl spaces, eaves, and chimneys.
Rock Crevices – Rock formations provide smaller bat species the protection they need from predators and the elements.

If you’re in Louisville, it’s important to be aware that bats may choose your attic or crawl space as their winter quarters. While this can be unsettling for homeowners, bats pose little direct threat to humans. However, their presence can lead to structural damage, droppings (guano) accumulation, and noise disturbances.

Managing Nuisance Bats Safely and Humanely

Discovering bats in your home can be distressing, but there are safe and humane ways to address the issue while ensuring their survival. Many bat species are protected by law, so it’s crucial to follow local regulations, including those in Louisville, Kentucky.

Tips for Safe Bat Removal and Control:

Contact a Professional – Hiring a licensed Louisville bat removal expert ensures the safe and legal handling of bats in your home. Professionals are familiar with local guidelines, such as seasonal restrictions during maternity and hibernation periods.
Install Bat Exclusion Devices – Exclusion devices allow bats to leave your home but not re-enter. This method is both effective and humane, as it prevents them from being trapped or killed.
Seal Entry Points – After the bats have left, seal off entry points such as cracks, vents, and gaps in roofing to prevent future infestations.
Avoid DIY Removal – Attempting to remove bats on your own can harm both you and the bats. Disturbing hibernating bats can deplete their energy reserves, while improper handling may expose you to health risks like rabies.
Install a Bat House – Provide bats with an alternative roosting spot by installing a bat house on your property. This not only helps relocate them but also supports their role in pest control.

Local Regulations in Louisville, Kentucky

Specific regulations in Louisville and across Kentucky protect certain bat species. For example, it is illegal to remove bats during their maternity season (typically spring and early summer) or disrupt their hibernation in protected areas. Always check with local wildlife authorities or consult a bat removal company before taking action.

Key Points

Bats play a vital role in our environment, from pollination to pest control. However, their winter hibernation can occasionally conflict with human living spaces. Whether you’re a homeowner warding off bats in the attic or a wildlife enthusiast keen to learn about these creatures, understanding their hibernation habits ensures we can coexist with these fascinating animals without causing harm.

If you’re dealing with a bat infestation or want advice on humane bat control methods, don’t hesitate to contact a local bat removal company. Their expertise will ensure both your home and the local bat population are protected.

Looking for a safe and affordable way to abate nuisance bats? Contact our professional wildlife control operators for expert advice and guidance. We offer comprehensive bat removal and control services in Louisville, Kentucky. Request a free estimate or schedule an attic inspection, today!

Common Symptoms of a Rabid Bat

Posted on February 24, 2020 by admin

Do you have bats near your property? If you do, and you also have outdoor pets or children, it is wise to learn how to protect them from exposure to deadly bat diseases, like Rabies. Continue reading to learn what a rabid bat will look like and how they will behave.

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Facts About the Rabies Virus

Bats, much like all other mammals, are prone to catching the Rabies virus. Rabies is one of the scariest illnesses because it is one of the deadliest. In fact, it is fatal for pets if they have not been vaccinated, and it is fatal for humans that do not seek treatment in time. Once neurological symptoms develop, there is no cure for Rabies. Death usually occurs within 2 to 10 days from the onset of symptoms.

Rabies is transmitted via saliva and neural tissues. If a rabid bat’s saliva enters the nose, mouth, eyes, or skin tissue, the Rabies virus can be transferred. Bites are the most common method of transmission. In the case of bats, they will only bite if they are cornered, provoked, or ill. This is why dogs and cats are among the most common victims in the United States. Their curiosity can provoke a bat into self-defense mode, thus resulting in an attack or bite.

If a human is bit by a bat, it is necessary to capture the bat and have its brain tissue tested for the virus. If the test is negative, the person is in the clear. If the test is positive, the person must go through a series of vaccinations. If a person has been already vaccinated for Rabies previously, they will receive an additional two shots around the wound site. If the person has never been vaccinated for Rabies, they will be administered the Human Rabies Immunoglobin antibody to the inside of the wound, followed by five additional shots in the surrounding muscle.

