Many people assume they have a bed bug outbreak in their home, when in fact, it’s bat mites. Continue reading to learn more about bat mites, including what you need to do to properly clean up an infestation.
Bat mites, also known as bat bugs, are very similar to bed bugs in that they also consume the blood of a host. However, bat mites are a different type of parasite that are caused by a very specific reason; and that reason is a bat infestation.
If you have bat mites in your home, it means that you most likely also have bats. Most bats carry these mites, so if you discover them, you can safely assume there are bats living somewhere in your home as well. If you discover bats in your home, then you can safely assume you will need to resolve a bat mite infestation too.
Bat mites are a problem for many reasons, mostly involving personal comfort and hygiene. They can transfer to other hosts; and when they move from a bat to the rest of the home, they usually survive by feeding off of the blood of humans or pets. This can cause a wide range of skin irritation, including itchiness, bumps, reddening, burning, and more.
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.
Cleaning Up an Infestation
The most effective and fastest method to getting rid of a bat bug outbreak is to first get rid of a bat infestation. Contact a licensed and insured Virginia bat removal and control company for professional inspection, extraction, and exclusion services. This means they will inspect the entire property for bats, remove them using safe and humane methods, close up any possible entry points, and then implement or recommend any environmental modifications to prevent bat activity on your property.
Once you have removed bats, you can then deal with the bat mite infestation. Fortunately, many bat removal businesses also provide full-service clean up and restoration services for damages caused by bats. This includes integrated pest management solutions for bat bugs. They may also be able to provide homeowners’ insurance claim work.