When bats invade, they usually infest your attic because there is little to no activity from humans or pets there. How do you tell if you have bats in the attic and what are the dangers of a bat infestation?
How to Tell if You Have Bats
There are a few different signs you’ll notice if you have a bat infestation in your home or attic.
Guano – Guano is bat poop. Bats use the same entry and exit points to go in and out of your house. While squeezing through the opening, they often release guano. This can be found as a pile on the ground or stuck to the side of your home along the roofline near the entry point.
Odd noises – Particularly in the evening or dusk hours, you might be able to hear bat vocalizations and movement. It can be difficult to hear so listen closely around this time to hear them as they leave for the night. Bats are nocturnal and often wake and leave around dusk or in the early evening.
Entry points – Entry points are usually located along your roofline. Bats will leave tell-tale evidence in the form of guano and a greasy stain on your siding. Bat fur leaves a layer of grease behind as the bats squeeze into and out of the entry point, eventually leaving a stain around that area that will be visible.
The Dangers of Bats in the Attic
While some species of bats are cute, you don’t want them living in your attic or home. They can cause serious and dangerous infections for you, your family and your pets.
Rabies – Next to raccoons, bats are the second most common carrier of rabies and at risk for transmitting it to humans and pets. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be bitten by a bat to catch rabies. You can be exposed to rabies through bat fur, urine, guano or blood.
Histoplasmosis – Histoplasmosis is caused by a fungus in bat guano. When the guano dries up, particles of it become airborne. Those airborne particles can then make their way into your home where they can be breathed in by you, your family or your pet. The fungus reaches the lungs and causes severe infection. Histoplasmosis is a very serious infection that can also be fatal.
Dead Bats – Bats can die in the attic and walls of your home, which not only produces a terrible stench but the carcass is absolutely teeming with harmful bacteria that can get into the air of your home and make you very sick.
Because of the risk of serious infections, bats should only be removed and handled by experienced relocation professionals. Pee Dee Wildlife Control will remove the bats and also help fix the damage caused by the bats to the structures and insulation in your attic, likely covered in bat urine and guano. If you have bats in the attic, don’t hesitate! Give us a call today!