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BATS 101:  Test Your Knowledge

Are bats bad?2020-05-18T18:25:32+00:00

No, they are not. While there are many dangers associated with this creature, bats are actually very beneficial.

Here are just a few examples of the up side of bats:

Bats are beneficial to agriculture and humans. Why? Some bats can consume up to 3000 insects every night (½ their body weight) greatly reducing insects that endanger forest and agricultural areas.  As an example, a colony of 150 big brown bats feeding over an agricultural crop can eat 2,400 stink bugs in one night. This reduction in pests means less pesticides need to be applied! Bats also help people by reducing the mosquito population (another greatly appreciated benefit here in Minnesota).READ MORE…

Do bats fly south for the winter?2020-05-18T18:25:32+00:00

At Bat Free LLC we have heard many customers say that bats fly south for the winter. Is that true? It is not true of all bat species. In the upper midwest, Little brown bats and big brown bats tend to winter in human structures. Here they enter a state of mental and physical  inactivity called torpor.  In this state they experience a metabolic shutdown that slows their heartbeat from 400 beats per minute to 25 beats per minute.

Bats may hibernate for as long as 83 days, slowly metabolizing the body fat they stored up in the fall.  In the spring as the sun gets higher in the sky and daytime temperatures begin to rise, bats wake from torpor and become active.  Our clients begin to hear them chirping, scratching, and hissing.  Should the nighttime temp cool sufficiently, the bats goes back into deep sleep(torpor) until the temperatures rise again.  The bats will begin their nightly process of leaving the structure to forage for food when the overnight temperatures stay above 50 degrees for 5 nights in a row. READ MORE…

Is there a risk of getting Rabies from Bats?2020-05-18T18:25:32+00:00

Yes. You can get Rabies Virus from Bats.

Recent data suggest that transmission of Rabies virus can occur from minor, seemingly unimportant, or unrecognized bites from bats. Human and domestic animal contact with bats should be minimized, and bats should never be handled by untrained and un-vaccinated persons orDon't Touch Bats! be kept as pets. Never touch a bat with bare hands!

In all instances of potential human exposures involving bats, the bat in question should be safely collected, if possible, and submitted for rabies diagnosis. Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (shots) is recommended for all persons with bite, scratch, or mucous membrane exposure to a bat, unless the bat is available for testing and is negative for evidence of rabies.

Medical treatment must be considered when direct contact between a human and a bat has occurred.

Shots shosmall bite markuld be considered for any person who was in the same room as a bat and who might be unaware that a bite or direct contact had occurred (e.g., a sleeping person awakens to find a bat in the room or an adult witnesses a bat in the room with a previously unattended child, mentally disabled person, or intoxicated person) and rabies cannot be ruled out by testing the bat.

For more information about bats spreading Rabies, visit the Rabies: Bats site. READ MORE…

Why should you never touch a bat with bare hands?2020-06-02T18:21:07+00:00

Bats groom themselves by licking their fur.  Rabies is found in the saliva of the animal.  If you touch a rabid bat who just groomed them-self, the rabies can transfer into your system through micro cuts found in the skin on your hands. Why should you never hit a bat with a tennis racket? If a bat is hit with a tennis racket, the saliva found on the bats fur due to grooming can be aerosolized and contracted.

To learn how to capture a bat visit:

wDon't Touch Bats!ww.dnr.state.mn.us/livingwith_wildlife/bats/removal.html

www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html

READ MORE…

Am I safe if bats are only in the attic – not in my living space?2020-06-18T18:34:03+00:00

Sadly this is not true. 

There are many dangers to human health that have been associated with bats. In addition to the potential for rabies, histoplasmosis, and unpleasant odors, Bats carry ectoparasites, such as bat bugs and bat ticks. These “lice” may enter the living space of a structure in search of an alternate host.  Once allowed to become established, this parasite will require structural pest control (pesticide application) to eradicate. READ MORE…

What do I do if I get bit?2020-05-18T18:25:32+00:00

 If a bat bites do the following:

Bat BiteWash the wound with soap and water immediately

If possible, capture the bat without destroying the head.  Rabies can only be identified in the brain tissue of the bat. (Never handle bats without heavy protective gloves)

If the bat escapes or tests positive, get rabies shots immediately. READ MORE…

Can bat guano (droppings) be harmful?2020-06-02T18:21:37+00:00

In short, yes it can.