What to Do if You Find a Bat

Bats are known carriers of the Rabies virus, but that does not mean they are all rabid. In fact, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most bats DO NOT have rabies. Furthermore, a rabid bat is not always detectable. The only true way to confirm that a bat has Rabies is to have it tested in a laboratory. On the other hand, there are sometimes visible signs of the infection. If you see a bat out during the day, looking confused, or wandering around on the ground, it could be a sign that they are rabid. Additional signs include aggression, disorientation, difficulty flying, blank staring, and paralysis.

Vaccines for Pets

Vaccines and animal control are incredibly important and should be encouraged in everyone. Always get your pets vaccinated every year. Also, people that are at a higher risk of Rabies exposure should get vaccinated as well, such as miners, wildlife rehabilitators, spelunkers, and those who live in areas with frequent bat activity. This is especially important for children and elderly folks.

If you have a lot of bat activity near your home or building, it is wise to have a licensed bat removal and control company inspect your property to ensure it is safe and protection from potential infestations and structural damages. Having this level of protection will reduce the likelihood bat encounter, thus protecting your family, your guests, and yourself.

Where Can I Find Safe Bat Control in Louisville?

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

How to Locate Bats in the Attic

Posted on January 28, 2020 by admin

If you suspect that you have bats roosting inside of your house, the attic is probably the area they are occupying, given that you are correct about your hunch. Other areas of a home that bats often take as shelter this time of year include chimneys, attached garages, and voids inside or between walls, roofing, and siding. If accessible, bats will even roost in crawl spaces or underneath porches. They key to removing bats in the attic is to figure out where and how they are getting inside. Once you locate the entry and exit points, the rest of the bat removal process is simple exclusion science.

Continue reading to learn which signs suggest you have bats in the attic, and what you can do to get rid of them quickly and humanely.

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Signs of Bats in the Attic

When it comes to looking for signs, the best mindset to use is an investigative one. That is because you will need to spot small details and then piece together clues to confirm bat presence and activity. The most obvious signs of localized bat activity is actually seeing bats flying around your house at dawn and dusk. These “twilight” periods are when bats are most active, and come out of their roosts to hunt for insects. In fact, if you have seen bats flying around your house, you have an advantage when it comes to identifying their entry and exit points.

Simply place a camera outside, or observe them in person, to physically witness where they are getting in. Keep in mind, local Kentucky bats are so small, they can squeeze through an opening as tiny as 3/8^th of an inch, so it might be difficult, or even impossible, to see them slip into actual holes without the help and technology of a professional wildlife abatement company. You can look for dark brown or back oil-like stains on your siding, which results from their fur rubbing against the house as they enter and exit.

Another common signs of bat presence are bat droppings, or guano. If you are seeing bat droppings in or around your house, which look very similar to rodent droppings, you most certainly have bats. Look for piles and accumulations around door frames and windowsills, as well as, inside your attic and walls spaces, and your roof. These are common areas for bats to perch while hunting for prey.

More signs of bat presence include hearing strange noises inside walls or in your attic, such as chattering, squealing, squeaking, fluttering, and similar sounds. You can also assume bats are nearby if you smell strange odors coming from inside the living areas of your house. This is indicative of a bat infestation that has gone on for a long time. Along with odors, you might spot brown or yellow stains on ceilings or walls as a result of their urine and droppings.

Get Rid of Bats in the Attic in Louisville

Call 502-553-7622 to speak a DNR licensed specialist about safely getting rid of bats in the attic in your Louisville, Kentucky residence or building. We offer a wide range of non-lethal residential and commercial bat removal, bat control, and bat cleanup services. This includes animal damage repair and restoration, such as decontamination, sanitizing, deodorization, fumigation, integrated pest management solutions for bat bugs, structural damage repair, insulation replacement, drywall repair, preventative maintenance, post checkups, and much more. We may also be able to provide bat damage insurance claim work depending on your particular policy and carrier.

What is the Difference Between Bat Removal Companies?

Posted on December 4, 2019 by admin

When it comes to getting rid of bats and the damages they leave behind, not all bat removal and control companies are the same. There are many divergences among these companies, including experience, resources, skills, knowledge, licensing, reliability, craftsmanship, customer service, and of course, pricing. For a better understanding, continue below.

