Fantastic Bat Facts for Kids!

Posted on June 28, 2019 by virginia

Children shouldn’t be afraid of bats! Bats serve a highly valuable ecological importance in our surrounding environments, and positive contribution to our local economies. So, don’t let kids be afraid of bats; instead, help get them on the same team by eliminating their fears and anxieties forever.

Start with these fascinating bat facts just for kids!

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

? There are over 1000 different bat species.

? Bats are mammals.

? Bats are the only mammal that can fly. Other mammals just soar, float, or drift on air currents.

? Bats are nocturnal, which means they are awake and active between sunset and sunrise, while you are asleep.

? Bats can to be 20 year old and older.

? The smallest species of bat is called the Kitti’s Hog-Nosed bat, and it is about the size of a bumblebee!

? The largest species of bat are called Flying Foxes, and they can get as big as a bicycle!

? Bats are not blind! But they do use a sonar skill called echolocation to improve their flying and hunting accuracy.

? Mother bats give birth to one single baby each year. Baby bats are called pups.

? Bats are insectivores, which means they eat bugs; mostly flying ones like mosquitoes, gnats, and moths.

? A single bat can eat more than its own body weight in insects each night. That’s around 1,000 mosquitoes!

? Bats are nature’s pest control because they eat so many mosquitoes.

? Bats live in caves, hollowed trees, abandoned mines, and inside large rock crevices.

? Most bats live in large colonies. Some colonies have hundreds of thousands of bats!

? There are 3 species of bat that eat blood, but they only target cows, horses, and pigs.

Admire Bats at a Distance

Although bats are incredible and important animals, it is very important to NEVER attempt to touch, trap, harm, or kill a bat under any circumstances. Not only might they have diseases and parasites that can be harmful to you, the interaction can be harmful to them too. Always admire bats at a distance, and never get too close. See our blog, “How to Safely Support Local Bat Colonies” to learn how to do your part without jeopardizing your safety or theirs.

Where to Get Safe, Non-Lethal Bat Control Service

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane bat removal and control assistance in Old Dominion. We serve all of Virginia with 24 hour bat removal, as well as, numerous residential and commercial bat exclusion services, such as bat cleanup and restorations for bat damages. We even provide insurance work! Contact us at 804-729-9097 to request a free estimate, anytime.

How Much Does Bat Removal and Control Cost?

Posted on November 20, 2018 by virginia

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Every case of nuisance bat infestation or activity is different, making it nearly impossible to provide exact quotes for an entire bat removal and control project without an on-site inspection. The most important thing you need to know is that bats are incredibly destructive, which means that the longer you wait to get rid of them, the more costly damages they will cause to your property.

So regardless of concerns about budget and cost, the most lucrative course of action for all cases is to remove bats as soon as you know they are a problem. Otherwise, you can face extensive, long-term damages that end up costing you more than what it would have cost to get rid of bats in the first place.

Average Expected Costs

The cost for bat removal and control services can vary dramatically depending on the severity of the damage and a wide range of additional factors. Minor cases can swing on the lower side, between $75 and $500, while extensive damage and renovations can cost upwards of $2,000 or more. IF a home requires reroofing, siding repair, drywall work, and other extensive renovations, costs can increase even higher. Some home owners’ insurance policies cover the cost of renovation for bat infestations, so be sure to check with your particular policy.

Trusted and Affordable Bat Abatement

Fortunately, bat removal and control can be affordable, and can fit your budget when you act fast. All you have to do is trust the right bat abatement company. Here at Virginia Bat Removal, we set ourselves apart from local competitors by offering superior client support and maintaining economy-based prices. Our concentrated and scientifically-proven wildlife abatement techniques result in permanent solutions to nuisance bats 100% of the time. This means our licensed and insured professionals deliver the best long-term value for the financial investment you put into your property. Furthermore, all of our wildlife abatement services come with a written guarantee (the longest in Virginia), making our clients feel confident in the work we do.

Licensed and Insured Professionals

We offer a long list of residential and commercial services, including bat removal, bat control, bat cleanup and restoration, inspections, estimates, and much more. We also provide emergency service and can even work with your homeowners’ insurance company to repair damages caused by bats. With more than 27 combined years of hands-on experience and a strong dedication to outstanding service, you too will feel confident that our licensed and insured bat control professionals can eliminate your nuisance wildlife problem within a time frame that is convenient for you, and at a price you can afford.

Contact Us Today

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 to receive a basic, over-the-phone quote for bat removal and control assistance in Old Dominion. From there, we can schedule a time to perform an on-site, full property inspection, and then provide an accurate estimate for our services. We serve both residential and commercial properties throughout Virginia, including Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and all of their surrounding areas.

Is a Bat Mite the Same Thing as a Bed Bug?

Posted on October 19, 2018 by virginia

When you have a bat infestation in your home, there are a lot of consequences that can result. Not only do bats leave behind a disastrous mess of droppings, debris, and structural damage, they also pose health and safety risks as common carriers of several infectious diseases. Aside from disease and infection, many property owners tend to forget about the pests associated with bat infestations.

