Where Can I Find Reliable Bat Control Service Near Me?

If you suspect you may have a colony of bats living inside your building or around our property, it is important to act fast. The longer bats reside within your property, the more damage will result, including health and safety threats. But keep in mind, bat removal is not a DIY job under any circumstances. It is vital to leave bat control duties in the hands of a trained professional, not just for safety, but also for legalities, home warranties, and much more. So, how do you know which company to trust for the job?

Continue reading to learn what you can do to ensure you are hiring a trusted and dependable company for bat removal and control services in your town.

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

Qualities to Look for in a Bat Control Company

There are certain qualities to consider when searching for a dependable and honest bat removal and control company in your town, including credentials, amenities, and of course, local reputation. Such qualities can be an excellent indication of the integrity and reliability of the business. 

First, a dependable and trustworthy bat exclusion company should be licensed and insured, including a DNR licensed which is granted through the Department of Natural Resources. This indicates they are true, industry professionals.

The next quality to look for is experience. Be sure to inquire about a company or contractor’s experience in the field. There are many things to learn about wildlife exclusion, and choosing a company that has been doing bat removal for decades will certainly know what they are doing. A novice might make some rookie mistakes that cost you in the end.

Next, consider asking about their fleet equipment and methods they use to execute their services. It is important to know what kind of machines and tools will be used inside your home, as well as, how equipped they are to even do the job correctly. This is information you have every right to know before giving your money away.

A great quality to explore in a bat exclusion company is references.  Any professional company should have multiple references, testimonials, fan pages, or other sources of customer reviews to prove their merit. Be sure to investigate all these avenues before deciding on a company to trust.

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.

How to Locate Bats in the Attic

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.

Get Rid of Bats in the Attic 502-553-7622
Get Rid of Bats in the Attic 502-553-7622

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 3/8th 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.

3 Potentially Deadly Diseases Caused By Bats

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.

Most Common Species of Bat Found in Kentucky

Several species of bat are regularly found dwelling inside residential and commercial structures. The most common species include the Little Brown Bat and Big Brown Bat, but there are many more species that tend to be native to the Kentucky area. To start, you may enjoy our blog, “Interesting Facts About the Little Brown Bat” since this is among the most common species here in the state. Below, you will find a complete list of the most common bat species that live in Kentucky and its surrounding regions.

Louisville Bat Removal 502-553-7622
Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus)

Bat Species Native to Kentucky:

Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus)

Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis)

Eastern Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus subflavus)

Evening Bat (Nycticeius humeralis)

Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens)

Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus)

Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis)

Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus)

Northern Long-eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis)

Rafinesque’s Big-eared Bat (Plecotus rafinesquii)

Red Bat (Lasiurus borealis)

Silver-haired Bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans)

Small-Footed Bat (Myotis leibii)

Southeastern Bat (Myotis austroriparius)

Virginia Big-Eared Bat (Plecotus townsendii virginianus)

Bat Control Services

Here in Kentucky, bats can be a nuisance for residential and commercial property owners. Not only can bats fit through an opening as tiny as 3/8th of an inch, making it simple for them to gain access inside, they are also common carriers of several infectious diseases and parasites. These are reasons enough to ensure your home or building is protected against possible bat intrusions. Contact a licensed and insured bat removal company near you for an on-site inspection and assessment. They can give you all the necessary information and recommendations you need to be ready for bat breeding season, which is coming up very shortly!

If you see or suspect bats around your property, your best approach is to contact a professional right away for an on-site inspection. Bats can cause extensive structural damage, plus pose a long list of health and safety risks, making it a top priority to remove them as soon as they are discovered. A qualified bat removal and control company will inspect your property, inside and out, and then make the proper recommendations needed to have protection against animal intrusions and infestations.

Contact Our DNR Licensed Bat Pros TODAY!

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

Call 502-553-7622 for prompt and professional Louisville bat removal and control you can trust. We are DNR licensed wildlife control contractors who provide residential and commercial bat removal services at competitive prices. Whether you have one bat or an entire colony, we are fully equipped to manage any job regardless of size or scope. Request a free estimate, today.