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It is easier to understand the difference among various levels of bat removal companies when you use a simple car mechanic analogy. For example, car mechanics are a dime a dozen; there are good mechanics and there are mechanics that are not good.

The good mechanic may take longer to schedule an appointment with since they are so busy, and may even cost more money. This is usually because they are a trusted industry service provider with repeat clientele. On the other hand, the bad mechanic may be able to get you in right away, and for a cost that considerably lower than their competitors. This is because they do not have repeat customers and need fast money for overhead costs and accumulating debt.

So what’s really the risk in choosing the bad mechanic over the good one? The good mechanic WILL repair your vehicle, and furthermore, be there for you in the future if something were to go wrong. The bad mechanic MIGHT repair your vehicle, and may also vanish off the face of the planet after they take your money.

How it Applies to Bat Removal

The same analogy applies to bat removal companies. There are good ones, and there are fly-by-the-night companies that do not have a reputation for dependability, longevity, or customer service. Just the same as car repair, bat removal is a significant investment. It is important to choose a provider that is a true industry expert, and adheres to all industry-accepted best practices and all local and federal laws that govern wildlife control.

If you suspect that nuisance bats are roosting inside your home or property, or you have notice habitual bat activity night after night outside of your residence, it is vital that you contact an adept and fully-equipped Louisville bat removal specialist that can deliver real workable solutions that fit your budget.

A Louisville Bat Removal Company You Can Trust

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.

Why You Need Restoration Service After a Bat Infestation

Posted on November 29, 2019 by admin

When it comes to bat removal and control, getting rid of bats is only a part of the process. Bats leave behind horrible messes that are both structurally damaging and unsanitary. Everything from walls, ceilings, and floorboards, to attic insulation, electrical wiring, rooftops, and siding, are all targets of bat droppings and structural damage. Not only can this lower your total property value and jeopardize your investment, it poses several serious health and safety risks.

Continue reading to learn more about the cleanup and restoration process the follows bat removal, and what you need to know about a common health concern related to bat droppings.

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Cleaning Up After Bats

One of the most vital parts of bat cleaning is hazardous waste removal. Bat guano can develop a fungal disease known as Histoplasmosis; and if the spores of this fungus enter the air ducts, they can be dispersed all throughout the property. If inhaled, they can cause serious respiratory illness. In fact, it can be fatal to young children, elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

The Dangers of Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection of the lungs that develops on bat guano. It is caused by the fungus, Histoplasma. Generally, it grows in wet soil abundant in bird or bat droppings; however, the fungus commonly grows on nitrogen-rich bat guano. In the case of a bat infestation, this fungal infection can put people and pets at risk because its spores can become airborne and circulate through a property’s indoor environment. If inhaled, the fungal infection can be contracted by other living organisms.

Infants, young children, and those with suppressed immune systems are at higher risk of contracting histoplasmosis. Most people, especially those in good health, will not require any treatment if infected, and instead, will naturally heal on their own with ample rest and fluids. However, more vulnerable individuals, such as the ones mentioned before, can become seriously ill and require professional treatment. The most common signs of Histoplasmosis sickness includes high fever, cough, and fatigue.

Structural Damages

An equally vital part of bat cleanup is structural damage repair. This is important if you want to maintain a safe and structurally sound property, remain within local health codes, and prevent dangerous accidents. For these reasons and more, it is important to address your property’s sanitation and repair needs immediately after a bat infestation.

The most common nuisance bat species in Kentucky are Little Brown bats, Big Brown bats, and Hoary bats. Because of their extremely small size, they only need a gap that is about 3/8ths of an inch in order to get inside a property. They often target crumbling mortar, dry rotting wood, attic vents, exterior cracks, loose siding, garages, crawl spaces, porches, and more.

Remedies

As you can now gather, it is critical to your safety and budget to address a bat infestation problem as soon as possible. Contact a licensed, bonded, and insured Kentucky bat removal company for expert service you can trust. Look for professionals who operate within established industry standards and best practices, and, in accordance with local, state, and federal laws that govern wildlife. It is wise to choose a company that also provides insurance claim work for bat damages.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control You Can Trust

Call 553-502-7622 for prompt and professional 24 hour bat removal in Louisville, Kentucky and its surrounding areas. We are DNR licensed bat removal contractors that offer safe and non-lethal, 24 hour bat extraction and exclusion services for residential and commercial properties. We also provide bat cleanup and minor attic restorations for bat damages too. Request a free estimate, anytime.

