With their nocturnal habits and preference for dark, secluded areas, bats remain a mysterious species to most people. The reality is that bats are a beneficial species, one that is seriously endangered.
Accordingly, although it is not wise to allow a bat infestation to continue in a man-made structure, it also does not make sense to destroy the bats. The humane, and legally mandated, approach is to have the bats carefully excluded.
Bats are an ancient species. Varieties such as the 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.
Bats remain an integral part of the pollination process. Moreover, they are critical to assisting with natural pest control. Both of these factors mean that it is important to preserve bats whenever possible.
To that end, the state of Pennsylvania has put numerous safeguards in place to protect bat species. Bat exclusion techniques cannot legally be undertaken until after August 15, as this ensures that even the youngest bats have a fair chance to escape the structure.
People who suspect that they have a building that is infested with bats are encouraged to contact a licensed exterminator to put exclusionary equipment in place as DIY attempts typically fail.
WHAT DO BATS LOOK LIKE?
The little brown bat has glossy fur and dark brown wing membranes. The ears are short and small, and the largest adults only grow to about three to five inches long. Wingspans of nine to eleven inches are common. Females of the species are larger than males, though none of these bats will weigh more than about one-half of an ounce. Their mouths are equipped with 38 very sharp teeth, with the canines being especially prominent to help with catching prey while flying.
Big brown bats are slightly larger with a wingspan of as much as 13 inches and an average length of five inches. The largest members of the species may weigh as much as one-and-one-half ounces. Coloration is similar to the little brown bat. The fur usually is long and glossy and may show some copper-colored highlights. A broad nose and small, rounded ears are among this bat's most distinguishing characteristics. Moreover, it has fleshy lips and wing membranes and feet that are either dark brown or black.
The northern long-eared bat is a medium-sized bat that has wingspans of nine to ten inches. Body length typically is three inches or slightly longer, and the fur may be anywhere from medium to dark brown. This bat can be distinguished from other bat species by its oversized, prominent ears.
WHAT DO BATS EAT?
The bat species in the local area have feeding habits that benefit everyone. This is because they feed on a wide variety of insects, most of which are considered nuisances. These insects may include moths, flies, mosquitoes, mayflies, wasps, beetles, gnats and lacewings. On average, male bats may eat approximately half their body weight in a single night while lactating females can consume more than their body weight in one night.
WHERE DO BATS LIVE?
While caves may seem like the most natural roosting habitat for bats, these creatures actually have to be more creative when it comes to finding good places to nest. They may be found in a pile of wood or beneath a large rock if a cave is not available. With habitat so limited, it is little surprise that bats turn to man-made structures in large numbers.
Common roosting locations include attics, fireplaces and chimneys. Bats also may be found hanging from the eaves of a building or living inside the walls. The void behind shutters is another likely roosting spot.
Bats tend to roost together in large numbers, clustering so that they can share body warmth. Members of the species usually hibernate through the coldest months of the winter in a dark, secluded place.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY BATS
Unfortunately, a bat infestation can cause structural damage. This is mostly attributed to the animals' corrosive waste products. Staining is the least of the problem as wood begins to decay beneath guano deposits. Brick and clay also can be damaged by bat waste because of the high concentration of uric acid, and the same is true for insulation. Additionally, odors can become a serious issue for people in the building.
Taking early control measures is essential to minimizing damage to the structure.
ARE BATS AGGRESSIVE?
This species is only aggressive toward insects. Avoiding people is essential to bat survival, so these animals actually go out of their way to minimize confrontations. It is critical that people do not touch or handle bats in any way, nor is it wise to swat at them. This is because bats will react aggressively if people interfere with them.
DO BATS CARRY DISEASE?
When people find out that bats are infesting a structure, their foremost concern is that the animals have rabies. Rabies cannot be diagnosed simply by looking at a bat, making it necessary for tests to be carried out. Rabies can be deadly as it causes brain inflammation and potentially death. The reality is that most bats do not carry rabies, so the actual threat of transmission of this disease from a bat to a person is minimal.
Rabies may be spread from a bat to a person through bites and scratches or exposure to the mucus membrane. People who believe that they have been in contact with a bat are encouraged to seek testing at a medical facility.
Bat droppings have fungi that are responsible for causing histoplasmosis in people. This disease of the lungs arises when people inhale contaminated air. Professional bat exclusion and decontamination by an exterminator are recommended to minimize the risks of developing this disease.
Bat bugs and bat mites, which frequently are present during an infestation, may bite people, and this may be responsible for some minor illnesses.
HOW TO DETECT BATS
Bat infestations may be discovered through these signs:
• An ammonia-like scent detected indoors
• Other unpleasant, unidentified odors
• Strange squeaking and rustling noises heard indoors
• Bats frequently seen flying around the building
• Dead bats found on the property
HOW TO PREVENT BATS
Use these tips to discourage bats from coming indoors:
• Seal up all possible entries on building exteriors
• Install bat boxes on the property as alternative roosting spots
• Have regular pest control treatments performed to keep the bat food supply low
• Eliminate standing water and leaks as these attract bugs that bats like to eat
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.
