Why You Should Never Handle a Bat Problem Yourself

Bats are among the most beneficial as well as dangerous species on Earth. Acting as pollinators, dispersing seeds, and controlling insect populations, they help maintain the balance of plant and animal life. Bats can also be the source of serious human health issues, even to the extent of paralysis or death. If you’ve discovered a bat invading your living spaces or attic, your first reaction might be to get rid of it as early as possible, even at your own risk. Beware, as this is not advised. First, you need to know how to protect yourself from being bitten, and second, bats are federally protected. So here, let’s dive deep into knowing of why you should never handle a bat problem yourself. 

The Hidden Dangers Of Bat Infestations

Let’s understand about the hidden dangers of bat infestations. 

Rabies

The first potential disease will be rabies. If bitten, the virus attacks the nervous system of the victim, causing hallucinations, paralysis, and ultimately death. It’s a serious one. As bats have very small teeth, many people don’t realize this until it’s too late. If you try to catch a bat, be careful to be wearing the proper protective gear, otherwise, you’ll be putting yourself at high risk. 

Guano

The next severe risk can be bat Guano. This is essentially bat feces or droppings, and at first glance, might just look like dry dirt or pepper flakes, scattered across attic beams or windowsills. But guano can harbor a fungus that releases spores into the air, leading to a potentially serious respiratory illness called histoplasmosis.

Legal Risks

Bats are federally protected. Several bat species are listed as endangered or threatened under the ESA, including the northern long-eared bat, Florida bonneted bat, and gray bat. So this means it’s illegal to trap, kill, or harm them, and even specific guidelines must be followed for exclusion or modifying habitat, all of which require a permit.

These protections are in place to preserve bat populations, many of which are declining due to habitat loss, disease (such as white-nose syndrome), and human interference. 

Having a professional bat removal service help you with a bat infestation can be a game changer, as these folks are familiar with the laws and regulations, and even do this job safely without hurting bats. The reason? They are trained, licensed and insured to do this work.

Why DIY Bat Removal Rarely Works?

Do it yourself bat infestations rarely work. DIY methods like sealing entry points, using ultrasonic repellents, or spraying chemicals are not only ineffective, but can be un lawful  and can often make the problem worse.

Let’s look at the possible flaws.

• Sealing entry points without confirming all bats are out. This may invite a bad odour as bats can easily get trapped inside, and die in walls and attics. And here in Florida bat mating season runs from April 16th through August 14th. During maternity season, it’s illegal to block bats from their roosts, as this could trap flightless young bats and cause them to die. 
• Over-the-counter repellents and deterrents often have little to no impact on bats and are not a long-term solution.
• Chasing or catching bats inside the house is dangerous and stressful for you and the bat.

How Bat Removal Experts Ensure Safe, Humane Solutions?

After being mindful of the possible dangers and risks, it’s time to call a certified wildlife control specialist. They do:

• Proper inspections – The professionals are trained in proper inspection techniques. They do a thorough check of the property, and makes sure no corner gets unchecked. 

• Exclusion Devices – Experts use one-way exclusion devices that allow bats to leave but prevent them from re-entering. This is the safest and most effective way to evict bats without harming them.
• Sealing Entry Points – Once all bats have exited, professionals seal the entry points permanently to prevent future infestations.
• Cleanup and Restoration – They also handle the safe cleanup of guano and contaminated materials, including sanitizing affected areas and restoring insulation.

Conclusion 

By now, you’re aware of the fact that bats are both beneficial and dangerous to humans if bitten or exposed to guano. So, trying to remove bats on your own is not advised. The best thing you can do is contact emergency bat removal professionals to help, like Critter Control. We excel at the safe handling of bats while ensuring your home and living spaces are permanently protected from bats.