Interesting Facts About the Little Brown Bat

Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus)

The Little Brown Bat is one of the most common species of bat found around Kentucky. Not only do they provide several economic and ecological benefits for our society, they are very interesting to learn about.

Continue reading to review some basic information about Little Brown Bats, including their scientific name and classification, as well as, their diet, range, habitat, and more!

The Little Brown Bat

Little Brown Bats are microbats, meaning they are nocturnal, generally small, and primarily retain an insectivorous diet of insects and other bugs. They can consume 50% of their weight in insects! And during gestation or lactation, they eat even more. Breeding season is generally around September and October, but females actually store the male sperm for springtime fertilization, making baby bats born in the summer. Gestation is generally 50 to 60 days, and once born, sexual maturity is reached between 6 and 8 months. Females generally give birth to just one bat pup a year, but sometimes two.

Physical Description

The Little Brown Bat, sometimes referred to as Little Brown Myotis, is scientifically named Myotis lucifugus. Myotis refers to a “mouse-eared” genus of bat. They are among the most common bats found in North America. Above, they are covered in shiny brown, sleek-looking fir, with a lighter patch of fir below. They are usually around 3 to 3 ½ inches in length and weighing only a fraction of an ounce, between 1/8 and ½ ounces. So needless to say, their name says it all because they are little for sure! Although small, their average wingspan will surprise you, as it is more than double their body length, averaging between 6 to 8 inches in width. But what’s even more interesting is that they can live up to 30 years or more, average between 20 and 30 years specifically.

Echolocation

Little Brown Bats use a system of sonar called echolocation, combined with their acute sense of hearing, to locate and hunt down prey. Echolocation is a natural built-in sonar system for bats. They send off sounds that make a mental-grid of their surroundings by bouncing off objects and returning to the bat. They also communicate with one another through a complex series of chirps, beeps, and high-pitches sounds; most of which are not detectable by human ears.

Range

The geographic range of the Little Brown Bat species includes 37 states, as well as, Southern Canada east of British Columbia. Part of this range includes Kentucky. They are often found roosting in the Northern parts of the state, also as their name suggests. Additional U.S. states include Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

If You Have a Nuisance Bat Problem…

Louisville Bat Removal 502-553-7622

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 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.

Top 5 Indications That You Have a Bat Infestation

Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622

One of the most incredibly fascinating facts about bats is that they are the only mammals on Earth that can actually fly! Unfortunately, this gift of flight is what gives them easy access to residential and commercial real estate. This time of year, bats are searching for warm shelters to roost and hibernate for the winter. Common target areas include high-up places, like attics and roofs, where bats can make a safe, warm home for the season.

Why are Bat Infestations a Big Deal?

First, bat species that are native in the Kentucky region are not solitary mammals. This means they come in large quantities. Now combine a large colony of bats with the type of destruction they cause, and you instantly have a costly and frustrating situation on your hands. You see, once bats get inside, their natural behaviors of feeding, breeding, and nesting, negatively impacts the overall value and structural integrity of a property.

The longer a bat infestation goes unnoticed, the more damage they do. Their droppings will saturate and soil everything it comes into contact with, and even start to seep into walls and ceilings, and lead to foul, lingering odors. Sheet rock, ceilings, dry wall, insulation, roof shingles, siding, and more can also be damaged by bat infestations and nesting.

How to Look for Signs of Nuisance Bat Activity

If you suspect that you have a bat problem, contact a licensed Louisville bat removal and control company for prompt and professional wildlife abatement services. If you are not sure whether or not you have bats around, do a brief inspection of your property to look for the common signs of a bat infestation. Here’s what to look for:

🔎 Strange Noises

Bats are nocturnal, so you will not be very successful listening for noises at night. This is when they leave their roosts and hunt for insects. Instead, do your investigating during the early morning hours when they are returning to their roosts. Listen carefully to the walls, ceilings, and attics for odd noises of activity. Bat noises generally sound like fluttering, squeaking, screeching, chattering, and shuffling.

