Category Archives: Bat Facts

Does Histoplasmosis Come From Bat Guano?

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Bats can be helpful creatures, eating thousands of insects each night and contributing to the balance of our Eco-system. The problem is that bats can carry diseases and spread them through infestation and bat droppings, a concern commonly over-looked. If you have recently had a bat infestation, or have bats near your property, be sure to take note on the following information to understand the danger associated with being exposed to bat droppings and bat guano.

Bat Guano

Bat guano refers to the solid components within bat droppings; more specifically, bat feces. Guano is actually a widely-utilized natural resource used in villages and tribes all over the world for weapon crafting, building homes, fertilizer, and more. Bat guano is found in areas that bat colonies have nested, such as caves, dens, under bridges, attics, crawl spaces, and anywhere else bats reside.

Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is referred to by many names, such as: Spelunker’s Lung, Cave Disease, Darling’s Disease, or scientifically, Reticuloendotheliosis. It is an infectious disease that is contracted by over exposure to bat guano. There is a fungus that grows in guano called Histoplasmosis Capsulatum. The inhalation of these spores within the guano causes flu-like symptoms, like coughing and difficulty breathing. It is not a contagious infection but can be easily contracted if precaution is not taken.

Those at Risk

Anyone, child or adult, can contract Histoplasmosis. It is rare for just anyone to get the disease because the fungus is only found in dark, warm areas that bat guano is found. So the more common people to fall victim to the illness are spelunkers, chimney cleaners, cave miners, and people that frequent attics and crawl spaces often. Because they work in areas that bats may dwell in, they are at risk to inhaling the infection causing spores and falling ill.

It is not typically fatal unless a person has severe and long term health complications, such as the elderly. Otherwise, if treated at the first signs of illness, it is no more dangerous than the common cold. In fact, in most cases, it just goes away on its own.

Bat Removal Indiana

Call 317-535-4605 for prompt and professional bat removal and control in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We are DNR licensed and certified wildlife control contractors that provide a wide range of bat removal and control services for residential and commercial properties. From bats in the attic and bat exclusion, to bat cleanup and minor attic restorations, our professional wildlife contractors are fully-equipped to manage your bat problem! Call 317-535-4605 for a free estimate and information about our bat removal services in Indianapolis, IN.

Where Can I Find Bat Guano Fertilizers?

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Bat guano is the manure of wild bats. Guano is also a term used for seabird droppings as well. Both are fantastic fertilizers for their high nutrient content. There are three primary nutrients needed to grow lawns and plants; phosphate, potassium, and nitrogen. All of these nutrients are found in bat dung!

Bat manure can be used to speed up the growing process, enrich and condition the soil, eliminate nematodes in the soil, and prevent fungal growth. It can also be used a compost for faster decomposition. Continue reading to learn where you can find bat dung fertilizer, and which brands are highest in quality and most recommended.

Bat Dung Fertilizer

The first place anyone should look when in the market for some bat dung fertilizer is their local home and hardware store. Commercial chains like Home Depot, Lowes, Menards, and similar stores will carry quality bat guano fertilizer products. They may also be purchased at local gardening plots and lawn care stores. For those who prefer items to come directly to the home, they can always internet shop!

Hundreds of brands of bat guano fertilizer can be found by shopping online, anywhere. Simply type in the words and click the shopping button. The stores mentioned above also have websites that offer online shopping and purchasing. Although there is a small shipping cost, the products are sent directly to the location specified in the online order, saving a trip to the store. Some sites offer free shipping for purchases over a certain dollar amount, too.

Recommended Bat Guano Fertilizers

Some of the most popular and recommended bat guano fertilizers are available in several local home and hardware stores, lawn care stores, and more. Here is a list of recommended guano fertilizer products with the highest reviews:

Greenbelt Organics Bat Guano Fertilizer, 2LB Bag
$10-15

Sunleaves Indonesian Bat Guano, 11LB Bag
$15-20

Foxfarm Happy Frog High Phosphate Bat Guano Fertilizer, 4LB Bag
$15-20

Be sure to read the labels of bat guano fertilizer products so that you are well-versed in the application and care process. In order for any fertilizer to work, proper and routine care is necessary. Contact a local bat removal service if you suspect you might have bat guano in or around your property. Bat guano is a sign that bats are present or frequent visitors. Although a fantastic fertilizer, it can be unsafe in certain quantities if exposed to humans.

