Bat infestations are a continued concern for homeowners and property owners alike in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. While they are not typically aggressive to humans, they can wreak havoc on a property and pose potential health risks. If an infestation is found indoors, professional assistance is advised. Exterminators have the knowledge and equipment to safely remove and relocate these mammals without causing them injury.
White-nose syndrome, a disease affecting bats, is currently spreading quickly among bat populations. This illness typically kills 70 to 90 percent of bats once infected. Because of the spread of this disease, many species of bats have entered the endangered species list. To protect their populations, bat control is governed by law throughout Pennsylvania.
As nocturnal pests, bats prefer to seek shelter in dark and secluded areas. This makes attics, sheds and other undisturbed spaces an ideal space for infestations. Living in colonies, an infestation often includes hundreds of bats in a single space. While there are many bat species found in the area, infestations commonly involvethe little brown bat, big brown bat and the northern long-eared bat all are found in the area. Unfortunately, natural habitat for bats is shrinking, causing them to seek places to roost in structures that are intended for people and pets.
WHAT DO BATS LOOK LIKE?
As with any animal, each species of bat has slightly different characteristics. Generally, bats in this area have black, gray or brown fur. The little brown bat is a small pest, typically just three or four inches in length. It typically has a brown face and small ears. The big brown bat closely resembles the little brown bat; however, it is much larger. When including their wingspan, big brown bats often reach lengths of 13 to 16 inches. The long-eared bat is smaller, with bodies just around three inches. They are notable for their large ears, often stretching down past their faces. Because many bats have small faces and bodies, they can squeeze into small areas easily.
WHAT DO BATS EAT?
With insects being their primary food source, bats are excellent for insect control. Some home and property owners appreciate having bats near their homes because they keep the insect population low. Bats are known to eat termites, spiders and most any winged insect. Each night, a bat will leave its colony and scavenge for food. They are most active in the hours right after sunset. It is reported that within an hour, most bats can eat up to 600 insects and feast on around 50 percent of their body weight throughout the night.
These mammals will also eat plant materials. When insects are not around, bats may be found eating fruit, bark and nectar. Some bats eat pollen and are active pollinators of plants. Because they hibernate in the winter, bats will typically eat extra food sources in the summer months to accumulate fat and energy sources that will be used during the winter months.
Uniquely, bats use a process called echolocation to locate their prey. This phenomenon is used by just a handful of animals, including whales, dolphins and some birds. Through echolocation, bats will emit high-frequency sounds, typically above human hearing. After emitting the noise, they will listen for the echo, using the returned sound to tell them the location of things around them.
WHERE DO BATS LIVE?
Dark, wet or secluded areas are sought out by bats. Their homes, called roosts, can be found in both rural and urban areas. In the wild, bats live in woodlands, caves and trees. When they have moved indoors, they will often roost in attics, wall voids and even inside vents. If bats move inside, it is typically during winter when they are looking to escape colder climates. Harsh winters in the Philadelphia area force many bats indoors to regulate their body temperatures during hibernation. In order to hibernate well, bats seek out shelter with temperatures around 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY BATS
Over time, bat infestations can cause damage to structures as they build nests and leave behind their droppings. These droppings are called guano. Often, large amounts of guano will cause staining on structures, both inside and outside. Stains are typically found in attics, on walls or near entry and exit points of their hiding place. A large amount of bat guano found near a building is often indicative of a bat infestation.
Urine can also cause damage to structures by leading to accumulated moisture. As with any liquid that is allowed to gather over time, bat guano and urine can cause structural damage as moisture sits for an extended period. Other structural damage can occur, such as wires being chewed, or wood within structures being gnawed on over time.
ARE BATS AGGRESSIVE?
Typically, bats are peaceful and prefer to avoid any contact with humans. While this is the norm, there have been cases of bat aggression. If a bat has felt threatened or cornered, they may become more aggressive toward a human. Individuals seeking to trap or harm a bat may be met with biting. Bats may appear more aggressive than they are at times. When they are flying near humans, they may appear to be advancing towards their heads, however, typically they are just using their fine-tuned echolocation to snatch an insect flying close to their heads.
DO BATS CARRY DISEASE?
While bats play an important role in insect control, an infestation can be dangerous. Given certain circumstances, bats can transmit diseases to both humans and animals. While the chances of contracting an illness from a bat is relatively low, it is still possible. For this reason, it is essential to be cautious when an infestation is suspected. Bats can transmit illnesses via bites, but also by route of their guano. When bat guano has dried and is stirred up, bacteria in the droppings can become airborne. If inhaled, diseases can be spread.
One well-known disease carried by bats is rabies. This viral disease causes brain damage and is fatal once symptoms appear. For individuals suspecting exposure to rabies, a series of vaccines is needed in order to prevent the infection from becoming life-threatening. Bats can also carry histoplasmosis. While rabies is spread by bat bites, histoplasmosis is spread by inhaling a fungus found within guano. Typically, this illness goes away on its own but can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, cough and muscle aches. These symptoms often last for a few weeks. Because this illness is spread by guano, it is important for droppings to not be handled without professional help. Using a household vacuum or broom can cause spores to become airborne. If this occurs, it can also cause asthma symptoms or allergies to flare up.
HOW TO DETECT BATS
Bat infestations may be discovered through these signs:
• A foul odor coming from within the home or property • Small and dark bat guano, often crumbly when dried • A large presence of bats seen flying nearby at dawn and dusk • Squeaking or scratching sounds coming from attic space • Staining in attic or on ceilings from urine
HOW TO PREVENT BATS
Use these tips to discourage bats from coming indoors:
• Use reflective objects or lights to deter bats from entering the building. • Ensure all cracks and holes around the exterior of the property are sealed properly. • Use mesh screens to block chimneys or attic vents. • Close all doors at night and install window screens if leaving windows open after sunset. • Utilize a licensed pest management company for expert help controlling bat populations.
HOW TO TREAT FOR BATS
Bat control can be complicated and potentially dangerous involving many procedures that are governed by state law. A licensed pest management professional should always be consulted to ensure safe and proper bat removal, decontamination, and prevention.
