3 Common Damages Caused by Bat Infestation

North American bats are very prevalent tenants in nature. Bats are nocturnal mammals that eat thousands of insects on a nightly basis. They are helpful creatures in this way, limiting the amount of mosquitoes feeding on us at our summer barbeques; however, there is a darker side to bats that live near residential areas. Bats like to seek shelter in warm dark places, and with new construction popping up everywhere, their natural habitats are being overcome by buildings and neighborhoods. Rather than finding shelter in more remote areas, bats will look to our properties for shelter. This behavior can cause problems regarding the well-being of our homes and indoor environments. Read on to learn more about the three common damages bats can cause when residing within our homes and buildings.

Bat Mites

Bat mites are microscopic insects that are commonly mistaken for bed bugs. They like to use bats and humans as their host. People will have a pest control company treat their home for bed bugs, only to discover that the problem persists well after the treatment is through. This is because it is not bed bugs that are irritating the homeowner, it is bat mites. Because bats will live inside walls, attics, crawl spaces, and rooftops, their mites will continue to come back because the source of the issue was not solved. In order to get rid of bat mites, you have to get rid of bats first.

Diseases

Bats are stereotyped as the main source of rabies in America. The truth is, ANY animal can contract rabies and pass it on to humans and other animals. Even though bats are always wrongly associated with rabies, doesn’t mean that they cannot have the disease, as well as others, that can be contagious or dangerous for humans. Along with rabies, bat dropping, or guano, can release spores for Histoplasmosis, which if inhaled, can cause damage to our lungs.

Structural Repairs

Bats are not chewers or biters. They will not claw your dry wall or chew through electrical wiring like raccoons can. Instead, their colonies defecate and urinate all over the area they inhabit. The accumulation of all their droppings will cause serious structural damage to the space they live in, and the spaces surrounding it. The droppings can seep into walls and begin to leak through ceilings. This can soil and destroy attic insulation, dry wall, and more. Also, the odor from the droppings will eventually seep into the living or working space of the property, causing discomfort and embarrassment to the property owners.

Indianapolis Bat Removal and Control

Call Wildlife Rescue and Control at 317-535-4605 to get rid of bats in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are DNR licensed bat removal specialists with decades of experience in the wildlife control industry. We offer a wide range of bat removal and control services, including 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, advice, and answers to bat related questions! Call us at 317-535-4605 for Indianapolis bat removal and control services in Indianapolis, IN 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.