Bat Removal Indianapolis Indiana

Call 317-535-4605 for prompt and professional bat removal services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are DNR licensed bat control contractors with more than two decades of experience in the industry. We only use safe and humane methods to extract bats and prevent their return. Our bat control services are available to residential and commercial properties all across Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. On top of bat removal, we also provide bat guano cleanup services, minor attic restoration services, bat-proofing, preventative maintenance, inspections, and much more. Call 317-535-4605 to get a free estimate for Indianapolis bat removal and control from a licensed contractor.

What is the Off-Season for a Bat?

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When the weather is cold and the snow begins to fall, bats and other mammals hideaway, making winter their off-season. In fact, the peak demand for bat exclusion among residential and commercial properties is in October, November, and December, when weather is still mild, but cold enough for bats to go looking for shelter. So what happens to bats in their off-season? What kind of activity do they display? Where do they go? Continue reading for answers to these questions and more!

Hibernation or Migration

By the time bat exclusion season ends, bat off-season starts up. Once the weather gets too cold for bats, they start to look for dens, caves, and shelter; which unfortunately and often times includes our attics, crawl spaces, garages, walls, and more. If bats have not found this shelter by the time the harsh winter climates start to take over, they migrate south, following the bugs and warmer weather. For bats that find shelter, they hibernate through the winter season until spring. It is fascinating how some species of bat decide to remain and hibernate, while others prefer to travel south for warm sun and insects!

Once bats come out their 6 month-long torpor, the males are ready to mate. And with a gestation period of only 65 days, bats have their litters in the early summer. A female bat can have up to three litters per breeding season, but often times only gives birth to one single pup at a time. Just at the start of fall, their bat pups through nursing on their mother and grown enough to leave the nest and venture out to forage, feed, and prepare for winter.

Although winter is the off-season for bats, they can still be inside our properties causing damage. If you suspect you have bats in the attic, or in some other area of your home, contact a local Indianapolis bat removal company for professional and prompt assistance.

Indianapolis Bat Removal

Call 317-535-4605 for fast and affordable bat removal services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are DNR licensed and trained bat exclusionists with decades of experience in the bat control industry. We provide residential and commercial services, as well as, free estimates, DIY advice, and more! Call 317-535-4605 and speak with a licensed bat removal contractor about how to get rid of bats in Indianapolis, IN today.

How Do Mother Bats Find their Baby Bats in the Dark?

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When it comes to explaining how mother bats find and locate their young in the dark, in of a colony of hundreds of baby bats, we must first discuss the process of echolocation. Echolocation is a sonar system that nocturnal bats use to locate prey and their young. It is a process of emitting high-frequency sounds that bounce off nearby objects and echo back to the bat. It allows them to visualize a defined grid that they use as a map to guide them around.

On top of echolocation, both chief species of bat have moderate sight capabilities, even in daylight, enabling them to hunt and locate more food and prey. To learn more about mother bats and how they breed and care for their young, continue reading and educate yourself on some fascinating bat facts!

Mother Bats and their Young

Not only can mother bats locate their young in a colony of a thousand bats using echolocation, they can rely on their senses as well. Female nursing bats will remember the pheromones and distinct smell of each individual offspring. It is quite fascinating how nursing bats can accomplish this feat using only smell, moderate vision, and sonar!

When it comes to bats and sight, both species are capable of daytime vision. Megabats, or Megachiroptera, have big eyes and predominant visual centers allowing them to see well during the day. Although nocturnal, mega-bats find it helpful and convenient to hunt for fish, insects, small birds, and other prey in the daytime hours. Their options are much more plentiful and abundant during these times. Some subspecies of Megachiroptera can even see in color during the day, helping them avoid potential predators and search for nectar.

Microchiroptera, or micro-bats, typically eat insects and mosquitoes which are plentiful in the dusk and nighttime hours. This is why they predominantly use echolocation to find their way around. Although sonar is their chief system of navigation, microbats use their mediocre sight to get around at dusk or in the day.

Indianapolis Bat Removal

If you have a bat infestation in your home or property, call Indianapolis Bat Removal at 317-535-4605 today. We are highly trained and DNR licensed bat removal and control specialist with more than 25 years of experience! Get free estimates, consultations, DIY advice, discounts, and more when you call Indianapolis Bat Removal! Contact Us to get rid of bats for good! Call 317-535-4605 for professional bat removal services in Indianapolis, IN.

Varieties of Bat Species Found in Indiana

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There are twelve known species of bat commonly found in the state of Indiana. Among these twelve bat species, three categories can be defined; separating the species into smaller and more specific classifications. In this blog, we will explore a few of these Indiana bats while still defining the three categories and specifying all twelve species. Continue reading to learn some interested facts about Indiana bats and how they are similar and different from each other in the wild.