Fun Bat Facts for Halloween

Posted on October 31, 2019 by admin

Bats have been a major part of Halloween for over 100 years, ever since Bram Stoker’s 1887 Dracula depicted a Vampire turning into a bat. So as an homage to our favorite spooky mascot, this Halloween, learn some exciting and educational facts about bats! Share them with your friends and family for some extra spooky enjoyment! However, be warned, you might actually discover that bats are not as scary as you once thought!

Let’s Get Started!

Got Nuisance Bats? Call 502-553-7622 Now!

🧛 Vampire Bats Will Not Suck Your Blood.

Three species of vampire bats are known to exist around the world. These three species of bats do not actually “suck” blood from other mammals. They will, however, lick it up after emitting a bite to a cow or other large warm-blooded animal.

🦇 Bats are the Only Mammal That Can Fly.

Many people do not realize that bats are in fact, mammals; and on top of that, the only mammals that can actually fly. They have wings similar to the anatomy of a human hand, with elongated fingers connected by a stretchy membrane. They are amazing during flight. They are fast and swift, using propulsion to push forward using their airfoil thin wings.

🦗 A Bat Can Eat 1,000 Insects Per Hour.

Bats have insatiable appetites and can eat up to 200 tons of insects each night. That is am estimated 1,000 insects or more, in just one hour! Bats like to eat mosquitoes, moths, flies, gnats, and similar nocturnal flying insects.

📡 Bats Use Echolocation to Hunt for Prey.

Bats are not blind, but they do not have great vision, especially in the dark. Bats have a built-in sonar system called Echolocation, to help them navigate around at night, and accurately dart and dive for prey. Bats are not the only animals who use echolocation. Dolphins and whales are well-known echolocating species, too!

📊 Bats Make Up Nearly 25% of Mammals.

There are more than 900 species of bats in the world, all broken up into different categories and classifications. The Chiroptera Order is the first class in which bats are categorized. From there they are split into suborders, genera, and then species.

So Did You Learn Something New?

Now that you have reviewed some of the most interesting and impressive educational facts about bats, what do you think of them now? They are actually incredible and amazing mammals that do wonders for our local Eco-systems, economies, and more!

So the next time you see a bat flying around your house, simply keep your distance and throw them a “thanks” for all their wonderful contributions. If you are experiencing nuisance bat problems in or around your house, contact a local Louisville bat removal company for safe and humane assistance.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control You Can Trust

Call 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate for Louisville bat removal services, today. We offer a wide range of safe and humane bat removal and control services for both residential and commercial properties within Central Kentucky, 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.

Can I Keep a Bat House Up in Winter?

Posted on October 21, 2019 by admin

After constructing and installing a bat house earlier this year, you are perhaps concerned about the well-being of your bat houses now that the weather is beginning to turn. Fortunately, Kentucky generally experiences mild weather conditions in the fall, but come winter, temperatures can suddenly drop below freezing, and thus inviting ice, hail, and snow. Bat houses are meant to provide shelter and protection for bats, but in inclement weather like snow and freezing climates, they might not serve a viable purpose.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about installing and maintain bat houses, year round.

Bat Removal Services Louisville — Bats in the Attic? Call 502-553-7622 Now!

Bat House Installation Reminders

Whether you have built your own bat house, or purchased a pre-constructed one, you will still be accountable for installing it properly. Double check to see that your bat houses are mounted properly and in the right place. Bat houses should always be mounted on safe structures, such as wooden poles, metal poles, or even on the side of your house or another structure, such as a barn or shed. However, do not install bat houses on trees. If your existing bat houses are currently mounted to trees, it is strongly encouraged to relocate them as soon as possible to an accepted location.

Why You Should Not Mount Bat Homes on Trees:

🌳🚫 Bat houses won’t get enough natural warmth because they receive less sunlight. A bat house needs to get 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.

🌳🚫 There are several predators and nuisance wildlife that have access or live in trees, putting bats at risk. Instead, place bat houses near a large water source, such as a pond, river, or stream.

