Are Bats Dangerous?
Throughout our history as a society, we’ve had an intense fear of bats. Fueled by images of bats in movies, we have come to worry about the flying mammal more than just about any other animal. The reality is that, while not completely harmless, bats don’t pose as much of a threat as other nuisance animals, including raccoons and rats.
THE TRUTH ABOUT BATS
Bats are much more beneficial than other animals and serve an important ecological need. Bats can eat nearly 1,000 insects per hour, including mosquitos. Without bats, our summers here in Florida could be a lot worse. Bats are not prone to attack people. Generally, they look to flee from humans and avoid contact with bigger animals. It’s important to note, that if you do find a bat in your home that wildlife laws in some states prohibit their removal from mid-April to mid-August.
WHY BATS GET INTO YOUR HOME?
Bats, like many animals, are attracted to your home because it provides shelter from predators and inclement weather. It’s a place where they can hibernate or start a colony of bats. Bats can squeeze through a space the size of dime, making it easy for them to enter the home through the soffits or vents. Also, as other animals, bats have a tendency to get into the attic. While there are ways to get the bat out of your house on your own, it’s highly recommended that you hire a company that specializes in bat removal in Fort Myers, FL.
WHAT DANGERS DO BATS POSE?
Generally speaking, bats pose little danger to humans because of their tendency to avoid them. While bats do carry rabies, it’s rare. The real danger with bats involve their feces (guano.) Guano carries the spores of a disease called histoplasmosis. Histoplasmosis is a respiratory disease that can be caught from inhaling the airborne spores dispersed from guano. The disease causes flu-like symptoms and can lead to lung scarring. When guano piles up in an attic or outside the home, you are at risk for histoplasmosis.