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Bat Clean-up



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Pro Bat Removal
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Raptor Center Rehibilition
MN Department of Health
MN Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
Rabies and Bats

There are seven different species of bats in Minnesota. Four of them (Little Brown Myotis, Northern Myotis, Big Brown Bat, and Eastern Pipistrelle) form colonies or groups and can infest your homes or other buildings.

The other three are pretty much solitary bats, feeding and living in forested areas and generally do not bother humans and their homes.

All of Minnesota bats feed on insects such as beetles, moths, flies, and mosquitoes, etc. Bats mate in fall and winter, giving birth to young in April through July. Young bats grow very vast and can fly within three weeks.

Signs of bat infestation in your home:

• Squeaking, scratching, or crawling sounds in your walls or attic
• Dead bats found in your home
• Bat droppings inside of house, in the attic, or walls, etc.
• Seeing bats fly away from your home at dusk
• Strong urine smell, especially on hot days
• See more images in our Bat Removal Photo Gallery

During this inspection A-1 Wildlife Control will determine what species of bats the house has, what type of roost they have, what physical building flaws we need to correct, and when we can schedule the work. From this inspection we can determine what the costs will be to bat proof the building. Exclusion can be very time consuming on large buildings or on those having a great many openings, but most houses that are in good condition can be bat proofed for a lot less.

In addition, and due to health concerns, A-1 Wildlife Control will consult with you if bat waste clean-up is necessary, such as removal and replacement of insulation due to urine and droppings (feces) saturation.

Permanent exclusion is the best way to remove bats. First, all entry points must be located and repaired; then one way exclusion devices my be installed, allowing existing bats in your home to leave. Once all bats are gone, exclusion devices are removed and remaining holes repaired.

Health Concerns
Because they are mammals, bats can carry rabies. This danger, however, is very minor. Of the sick bats that are brought in for testing, 1/2 of 1% are tested positive for the rabies virus. However, to be safe, never handle bats with bare hands and follow the Minnesota Department of Health guidelines for bat exposure.

Histoplasmosis is another disease associated with some bat colonies. The disease is caused by inhalation of spores or fragments of the naturally occurring fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. This fungus is most frequently found in soil and areas enriched by excreta from bats and birds (especially pigeons and starlings).  Human infections occur through the breathing dust that contains the spores. Some infections produce flu-like symptoms, but many infections in humans produce no symptoms or distress.


Parasites
Like all mammals bats may harbor fleas, mites, or ticks. Most of these bat parasites are highly host specific.