You see, bats also spread a wide range of parasites and more, such as fleas, ticks, lice, and most commonly, bat mites. As for the ladder, there is much confusion on what a bat mite is, and whether or not it is simply a bed bug. This is perfectly understandable since the two are virtually identical at first glance.

Continue reading to learn the difference between the two pests, and what you need to do about them.

Bat Mite

Bat Mites vs. Bed Bugs

Although they have several similarities, bat mites are not the same as bed bugs. They look the same, and even produce the same irritating problems, but they are two different pests. It is a common occurrence for homeowners to think they have a bed bug problem, when it’s actually bat bugs. Just like bed bugs, bat bugs will feed on mammalian hosts. However, they do not stick to their host like bed bugs do. Instead, they lie and wait for the right time to feed; and when they are done, they detach.

Bat mites are very similar to bed bugs, which is why they are commonly mistaken for one another. Bed bugs leave little bites that cause an itchy, burning rash. They typically dwell in bed sheets and other warm areas of a home. Bat mites are carried on bats themselves and move about by jumping and leaping from their host. If your children are waking up with little bites in their skin after a night of sleeping, do not rule out bed bugs right away.

What To Do If You Find BED BUGS

If you find bat mites or bed bugs, start by vacuuming the carpet. Then wash all the sheets, clothes, and rugs in the surrounding area. If this does not solve the problem, then bat mites could be the culprit. Have your home inspected by a professional to see if there are any signs of bats living near or on your property.

If there are no bats, perhaps you have an allergy situation on your hands, or you have not yet eradicated the bed bug infestation. In this case, you may need professional pest extermination services. Regardless of which pest you have in your home, you will need immediate pest integration management to resolve the issue before it can become out of control.

Bat Mite Extermination

Keep in mind that, as long as their host remains, bat bugs will also remain, and continue to come back over and over again. No matter how many times your home is fumigated, sprayed, or cleaned, bat mites won’t go away permanently until you get rid of the bats first. Contact a licensed Virginia bat removal and control company for professional bat exclusion. They can also provide bat cleanup and restoration services, including integrated pest management and decontamination.

Treating Bat Bug Bites

Bat mite bites can be treated with simple, over-the-counter remedies, such as skin creams, antihistamines, and lotions. They can also be treated with prescription medications and ointments under the supervision of a family doctor. The type of treatment required depends on the severity of the reaction. If a pet such as a dog or cat shows signs of skin irritations, it is important to take them to their vet clinic for professional examination and treatment.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

The Ecological Importance of Bats

Posted on August 10, 2018 by virginia

Although many would consider them to be a frightening pest, bats are incredibly important to our surrounding environments. Not only do bats play an important environmental role around the world, their diets and behaviors have also provided mankind with several benefits as well.

Continue reading to learn the true ecological importance of bats, including how they positively impact our land and our lives.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Insect Control and Farming Benefits

Microchiroptera (microbats) are insectivores, meaning they primarily feed on insects such as mosquitoes, flies, gnats, moths, grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, termites, and even wasps. A single microbe that can consume more than 1000 insects in just one night. Multiply that number times the quantity about populations in a community, and you have yourself a built-in pest control system, free of charge at the courtesy of bats.

They feed heavily on our local insect populations every night, allowing us to have more comfortable backyard living areas, more enjoyable outdoor fun and activity, and less spread of disease and crop mutilation. In terms of reduced crop mutilation, you can also give bats credit for supporting our local economies among farmers, vendors, and consumers. Farmers have also been known to use bat droppings, also called “guano”, to fertilize their land and grow their crops. In fact, guano mining is a significant enterprise in the agricultural industry, worldwide.

Pollination and Seed Dispersal

Megachiroptera (megabats) are frugivorous, meaning they primarily feed on the pollen and nectar of fruits and flowers. This diet behavior provides a significant benefit ecologically and agriculturally by means of pollination and seed dispersal. Not only does the action of acquiring the nectar and pollen from plants promote cross-fertilization, the act of digesting and eliminating their food greatly supports seed dispersion of other plants and flowers, especially fruiting trees in the tropics. On a side note, some cultures around the world eat fruit bats, making them a means of nutrition.

Medicine

Currently, vampire bat species are an important focus in the medical research industry because their saliva contains an anticoagulant protein called “Desmoteplase” that researchers speculate can be used as medicine for stroke patients and blood clot prevention in humans.

Ecotourism

Many wildlife preserves that house species of bats are popular attractions for tourists and travelers around the world. The enterprise of ecotourism brings money into communities, thus supporting the local economy and the preservation of local wildlife and that species.

If Bats are a Problem

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

7 Things You Should Never Do If You Have Bats

Posted on July 19, 2018 by virginia

If you have bats in or around the house, there are some important facts you need to know. These facts will protect you, your occupants, your home, and the bats. Continue reading to learn what you SHOULD NEVER do if you have a nuisance bat problem on your property, as well as, what you SHOULD DO for a safe and humane solution.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

❶ NEVER Touch, Handle, or Provoke Bats

Bats are known carriers of several infectious diseases that can affect both people and pets. And although they are not likely to attack or bite unless provoked or ill, you still run the risk of being bitten or scratched by a bat if you attempt to disturb them in any way. They also tend to have lice and mites, which are also transmissible to people and pets. It is important to never touch or provoke a bat under any circumstances.