A respiratory illness associated with bat guano is called Histoplasmosis. It begins in the lungs but  has also been known to attack other organs such as the eyes.  It is contracted by inhaling the spores from the organism H. capsulatem that can grow on bat guano.  People become at risk when the H. capsulatem (histoplasmosis spores) are aerosoled and inhaled due to disturbing (eg. sweeping) bat guano.

READ MORE…

 

CDC link – www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/histoplasmosis/index.html

“So if there is bat guano in my attic, do I need to get it cleaned up?”2020-05-18T18:25:32+00:00

Some infestations are relatively light and or relatively new. However, attic restoration is not a forgone conclusion.

Bat Free is happy to help determine if remediation is necessary by giving an attic restoration opinion.  In the case it is deemed necessary to remediate former roost sites from the structure, Bat Free, LLC. will take the necessary steps to protect you the homeowner as well as protecting our highly skilled and valuable workers!

Wearing a respirator, protective clothing, gloves and face shieldBat guano poses potential health risks to anyone who enters a roosting area and disturbs the material.  Bat Free, LLC.  will therefore strive to put in place measures to protect the interests of both parties involved. This will include but is not limited to dust control measures, effective and ethical use of germicides and encapsulants, sound collection and disposal practices, as well as proper use of PPE (personal protective equipment). We will not cut corners for the sake of time or money and place people at risk. Learn more about Attic Restoration.

How are bats getting into my house?2020-05-18T18:25:32+00:00

It is most often due to construction related issues.

Roof With Opening for BatsBats need an opening as small as ¼ inch x1 inch to enter a structure.  Chewing animals such as squirrels can create openings in sofit and fascia materials, in addition animals such as woodpeckers can bore holes in siding sofit and fascia that bats can use to enter the structure. However, post construction related openings account for the vast majority of bat entry points year in and year out. Deflection in the structure due to aging materials, poor workmanship, A new roof due to hail, repair from fire damage or ice dam issues, wind damage. READ MORE…

Do bat houses help keep bats out of my house?2020-05-18T18:25:32+00:00

Unfortunately no!

Bat Houses Don't HelpBat houses have their place but provide only temporary habitation for bats.

Bat houses are primarily used by bats on the hottest nights of summer. Overnight temperatures must be sufficiently warm to support this kind of roosting site. On cooler nights bats return to their primary hibernaculum.

It is worth noting that bats cannot winter in these structures as they cannot produce sufficient body heat to prevent freezing solid.  Bats are extremely susceptible to hypothermia and death due to exposure!

Bat bugs and bat guano may also become an issue if a bat house is installed on a structure.

However, bat houses DO NOT keep bats from infesting near by structures. The only permanent solution is getting your home bat proofed by a NWCOA qualified technician!

READ MORE…

LET US HELP

What sets us apart? At Bat Free LLC., the inspector does the work saving you consulting fees and time delays. We arrive in an unmarked vehicle so as to provide discreet service. Attic restoration is available. 

LET US HELP

What sets us apart? At Bat Free LLC., the inspector does the work saving you consulting fees and time delays. We arrive in an unmarked vehicle so as to provide discreet service. Attic restoration is available. 

HEADACHE FREE

At Bat Free, we show up when we say, we do what we bid, and we invoice what we quote! Our aim is to do aesthetically pleasing work.  This is carried through not only in the processes we use, but is reflected in the materials we use as well!  Bat Free LLC is a family operated and run business!  Put our care, concern, and expertise to work for you!  We look forward to helping you live bat free!

Get in touch

805 Pineview Ln N
Plymouth, MN 55441
Phone: (612) 323-5313

Email: batfreemn @ yahoo.com
Web: BatFree.net

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