🌳🚫 Tree limbs and foliage can obstruct bat house entry/exit points. They should be in a spot that is 20 to 30 feet from branches and other potential obstructions.

✨ See our blog, “Instructions for Installing a Bat House” for details on bat house installation.

Winter Bat House Maintenance

Although you can kept them mounted year-round, you really do not need to worry about your bat houses this winter because bats won’t be needing them. Bat houses are too cold in the winter, and bats would freeze to death. Bat populations native or local to Kentucky migrate to warmer climates in the winter.

Colonies that do not migrate tend to find shelter in our attics, garages, crawl spaces, barns, and more. If you have a bat infestation in or around your property this winter, contact a Louisville bat removal company as soon as possible to prevent more damage and costly repairs.

Louisville Bat Removal Services

Call 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate for emergency bat removal services in Louisville, Kentucky. We offer a wide range of safe and humane bat removal and control services for both residential and commercial properties within Central Kentucky, 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.

The Safest Way to Deal With Bats Around Your House

Posted on September 26, 2019 by admin

If you live near a large body of water, such as a flowing creek, river, pond, or lake, chances are, you also live near trees and other types of foliage. With all of these factors in place, it is common to have nuisance wildlife problems, especially bats. Although all animals like to stay near a reliable source of water, bats are very strict about this. So having bat activity around your house should not be a surprise if your property fits the above-mentioned landscaping.

So what can you do about a nuisance bat problem? The important part of getting rid of bats is to never do anything that will harm yourself, the bats, other wildlife, or the surrounding environment. What options does this leave you? Continue reading to learn the safest and fastest way to stop bats from coming around your house.

An Important Warning

There are two important warnings when it comes to bat control. First, keep in mind that bats are known carriers of several infectious diseases, such as Rabies. They can also spread parasites like lice, mites, and ticks. If you have pets, it is wise to ensure their vaccines are up to date after spotting bats around the house. Now, the second warning is about the law. Bats are actually vital to our surrounding ecosystems and even our economy, which is why they are protected under law.

For all of these reasons combined, you should NEVER attempt to touch, trap, harm, or kill a bat under any circumstances. Furthermore, do not keep a baby bat as a pet. See our blog, “How to Be Bat Friendly” to learn how to support local bat populations without jeopardizing safety or posing any risk to your home.

What To Do About Bats

The first step you should take if you want to reduce the amount of bat activity around your house is to make some environmental changes. This means removing or adjusting areas of your property that bats like, or are attracted to, such as log piles, hollowed trees, bird baths, and more. It also means repairing the exterior of your home to prevent bat intrusions. Have your siding and roofing inspected for vulnerabilities, as well as, your windows, doors, and foundation.

Once you have done your part, it might not be enough to fully control nuisance bat activity. In almost all cases, homeowners must rely on professional bat removal and control services for optimal results. Contact a DNR licensed and insured bat removal specialist for help dealing with nuisance bats around your house. They have the experience, permits, and resources to safely abate bat problems.

Where Can I Find Safe Bat Control in Louisville?

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 wildlife extraction and exclusion. We serve both residential and commercial clients, and at the most competitive prices in town. Emergency 24 hour bat removal service is also available. Request a free estimate, today.

Learn the Truth About Vampire Bats

Posted on September 9, 2019 by admin

Vampire bats have an unpleasant stigma of being callous, uncontrollable, blood-thirsty creatures. Fortunately, this is just a generous embellishment of the specie’s true nature; they are actually nothing of the sort. If you would like to know the true facts about these highly misunderstood bats, start with this article.

Continue reading to learn the basics about the vampire bat “sanguinivorous” lifestyle, and then expand your newfound wildlife knowledge to those around you!

Emergency Bat Removal 502-553-7622 — White-Winged Vampire Bat (Diaemus youngi)

3 Species of Blood-Consuming Mammals

Although there are several creatures on this planet that exhibit traits of a sanguinivorous lifestyle (consuming vertebrate blood), there are only 3 mammals that do so, all of which make up the Vampire bat species. These include the Common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus), the White-Winged Vampire Bat (Diaemus youngi), and the Hairy-legged Vampire Bat (Diphylla ecaudata). All three species are suite similar, but also have separate distinct characteristics that make them unique.