Species of Bat in Indiana

The twelve species of bat found in Indiana are as follows: the Big-Eared Bat, Red Bat, Southeastern Bat, Hoary Bat, Gray Bat, Evening Bat, Northern Bat, Silver-Haired Bat, Little Brown Bat, Big Brown Bat, the Pipistrelle Bat, and the popular Indiana Bat. The Big-Eared Bat has mostly migrated out of Indiana, and is not regularly seen here in the state any more but still spotted in other areas. The same goes for the Southeastern Bat.

These twelve bats can be sub classified into three separate groups. The first group is referred to as “Solitary Bats” in the Lasiurus genus, containing the Red Bat, Silver-Haired Bat, and the Hoary Bat. The second group is referred to as “Social Bats” in the Myotis genus, containing the Little Brown Bat, Northern Bat, Indiana Bat, Gray Bat, and the Southeastern Bat. The third group is referred to as the “Social Bats in Other Genera”, containing the Big Brown Bat, the Pipistrelle Bat, the Evening Bat, and the Big-Eared Bat. The solitary bats migrate south in the winter, while others migrate in spring and fall months.

These bats are commonly forced out of their natural habitats due to new construction and land developments. This forces them to find shelter by any means necessary. Common spots include residential attics and crawl spaces, as well as, basements, garages, sheds, and utility rooms. In commercial properties, bats use rooftops, insulation, and insides of walls for shelter, breeding, and nesting. It is important to hire a trusted animal control company to remove bat colonies from residential or commercial properties in a safe and humane way.

For more information about bat removal in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas, call 317-535-4605 today. Our licensed and experienced animal control technicians use safe and humane methods to capture and release bats far from your property. We offer free estimates, information, DIY advice, references, and more. Visit our website at http://www.batremovalindianapolis.com for details about our services and company background. For fast, effective, and affordable bat removal services in Indianapolis, IN, call our experts at 317-535-4605 today!

The Difference Between Megabats and Microbats

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There are several thousand bat species in the world; however, all bat species can be classified into one of two suborders, mega or micro bats. Many people are unaware that there are bats that do not use echolocation; or would be surprised to hear that some bats have fur, whereas others do not. Continue reading to learn the major differences between megabats and microbats; as well as, examples of certain species in each suborder.

Microbats

Microchiroptera is the scientific name for micro bat species. They are also known as small bats, true bats, echolocation bats, or insectivorous bats. Although these are the common names we use to refer to microbats, most of these terms are inaccurate. For example, not all microbats are smaller than megabats. Also, some microbats do not even feed on insects.

Indeed, some microbats do not eat insects; however, most do consume insects for food. Larger species of micro bats hunt lizards, frogs, and even small birds. Vampire bats, scientifically referred to as Desmodus Rotundus, have a dietary trait call hemotophagy. This means their primary food source is blood; usually of other animals.

Micro-bats use echolocation, also called bio sonar. This is a system in which sound waves are produced to create echoes that allows an animal to locate and identify objects. Echolocating bats call out to the surrounding environment, and then listen for the echoes to return. It is a system that basically helps them navigate where they are and where they are going; like eyesight without eyes. The larynx generates an ultrasound that is emitted through their noses or mouths. It is a fascinating and effective way to pilot mid-flight.

Certain species of microbats include Leaf-Nosed Bats, Vampire Bats, Bumblebee Bats, Vesper Bats, Funnel Eared Bats, Mouse-Tailed Bats, Horseshoe Bats, Pallid Bats, Disk-Winged Bats, Smoky Bats, Bulldog Bats, Fisherman Bats, and more.

Megabats

Megachiroptera is the scientific name for megabat species. They are also referred to as Flying Foxes or Fruit Bats. These bats are interesting because they do not eat insects or drink blood; rather, they feast on nectar and fruits. They have strong and sharp teeth that allow them to bite through tough fruit skins. Some bats drink the juice; while others eat the fruit.

Megabats have a heightened and powerful sense of smell; which is good considering they do not use echolocation like their cousin the microbat. Instead, mega-bats have very large eyes that help them familiarize themselves with their surroundings in twilight, caves, and forested areas.

Common species of megabat include Tube-Nosed Fruit Bats, Pygmy Fruit Bats, Spotted-Winged Fruit Bat, Borneo Fruit Bat, Short-Nosed Fruit Bat, Small White-Winged Flying Fox, Short-Nosed Fruit Bat, Madagascan Fruit Bat, Black Bellied Fruit Bat, Monkey-Faced Bat, Black Flying Fox, Nectar Bat, Small-Toothed Fruit Bat, and much more.

