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BATS FIELD GUIDE
are of medical concern because a very small percentage are infected with ,
rabies
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old droppings may harbor the fungal organism that causes the lung disease
histoplasmosis.
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Note that bat species are difficult to
identify, even by the experts. If assistance is needed, contact the wildlife or zoology department of a local museum or university, fish and wildlife personnel, or the local health department.
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Bats have relatively poor
vision and instead rely on echolocation (similar to sonar) to avoid objects find prey, and to communicate.
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only a very small percentage of bats are infected with
rabies,
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but rabies infected bats may not
show any symptoms.
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Rabies can be transmitted when , of another animal including humans;
saliva or body tissue of an infected animal comes into contact with open wounds or mucous membranes, such as those of the eyes and nose
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Rabies....it is not necessary to be _ to become infected.
bitten by a rabid animal
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The CDC recommends
pre-exposure rabies immunization for people in occupations that have an increased risk of rabies exposure, especially animal handlers.
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accumulations of bat droppings in attics or soil create conditions suitable for the growth of
Histoplasmosis capsulatum, a fungus that can cause the lung disease histoplasmosis.
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Histoplasmosis infection occurs by breathing spores contained in dust found in
the roost. In severe cases, histoplasmosis can be fatal.
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The 3 most common bats to enter structures are
the big brown, the little brown, and the Mexican free-tailed bat.
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All 3 of these bats leave their roosts at
dusk and return just before dawn.
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Usually their first stop is at a
stream, pond, or lake for a drink of water and then feeding begins.
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Bats are
protected by law in most states.
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Bat management begins with .
2 inspections
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First, inspect at dusk to determine
exit/entry points and the size of the infestation.
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This requires a minimum of 2 people at opposite corners to see
all sides of the roof at once; roofs with wings require more people.
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The inspection should begin about half an hour before
dusk and stop an hour after dusk;
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remember that bats do not fly in
rainy or unseasonably cold weather.
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Common exit/entry points include
attic louvers, roof lines where sheeting and facia boards meet, under facia boards, and other openings due to deterioration.
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Second, inspect during the day to locate exterior
structural deficiencies, inside roosting sites (check opposite exit/entry points, wall voids, etc., look for droppings and/or bats), access problems, and to determine equipment needed.
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Minimum personal protective equipment required before entering a bat roost includes a
respirator with HEPA filters, coveralls, heavy leather gloves, bright flashlight, and bump cap.
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is the control method of choice if it is practical and economical.
Bat proofing
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is the only method to keep bats out long term.
Exclusion
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The best time to bat proof is after the bats have left for
hibernation in the autumn and before they return in the spring.
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Summertime bat proofing should only be done after
mid-August to avoid trapping young;
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never batproof from early
May to mid-August.
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Seal all but
1 or 2 exit/entry points and all other holes 3/8" (9 mm) or larger.
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After sealing all but 1 entry points... wait 3-4 days for the bats to adjust. Finally,
seal those remaining holes some evening just after the bats leave for their night feeding.
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An alternate way is to install
one-way bat check valves/cones in the last 1 or 2 entry/exit holes to prevent bat reentry, and then come back several days later to remove the check valves/ cones and seal these last entry/exit holes.
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BATS FIELD GUIDE
If there are just too many potential exit/entry points, installation of
plastic bird netting should be considered.
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The use of _ to repel bats only works in confined spaces, but the odor is usually objectionable and it requires repeated applications.
naphthalene flakes
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can help, but all dark areas must be illuminated to be effective and total control should not be expected.
Bright lights
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have not been found to be effective for repelling bats from structures.
Ultrasonic devices
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is illegal and it may result in an increase in the number of contacts with humans and pets in the vicinity.
Poisoning bats
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On occasion, if 1 or 2 bats enter a structure, open the doors and windows and turn out the lights. The bats will
follow the fresh air currents to the outside.
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If bat control is done, be sure to ULV and/or apply an appropriately labeled residual to the
roost area to help control the bat ectoparasites, such as mites and bat bugs, which will probably be present.
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The customers should be advised of the potential health hazard that accumulated
bat droppings present.
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These droppings can be
left alone with access secured, or they can be professionally decontaminated and removed.
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