Now Let Us Clear Up the Confusion

The rumors that suggests these species “attack” and “kill” their prey, and then “suck” their blood is wrong. The truth is, vampire bats choose a host, make a small incision with their tiny teeth (much like a prick of a finger), and then lap up the pooling blood with their tongues.

They use heat-sensitive cells in their nose to locate a suitable blood vessel, while their saliva contains an anti-coagulant proteins (one such protein is called Draculin) that prevents the incision from clotting until they are done feeding. Once they are through, which usually takes up to an hour, the incision quickly seals, and the host is none-the-wiser.

Vampire bats actually help take care of their hosts. You see, blood is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. This means they have to eat a lot more than regular microbats, so it is necessary to preserve their food source, which usually comprise of livestock like cows, pigs, horses, and goats.

They are known to help others in their roost too. If a vampire bat goes a few days without eating, they can lose a significant amount of body fat, which puts them at a higher fatality risks. To combat this issues, the well-fed bats regurgitate packages of congealed blood for hungry companions in their roost.

Want to learn more false rumors about bats? Read our blog, “Unfair Misconceptions About Bats” to get an idea of the truth behind bats.

Dealing With Nuisance Bats?

Although bats are an important part of our Eco-system, and even our economy, they can sometimes pose certain threats if their colonies get too close. 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.

How to Clean Up Bat Guano

Posted on August 30, 2019 by admin

One of the most vital parts of cleaning up after nuisance bat activity or infestation is hazardous waste removal. Bat guano can develop a transmissible fungal spores that can cause a disease known as Histoplasmosis. You see, if the fungal spores enter the air ducts of a home or building, they can be dispersed all throughout a property. Upon inhalation, these spores can cause serious respiratory illnesses that may be fatal to young children, elderly, and those with weakened immune systems or existing respiratory complications. See our blog, “What is Histoplasmosis?” to learn details about this illness, including causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

For these reasons and more, it is wise to clean up bat guano in any scope, whether a small pile around your window seals and bird houses, or large accumulations in a formerly-infested area of your home. For large scale cleanup, it is necessary to hire a licensed bat abatement company that is equipped with the proper training and resources to accurately decontaminate and sanitize your property in adherence to city codes. However, if you are simply treating a small area, you can clean up bat droppings on your own so long as you do not have a weakened immune system or existing respiratory complications. Read our blog, “Can Bat Guano Hurt Me?” to understand these risks more.

Continue reading to learn how to clean up bat guano, safely and effectively.

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What You Need to Get Rid of Bat Droppings

In order to clean up a bat dropping pile, you will need some protective gear. This includes a long-sleeved shirt or jacket, rubber gloves, a face mask or respirator, and safety goggles. As mentioned, you are at risk of inhaling or coming into contact with dangerous spores. You will also need the following materials:

➡ Shovel or Spade
➡ Dust Pan
➡ Garbage Bags
➡ Hose or Spraying Water Bottle
➡ Full Coverage Clothing

Cleanup Instruction

To start, put on all your protective gear ensuring that your skin is covered.

Next, lightly spray the guano with water in order to reduce the likelihood of airborne spores and dust.

Using your choice of tool, shovel the bat guano into a garbage bag. Be sure to double bag all guano bags.

If it is just a small to moderate amount of guano, you can toss the bags into your own garbage or public dumpster for trash removal.

If you have a large accumulation of bat guano, contact your local health department to report the hazardous waste and request specialized waste removal. Or simply contact a licensed Kentucky Bat Removal Company for professional bat cleanup and restoration services in one.

Kentucky Bat Removal and Control You Can Trust

Call 502-553-7622 to speak a Louisville bat removal and control specialist about resolving all of your nuisance bat issues. We also offer a wide range of residential and commercial bat cleanup and damage restoration services for all of Kentucky, including decontamination, sanitizing, deodorization, fumigation, integrated pest management solutions for bat bugs, structural damage repair, insulation replacement, drywall repair, preventative maintenance, post checkups, and much more. We may also be able to provide bat damage insurance claim work depending on your particular policy and carrier.