🔎 Guano Accumulation

Aside from actually seeing bats, the most distinct indication of a bat infestation is finding accumulations of bat droppings, also known as guano. You may see mouse-like droppings around window sills and eaves, since bats like to perch in these areas when coming and going from their roosts. You may also find piles of guano in the attic, crawl space, or garage areas. Bat guano is similar to rodent droppings, except it is shiny and speckled from digested insect parts.

🔎 Stains and Odors

When bat urine and guano accumulate in large masses within a roost, eventually the odors and liquids will seep into the living areas of the property. Walls and ceilings are common areas where droppings will stain. If you have brown or yellow shaded stains on your ceilings or walls, it is a strong indication of a bat infestation above.

🔎 Milky Liquid on Windows

As mentioned, bats like to perch on window sills and eaves. And in these areas, you might find milky urine stains dripping down the windows. These stains will also be sticky and odorous, and attract other pests, like gnats and flies.

🔎 Stains Around Entry Holes

Bats fur contains a natural oil that can retain dirt, and as a result, leave behind grease-like stains around their entry and exit points. If you see small gaps, openings, or holes with dirty smudges around them, it is very likely that you’ve found a bat roost.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control

Louisville Bat Removal Kentucky

Louisville Bat Removal 502-553-7622

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, 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.

What is Histoplasmosis?

Bats are one of nature’s most fascinating mammals. Not only do bats consume thousands of insects each night, their guano is an effective fertilizer used in multiple industries around the world. With all of these positive characteristics in tow, what exactly makes a wild bat so dangerous to humans and pets? The answer is disease. One of the most implicating diseases a person or pet can catch from having bats nearby is called Histoplasmosis.

Continue reading to learn more about Histoplasmosis, and how to protect your home from bat infestations.

Louisville Bat Removal 502-553-7622

Louisville Bat Removal 502-553-7622

Infectious Bat Diseases

There are various infectious diseases that bats can contract or carry, which are all hazardous to human and pet immune systems. Bats are known to be carriers of the Rabies virus, Leptospirosis, and even Salmonella. All of these infections can be transferred, transmitted, and passed along to humans and pets; and they are all potentially fatal if left untreated.

Bats can also transmit less serious, but equally frustrating, parasitic conditions, such as lice, bat mites, ticks, fleas, and more. Histoplasmosis is a bit different from the infectious diseases just mentioned since it is not directly contracted by a bat. Instead, Histoplasmosis is indirectly spread by bats through by airborne fungal spores that grow on bat droppings, also known as guano.

Histoplasmosis in Detail

Histoplasmosis is referred to by many names, such as: Spelunker’s Lung, Cave Disease, Darling’s Disease, or scientifically, Reticuloendotheliosis. It is an infectious disease that is contracted by over exposure to bat guano. There is a fungus that grows in guano called Histoplasmosis Capsulatum. The inhalation of these spores within the guano causes flu-like symptoms, like coughing and difficulty breathing. It is not a contagious infection but can be easily contracted if precaution is not taken.

Anyone, child or adult, can contract Histoplasmosis. It is rare for just anyone to get the disease because the fungus is only found in dark, warm areas that bat guano is found. So the more common people to fall victim to the illness are spelunkers, chimney cleaners, cave miners, and people that frequent attics and crawl spaces often.

Because they work in areas that bats may dwell in, they are at risk to inhaling the infection causing spores and falling ill. It is not typically fatal unless a person has severe and long term health complications, such as the elderly. Otherwise, if treated at the first signs of illness, it is no more dangerous than the common cold. In fact, in most cases, it just goes away on its own.

Do You Have Bats in the Attic?

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.

Can Bat Guano Hurt Me?

If you have bat activity on your property, there is a very good chance that you will come across some guano. Bat guano has many positive impacts when used as a fertilizer, as it enriches and improves soil to grow crops. It is even a frequently utilized in villages and tribes all over the world for weapon crafting, building homes, fertilizer, and more. But when it comes to human exposure, bat droppings are not something you want to mess around with, nor be around at all!

