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