What health risks are associated with bats?

From the CDC: Rabies is perhaps the most well known disease associated with bats. Exposure to rabies most commonly occurs when a person is bitten by a rabid animal. It can also be transmitted when the saliva from a rabid animal comes in contact with a person's mouth, eyes, nose, or a fresh wound. Histoplasmosis is another disease associated with bats. Its symptoms vary greatly, but the disease primarily affects the lungs. When this happens it can be fatal if untreated. Histoplasmosis is caused by a fungus that grows in material contaminated with droppings from animals, including bats. Bat guano can contaminate and cause infectious spores to be released in the air if not properly removed by a trained professional.

 

We've seen one or two bats. Do we have a bat problem?

If you have seen a couple of bats inside your building within a few weeks time, the likelihood is there are many more living with you. Bats congregate in colonies and rarely will one or two stray bats enter a building.

 

Is there anything I can do myself to get rid of them?

Bats are a protected species. You cannot harm or kill them. Sticky pads will cause the bat to get stuck and die. Home remedies such as radios, light, and mothballs will not make them move out. The only sure way to remove bats from your building permanently is to seal every potential point of entry. Bats can fit through a hole the size of a dime or smaller. Our trained experts know just where to look for any potential entry points and how to seal them properly to ensure your bat problems are over.

 

We've had bats swooping over our heads at night in bed. Should we be worried?

Bats often enter into the living quarters of a home at night when they become lost while looking for food. Around the outside of the room they will fly higher toward the ceiling. But they will often swoop lower into the middle of the room before flying up again when they near a wall. They aren't actually swooping to get at humans, it's just their echolocation leading them around the room. Bats don't want to be near humans and don't seek them. However many of our homes and offices are comfortable for bat colonies to live in.

 

I don't know if I've been bitten. Should I see a doctor to be tested for rabies? 

If there is any question that you may have been bitten it's best to seek medical advice immediately. The teeth of the species are needle sharp and quite small and you may not know if you've been bitten for certain. Children and the elderly are especially at risk.

 

What is a "bat bug?"

Bats carry a mite called a bat bug which is very similar to a bed bug. A trained technician can eliminate them from the home with a professional aerial insecticide.

 

Why are we seeing so many more bats after July?

Bats have their babies during the month of July resulting in a larger number of bats residing in one location. Because bats are protected it is illegal to do anything during the month of July that would separate the mother from her young which would result in their death. 

 

Where are bats entering our building?

Bats can fit through a hole the size of a dime and sometimes smaller. Our trained experts know just where to look for every possible entry point and then carefully seal each to insure bats are unable to enter again.

 

There is a terrible smell and a mark forming on my ceiling. What should I do?

Bat colonies residing in attics tend to congregate together resulting in large piles of urine and bat guano. This should be cleaned by a trained professional using personal safety equipment. The larger the colony, the more waste that is produced which can seep through insulation and drywall and begin to drip into living areas. It is extremely important to your health to have any contamination expertly cleaned by technicians experienced in removing this form of waste.

 

Where are you located?

Bat Experts office is located in Papillion, Nebraska. However we provide work all over Nebraska and Iowa. We DO NOT charge mileage. 

 

How much will it cost?

Without inspection, there is no way to provide an accurate estimate. But the good news is our inspections are absolutely free! On average, most jobs run between $800 and $1000. However cost is determined on the amount of work required to end your bat issues and uphold our guarantee.

 

What is your guarantee?

Our guarantee is simple – we asure you no more bats in your building for 365 days from the date of completion. If you suspect bats have returned, just give us a call and we will take care of it! The only exceptions are damage caused after work is completed and beyond our control – storms, construction, roof replacement, etc. But please give us a call if you have any questions.