Continue reading to learn more about guano, including how it can cause health implications in both people and pets.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Where You’ll Find Guano

Bats like to roost in private, sheltered locations that are dark and cozy. Attics are a common site to find a bat infestation, and a good place to start an inspection if you suspect bats are in your house. Chimneys are another hot spot, as well as, roofs, gaps in siding, barns, and log piles. When it comes to spotting guano, the entrances and exits to these roosts are where you will find the most accumulations. Bat droppings are often found around window sills and door frames, or next to ledges, rooftops, and tall trees.

Dangers of Bat Droppings

The problem with bat guano exposure are the fungal spores that it develops overtime. These fungal spores, known as Histoplasma Capsulatum, can become airborne and travel through a residents vents, ductwork, and more. The airborne spores can be inhaled by both people and pets, which can lead to an infectious lung disease called Histoplasmosis.

Histoplasmosis is referred to by many names, such as Spelunker’s Lung, Cave Disease, Darling’s Disease, or scientifically, Reticuloendotheliosis. The people who are most at risk for developing this illness are spelunkers, chimney cleaners, cave miners, and people that frequent attics and crawl spaces often. However, it is possible for anyone in the presence of such spores to develop the condition as well.

What To Do if you Find Guano

If you come across some guano, just be sure to keep a safe distance to avoid any contact. Your next step is to have the area inspected for bat infestations, and then remove any bats living on your property. From there, you will need to have bat proofing strategies implemented in order to prevent further infestation or exposure. A licensed Louisville bat removal and control company can provide all of these services, including bat cleanup and attic restorations.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control

Louisville Bat Removal Kentucky

Louisville Bat Removal 502-553-7622

Call 502-553-7622 for Louisville bat removal services 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.

The Benefits of Putting Up a Bat House

Although bats can be quite the nuisance to residential and commercial properties, especially if they get inside, there are times when you might benefit from having them around. Bats are a highly important part of our surrounding eco-system. They serve a vital ecological importance that should be respected and appreciated. For some, having bats nearby is a huge advantage.

Continue reading to learn why bats are so vital to our lands, and some tips on putting up bat houses to attract them to your property.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Bats and the Eco-System

Bats are not solitary mammals; they live their lives in large colonies. As insectivores, bats consume gnats, flies, mosquitos, moths, and more. In just one night, a single bat can consume more than 1,000 insects. Now multiply this by the number of bats in a colony, and you have yourself a natural, cost-free insect control system at your service!

So how does this influence the eco-system?

Well, not only do we get to enjoy pest-free outdoor activities, crops and lands are more protected from pesky insect damage, which helps farmers make more money, which also positively affects the local economies. In addition, insect control at these levels helps to reduce the spread of communicable livestock diseases that are often transmitted through insect and tick bites. And let’s not forget the bat droppings! Bats help fertilize and pollinate our lands as well, which makes our eco-system stronger and healthier.

What You Need to Know About Bat Houses

If your home or property is located on a large piece of land, perhaps near a body of water, you likely have the perfect place to put up a bat house. Not all properties are well-suited for bat activity, so it is important that you follow the recommended tips below in order to prevent costly bat intrusions or risky encounters.

Bat House Tips:

Choose (or construct) a bat house that is a total of 24 inches in height, and contains 2 to 4 chambers. The chambers should be at least 20 inches tall, 14 inches in width, and 1 inch deep, for optimal comfort. It should also have horizontal grooves about a half an inch apart on the inside. Bat houses should also have a landing plate with grooves, shingled roof, and an open bottom. Do not get overwhelmed with these features; you can buy a bat house that meets these standards.

As for choosing a place to hang your bat house, if the bat house is too close to areas where people are known to convene, it poses a risk of dangerous bat encounters or destructive infestations. So to be safe, aim for an area on the edge of your premises that faces north or south, preferably near a body of water, like a stream, creek, or river bank. Be sure the spot you choose gets at least 7 morning hours of sun. Mount them on something sturdy, like a large tree trunk. Do not mount the house directly to the surface; instead, be sure to use a spacer (2 to 4 inches) and a long backboard.