❷ NEVER Attempt to Trap, Capture, Harm, or Kill Bats

Not only is it unethical, immoral, and inhumane to trap or kill bats, it is illegal under most circumstances. Bats are protected species, and there are laws that prohibit handling, transporting, or domesticating bats without the proper licensing and permits. Never try to harm or kill a bat. Remember, they are not your enemy and you are not their enemy!

❸ NEVER Call the Local Dog Pound to Get Rid of Bats

A dog catcher is not the answer to a nuisance bat problem, so do not waste your time calling them for help. They only deal with stray dogs and cats, and will simply refer you to a local wildlife rescue and rehabilitation company who specializes in bat removal and control services.

❹ NEVER Rely On Local Animal Control Services to Help

For the same reasons a local dog catcher won’t be any help, you should never rely on the county or city animal control department to solve your bat problem. Not only are they under-staffed and overworked, they do not have the proper resources and training to abate and relocate bats. They may tell you they will get around to it, but their case loads are so full, it is not likely to happen any time soon.

❺ NEVER Tamper or Disrupt Their Bat Droppings (Guano)

Bat droppings (guano) can be highly toxic, especially for elderly folk, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. Guano commonly grows a fungus called Histoplasmosis Capsulatum, which emits toxic spores into the air. Upon inhalation and exposure, these spores can cause an infectious lung disease called Histoplasmosis, which is also known as Spelunker’s Lung, Cave Disease, Ohio Valley Disease, Reticuloendotheliosis, and Darling’s Disease.

❻ NEVER Seal Up Their Entry and Exits Points to the House

Bat abatement and proofing methods are very complex. The process requires proper equipment, knowledge, training, permits, and experience. Not only is it unsafe for you and the bats, immediately sealing up bat openings is not the proper procedure for bat removal and control. There are several other steps that come first in order to protect the bats and the house, and to ensure long-term results.

❼ NEVER Settle for Living With a Bat Problem

Not only are bats unsafe to have around your loved ones and pets, they are destructive to your property. Never settle for living with a bat problem, because there is no reason you have to! Contact a licensed Virginia bat removal and control company for expert bat abatement and exclusion services you can trust.

What You SHOULD DO Instead…

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 when you need prompt and professional Virginia bat removal and control you can afford. We use safe and humane methods to deliver effective 24 hour bat control for residential and commercial properties throughout Virginia. We serve all of Virginia, including Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and all of their surrounding areas.

What Happens to Bats After Bat Removal?

Posted on June 20, 2018 by virginia

Nuisance bats can be a big problem for property owners. They can cause a wide range of structural damages, and can even pose several health risks to people and pets. Fortunately, there are qualified wildlife rescue and control companies that specialize in safe and humane bat removal. They will extract nuisance bats, non-lethally of course, and then bat-proof your property to prevent future infestations. They may even be able to perform cleanup and restoration services for the leftover bat damages, including excrement removal, decontamination, and minor structural repairs (i.e. attic insulation, drywall, floorboards, odor management, etc.).

But once a wildlife control company removes bats, what do they do with them? Continue reading to learn more about the industry practices for bat rehabilitation and relocation.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Where Do Bats Go?

When a licensed and insured wildlife removal and control company arrives to remove a bat, they come fully equipped with everything they need to keep the bat safe and comfortable. They carry a bat rescue kit that contains items like a small escape-proof cage lined with bedding, 1cc syringes loaded with a sodium lactate solution (Ringer’s®) to keep the bat hydrated, meal worms for juvenile or adult bats, leather gloves, an extendable pole, and cloths for wrapping the bat up to be carried to its cage.

Once the wildlife control operator has the bat safely in its transport cage, they transfer it to a wildlife rehabilitation laboratory to be screened for CNS rabies symptoms. Once the bat has been cleared of Rabies, it is time to relocate it to a safe and faraway habitat where it can live out the remainder of its life, peacefully and protected.

DIY Bat Removal is Not an Option

Those with a nuisance wild animal control permit are the only individuals authorized to extract, transport, and relocate bats. They operate their business within accepted industry standards and best practices, and in accordance with local, state, and federal laws that govern wildlife. Here are some laws you should know about before you attempt to deal with nuisance bats on your own:

In Virginia it is illegal to:

1) Transport, release, or relocate a bat anywhere other than the property it was caught on. (4VAC15-30-50)

2) Poison any animal (including bat) other than rats and mice on your property. (4VAC15-40-50)

According to the Endangered Species Act, it is a Federal offense to “harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct” any endangered or threatened species.”

Furthermore…

Out of the 16 common species of bat in Virginia, there are 3 species that are Federally-endangered and protected under the Endangered Species Act. These species include the Gray bat (Myotis grisescens), Indiana bat (Myotis Soladis), and Virginia Big-Eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus).

If you find a bat in the house with multiple occupants (especially children), the Virginia Department of Health strongly encourages to have the bat tested for Rabies. But do not panic; less than ½ of 1% of all bats carry the Rabies virus.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097