Common Symptoms of a Rabid Bat

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.

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

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.

Do All Bats Have Rabies?

To answer this question right off the “bat”, bats DO carry rabies; however, not all bats are infected with the rabies virus. Basically, it’s a gamble. You never know which bats are infected and which are not. The only way to tell if a bat has rabies is to test their blood or if you observe them exhibiting blatant signs of rabies infection, which you will learn more about below. Continue reading to review some facts about bats and rabies, and what to do if you have a bat in the house or on your property.

The Rabies Virus

Rabies is most commonly transmitted through infected blood or saliva. For example, a bat bite. This commonly happens to outdoor dogs and cats because they are a naturally curious species. When bats are infected with rabies, they exhibit strange behaviors. They might be active during the day even though they are a nocturnal, they might convulse or shake uncontrollably, they might fly around aimlessly, or even appear disoriented or aggressive. It could be a combination of the above behaviors as well.

Protection Against Rabies

In North America, bats are a common “rabies vector species”, meaning most of the documented cases of rabies transmission in the U.S. over the past five decades originated from a bat. And although we don’t have the exact statistics, it is a well-known fact that at least one death every year occurs as a result of rabies transmission. This is why it is important to protect your home from bat infestations, and to avoid bat counters at all costs.

If you ever see a wild bat, even if it’s injured or a baby, never touch it or try to trap it. And most importantly, never harm or kill bats. They are a vital part of our surrounding ecosystem, and provide a wide range of environmental benefits that our society needs to thrive comfortably. Instead, contact a local wildlife removal company for emergency bat removal services. They are highly trained and licensed by the state, and they only use safe and humane methods of bat exclusion and extraction.

As for pets, be sure you keep your dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies and other deadly viruses. Remember, once a pet contracts the rabies virus, there is no cure. The same goes for humans. If you are ever bitten by a bat, whether you think it has rabies or not, immediately go to the emergency room for treatment.

Emergency Bat Removal and Control

Call 502-553-7622 for emergency bat removal and control in Louisville, Kentucky. We are highly trained wildlife control specialists who are licensed by the Department of Natural Resources. When you have a back problem, we are the prompt and professional solution at a price you can afford. We offer a wide range of bat removal and control services for both residential and commercial properties. Call 502-533-7622 to request a free estimate for Louisville bat removal, today.