Does Histoplasmosis Come From Bat Guano?

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.

Bat Repellant Options and Alternatives

Bats should never be harmed, trapped, or killed under any circumstances unless by licensed wildlife contractors and professionals. Fortunately there are bat repellant options, alternatives, and methods that are humane, easy to use, and highly beneficial to property owners. Continue reading to learn the most effective ways to repel bats in residential, commercial, and urban areas.

Electronic Bat Repellants

There are new devices available on the market that use sound frequencies, ultrasonic technology, volume-enhanced noises, and more to repel bats away from properties. They are specially manufactured to recreate sound waves, noises, and frequencies, silent to human ears, to prohibit bats from becoming accustomed to a particular sound. The constantly-changing noises and waves affect a bats behavior, communication capabilities, sleep cycles, and flying habits, keeping them far away. These devices can provide a range up to 5,000 feet! Larger properties or areas might require more than one device, depending on the number of animals to repel and the square footage of the area. It takes nearly 4 weeks to thoroughly observe bat behaviors to properly assess the levels and frequencies needed.

Bat Repellant Sprays and Gels

Just like ordinary store-bought pesticides, there are products on the market that are specially manufactured to repel bats. These products come in both spray form and gels. Either in a 10 ounce spray bottle or a caulking tube, these chemical or natural-based repellents are easy to find and affordable to buy. They essentially let off a taste and smell that bats are sensitive to and despise. This only keeps them at bay for a while, and requires reapplications each month during bat season.

Natural Bat Repellants

Natural methods can also be used to repel bats. Sound machines, bright lights, cinnamon, human hair, coyote urine, green tea, peppermint, and more are popular natural remedies that keep bats away. Bats find these tastes, smells, and other ambiences obnoxious and irritating to their senses. For bats in the attic of other indoor area of a property, mix together water and the above herbs and ingredients and place into a spray bottle. Spray this homemade solution all over the attic perimeter or area to get rid of bats naturally.

Indianapolis Bat Removal

Call Indianapolis Bat Removal at 317-535-4605 to get rid of bats in the attic or around your property. We are DNR licensed bat control contractors that provide a wide range of services for both residential and commercial properties. We only use safe and humane methods to extract bats and prevent their return, and offer the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-535-4605 for prompt and professional bat removal and control in Indianapolis, Indiana today.

What is the Off-Season for a Bat?

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.