If you want to collect bat guano for fertilizing your garden, add a collection tray beneath the house. Before each winter, you must check the bat house for wasp or mud dauber nests, and clear them out as needed. And every few years, it will need a new coat of paint or stain.

Louisville Bat Removal Service

Louisville Bat Removal Kentucky

Louisville Bat Removal 502-553-7622

Call 502-553-7622 for prompt and professional Louisville bat removal and control you can trust. We are DNR licensed wildlife control contractors who provide residential and commercial bat removal services at competitive prices. Whether you have one bat or an entire colony, we are fully equipped to manage any job regardless of size or scope. Request a free estimate, today.

Why Should We Care About White Nose Syndrome in Bats?

Louisville Bat Removal 502-553-7622

Louisville Bat Removal 502-553-7622

Bats are misperceived by most. What is typically thought of as a pest, is actually a mammal with a vital role in our surrounding environments. Bats should be protected and preserved to the best of our abilities, and for many important reasons. Unfortunately, a disease known as White Nose Syndrome (WNS) is affecting millions of bats all across the country, and has resulted in a devastating decline in bat populations. Continue reading to learn why you should care about this fatal bat disease.

White Nose Syndrome (WNS)

White Nose Syndrome was first discovered in 2007 in the Northeastern parts of the United States, and has continued to spread throughout the continent. More than 25 states have been infected by this disease since 2008, as well as, a handful of Canadian provinces. Some common species that have suffered a significant impact in population density include the Little Brown bat (Myotis lucifugus), the Northern Long-Eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis), the Virginia Big-Eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus), the Gray bat (Myotis grisescens), and the Indiana bat (Myotis Soladis).

So What is WNS?

It is a fungal disease that seems to solely target cave-dwelling, hibernating bat species. It appears in the form of a white film around the muzzles, ears, and wings of bats. Although it looks unsuspecting, it causes major problems for bats. It comes from the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, which inhabits the skin of a bat. It is a “psychrophilic” fungus, meaning it prefers cold, damp environments (usually between 39 and 59 °F), where it thrives best. Perhaps this is why cave bats are common victims.

White Nose Syndrome affects bats negatively by disrupting torpor (temporary hibernation), thus causing changes in their behavior that is not favorable for their lifestyle. Primarily, it makes bats more active than normal, causing them to burn excessive calories and lose body fat. And without proper body fat stores, they cannot survive the winter season.

Why Care?

Bats serve a vital ecological importance. The role they play in insect control is massively significant to our local economies, health, comfort, and more. A single bat can consume more than 1,000 insects in just one night. Now keep in mind that bats are not solitary mammals. They live in colonies that can be in the hundreds or thousands. That is an extensive amount of insect extermination for a town!

The amount of insects bats consume contribute to our healthy crops, which help farmers and more earn money; money that is then distributed back into the local economy, keeping everyone happy! Furthermore, their contribution to pest management keeps our backyards and outdoor activity areas free of pesky mosquitoes and other biting insects, which can spread diseases or cause illness.

Curing the Disease

There is no cure or treatment for White-Nose Syndrome. However, researchers, biologists, and scientists all over the world are working on managing the spread of the disease and discovering a means to an end. Although there is no way to cure this disease, there are many ways to continue protecting bat populations. Do you part by vowing to never touch, trap, harm, or kill a bat under any circumstances.

If You Find Bats On Your Property…

Louisville Bat Removal Kentucky

Louisville Bat Removal 502-553-7622

Call 502-553-7622 for prompt and professional Louisville bat removal and control you can trust. We are DNR licensed wildlife control contractors who provide residential and commercial bat removal services at competitive prices. Whether you have one bat or an entire colony, we are fully equipped to manage any job regardless of size or scope. Request a free estimate or advice, anytime.