While there are over forty species of bats found in the United States, only eight species are commonly encountered in Pennsylvania. Bats can be found in suburban Bucks County. They are often seen where insects abound, such as in parks, fields, farms, and around open water.
Bats are natural predators of insects and can be beneficial in helping to keep the insect population in check due to their ability to consume large quantities daily. Despite their value to humans in their bug-devouring capacity, bats can also become unwanted pests and may pose serious health risks.
Bats, like any other living creatures, need food, water, and shelter to survive. In Bucks County, bats are searching for places with stable temperatures, protection from the elements, and safety from predators.
Bats can fit through surprisingly small openings in your home. The most common points of entry include windows, framing, vents, walls, chimneys, and siding. Any gaps, cracks, or holes could seem like an open invitation to a bat looking for a home.
The bats most frequently found in people’s homes are females, who enter seeking a place to mate and raise their young. Bats can fit through an opening as small as three-quarters of an inch, making it easy for them to get inside.
Adult bats leave the house almost every night in search of food. If no babies are present, keeping bats out could be as simple as blocking access points. Once the bats leave at night, the entrances should be sealed, preventing their return. However, if babies are present, the process becomes more complicated, as the young bats don’t fly out at night. In these cases, it may require professional pest control assistance.
If it’s possible to make the area where the bats are roosting less suitable, they may leave on their own. For example, extreme temperatures in an attic may encourage them to move elsewhere.
Many people are frightened by bats, but they generally avoid contact with humans. Bats prefer to fly away rather than confront people. While bats are rarely aggressive, it’s important not to handle them, as some species have sharp teeth that can puncture skin.
Bats can carry diseases that may be transmitted through bites, so any wounds should be treated by a medical professional immediately.
While it’s a common fear, bats typically do not bite humans in their sleep. Most bats are small and have tiny teeth, making bites hard to detect. In some cases, people may not realize they’ve been bitten until symptoms like shortness of breath, chills, or tingling sensations appear. If bitten, seek medical attention immediately as rabies can be contracted through bat bites.
Bats are known to spread diseases to humans, the most common of which is rabies. This deadly virus is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. Bats can also carry other diseases such as salmonellosis, which is spread through contact with infected bat droppings. Additionally, bats often carry external parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites. Anyone who has had close contact with a bat should consult a medical professional and undergo recommended tests.
Bat droppings can carry a fungus called histoplasma capsulatum, which can lead to a disease called histoplasmosis. This disease occurs when spores from the fungus are inhaled, and it’s a particular risk for people working in areas like attics or around bat colonies. When a bat infestation is discovered, it’s essential to have the droppings cleaned up to reduce the risk of exposure to this illness.
Bat exclusion refers to the process of preventing bats from entering a building or removing them if they’re already inside. This typically involves sealing holes, cracks, and other entry points with netting or tubes, allowing bats to exit but preventing their re-entry. Bat exclusion is a large task, and it’s recommended to hire a professional pest control company to handle it safely and effectively.
If exclusion techniques are done correctly, bats will not be able to return to the building. It's important to seal all potential access points, not just the ones being used by the bats, as they may find alternative entry points. Ensuring all possible openings are closed is key to keeping bats out.
Removing bats from your home can be a complicated and potentially dangerous task. If only one bat is inside, opening doors and windows may allow it to find its way out. However, if a colony is present, it’s best to call a professional pest management company. They can safely remove the bats, clean up any waste, and seal the entry points to prevent future infestations.
If a bat infestation has occurred, cleaning up bat droppings is essential to avoid health risks. Bat guano can spread diseases, and it’s important to handle cleanup carefully. A professional pest control company can help remove waste and sanitize the area, ensuring that the space is safe for occupants.
Bat control can be complex and is often governed by state law. A licensed pest management professional should always be consulted to ensure safe, legal, and effective bat removal and prevention.
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