If you are experiencing problems at home or work with microbats or megabats, call Bat Removal Indianapolis at 317-535-4605 in Indiana, today. We are DNR licensed and insured bat control specialists that only use safe and humane capture and release methods to get rid if bats in residential or commercial properties. Visit our website at http://www.batremovalindianapolis.com for details about our services and company background. Trust our professional bat exclusion technicians to get rid of bats in Indianapolis, IN right now!

How Do Bats See at Night?

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Bats are nocturnal mammals. This means they are active at night, and sleep through the day. They are known to live in caves, hollow trees, and other dark hidden areas in nature. In residential neighborhoods, bats are known to infest our attics and crawl spaces. Bats are fascinating animals, but their way of vision is extraordinary. Continue reading to learn how bats see where they are flying in the night time.

Indianapolis Indiana Bat Removal and Control
Indianapolis Indiana Bat Removal and Control 317-535-4605

Echolocation Like Dolphins

Although nocturnal, bats have weak and fragile eyes. They are very small and virtually useless. So how do bats see tiny insects when feeding, and avoid hitting trees mid-flight? The answer is their ability to hear. Bats have extremely acute hearing that allows them to hear the smallest sounds, like a flying beetle. As they fly, the make small chirps or squeaks. Their sounds move through the air and bounce off objects, creating an echo. Bats can hear these echoes, even the smallest ones. This method is commonly referred to as echolocation, similar to what dolphins and some birds use.

Their echolocation chirps are very high-pitched, making them nearly invisible to the human ear. When they use this system, it allows them to hear what is all around them and in front of them as well. It draws a vivid mental map for them to hunt and find shelter. The Navy and submarines use a system that is very similar to bat and dolphin echolocation; it is called sonar. They use sound vibrations to track objects underwater and determine their location.

Nuisance Bat Control Services

Bats are very interesting creatures, but sometimes they can intrude onto and even into our properties. When this happens, it is advised to call a professional bat removal company. For details about bat removal in Indianapolis, Indiana, call our licensed bat control specialists at 317-535-4605 today. You can also visit our website for information about bats and getting rid of bats in Indianapolis, IN.

The Facts about Bat Guano and Histoplasmosis

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Bat guano is more commonly known as bat droppings, which refer to their fecal discharges. Bat guano, in other cultures, is a dominant natural resource used for fertilizer and other agricultural commodities. It even has a history as an ingredient in war explosives. Bat guano is prevalent in caves, of course, being a widely-known bat dwelling area. However, in residential and commercial areas of society, bat guano can sometimes be found in other areas, such as homes, buildings, attics, crawl spaces, and other dark, secure places.

What is Histoplasmosis?

Histoplasmosis is an infectious disease that goes by many names. Among its various aliases, you will see it be called Spelunker’s Lung, Cave Disease, Ohio Valley Disease, Reticuloendotheliosis, and Darling’s Disease. Histoplasmosis is a disease passed on by a fungus called Histoplasmosis Capsulatum that grows in bat guano. This disease has symptoms similar to the flu, such as coughing and difficulty breathing. It is caught by inhaling the spores of the fungus. It is not contagious, but is can be easily inhaled unknowingly and active within days.

Who is at Risk to Catching the Disease?

Anyone can get Histoplasmosis, depending on where they are and what is happening around them. For example, a person with an extreme bat infestation problem in their attic can unknowingly inhale fungus spores and get the illness eventually. The more common victims would be cave miners and spelunkers, chimney cleaners, construction workers, repair people and HVAC workers, or anyone else in a field where they might be around dark, warm places often. Basically, anyone who comes across the fungi can be exposed and conflicted with it.

Is it Life Threatening?

In most cases, the answer is typically no. In other rare or extreme cases, fatality can occur. If an elderly person with a weakened immune system is heavily exposed over a long period of time, then it could be fatal. If the symptoms are bad and go untreated, fatality can also occur. But in most cases, the symptoms are mild and tend to go away on their own. Many people are unaware they even had Histoplasmosis because it is so similar to the common cold. If you are even feeling under the weather and think it could be related to bat guano or Histoplasmosis, contact your family doctor to set up a checkup right away.

For more information on bats in the attic, or bat removal, contact our licensed animal control company in Indiana at 317-535-4605 today. We are happy to provide free estimates, DIY assistance, and guidance on bat infestations and more. Be sure to visit out Indianapolis Bat Removal website for a list of our services too!