Top 3 Most Common Bat Diseases in Virginia

Posted on February 12, 2021 by virginia

Bats can be dangerous to pets and humans. One of the main reasons why this is true has to do with the illnesses and infections that bats can pass along. Bats should be avoided at all costs in order to prevent becoming infected with a harmful disease. Although bats are known carriers of several transmissible diseases and illnesses, the top three most common bat diseases here in Virginia are what you should be concerned about.

Continue reading to learn more about the Rabies Virus, Histoplasmosis, and bat parasites, as well as what to do if you pose a threat of bat encounters on your property.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097 — A Typical Bat Mite (Cimex Hemipterus)

❶ Rabies Virus

This disease is the most common illness associated with bats, especially in Virginia. Not all bats carry rabies, but it is very common for them to be carriers of the disease. This means, no matter what, assume all bats have rabies in the wild. It is never a good idea to take a chance. Rabies has to be treated with a series of shots and injections to prevent further harm. Pets are common victims of bat bites and attacks, and should be given rabies vaccinations at the time of adoption.

❷ Bat Mites

Much less serious than rabies, but still extremely unpleasant, are bat mites, which can carry their own dangerous and infectious diseases themselves. Many people often mistake a case of bat mites for a case of bed bugs. Both infestations produce the same symptoms, itching, rash, small surface bumps. These mites are tiny little parasites that feed on bats. Treatments include aerosol bombs, insecticide treatments, and professional bat exclusion services.

❸ Histoplasmosis

This is a lung disease caused by a fungus named Histoplasma Capsulatum. Bats serve as the host of this fungus, which grows on bat droppings. Overtime, the spores become airborne and travel through the home or building’s ventilation systems. Upon inhalation, the spores can cause serious eye, lung, and other respiratory infections. If you suspect that your home or property has a bat infestation, you may have a Histoplasmosis problem as well. Have the entire vicinity inspected by a professional who retains proper equipment and training to accurately identify bat threats. Cryptococcosis is another possible bat disease that is similar to Histoplasmosis, but more often found in bird droppings.

Where to Get Professional Virginia Bat Removal Service You Can Count On

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 to get rid of bats, or for emergency bat removal in Richmond, VA and all surrounding townships. In fact, our licensed and insured bat control specialists maintain a broad service area to keep up with the continuous demand for reputable bat abatement, and serve all areas of Old Dominion, including Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and much more. We are happy to find the right solutions for your nuisance bat problems that fit your budget. We also perform insurance claim work for attic restorations and cleanup needed after bat damages or an infestation. Request a free quote or bat control advice, anytime.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Can Bat Poop Make Me Sick?

Posted on December 7, 2020 by virginia

Bat poop, referred to as guano, is the organic waste matter produced by bats. When a person spots an area with bat guano accumulation, they can safely suggest there is a bat colony nearby. Bats typically reside in one area, where they eat and produce waste for as long as they inhabit the space. Many homeowners suffer the consequences of bat infestation, mostly due to the mass accumulation of bat guano and droppings in their home.

Continue below to learn why bat guano is unsafe for humans and pets, and more importantly, how to get rid of bat guano in your home or building.

Facts About Bat Guano and Histoplasmosis

Bat guano and bat droppings can be unsafe for humans, especially children. In bat guano, a fungus called Histoplasmosis Capsulatum grows and gives off toxic spores that we inhale in the air. These spores can cause infectious lung diseases like Histoplasmosis, Spelunker’s Lung, Cave Disease, Ohio Valley Disease, Reticuloendotheliosis, and Darling’s Disease.

These illnesses have similar symptoms of the common cold or flu. Cough, fever, sneezing, and difficulty breathing are all signs of Histoplasmosis and other lung diseases. These illnesses are not contagious, but can be easily and unknowingly contracted through inhaling spores in the air of an infested home or building.

Bat Poop Odor and Stain Detection

Many homeowners begin to suspect bat infestation and guano problems with odor and stain detection. A common tell-tale sign of long-term bat intrusion is stained walls and strong odor presence within certain areas of the home. Bat droppings and urine create a very unique smell that experts can detect immediately. It also stains walls a yellowish and sometimes brown-like color.

If a homeowner comes across this situation, it is suggested that they have their home inspected by a professional Virginia bat removal company (not a pest control company) right away. Long-term bat infestation means there is a large accumulation of bat guano in the infested area of the property. If odor is detected, inhalation of Histoplasmosis-causing spores could very well have occurred.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control Services You Can Trust

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. Please request a free estimate or advice, anytime.

Are Bats Dangerous Animals?

Posted on September 11, 2020 by virginia

Bats are one of nature’s most fascinating mammals. Not only do bats consume thousands of insects each night, their guano is an effective fertilizer used in multiple industries around the world. With all of these positive characteristics in tow, what exactly makes a wild bat so dangerous to humans and pets?

Continue reading to better understand why wild bats are dangerous and should be avoided at all costs by humans and domesticated animals.

Wild Bats Transmit Disease

There are various infectious diseases that bats can contract or carry. These diseases are all hazardous to human and pet immune systems. Bats are known to be carriers of the Rabies virus, Histoplasmosis, Leptospirosis, and even Salmonella. All of these infections can be transferred, transmitted, and passed along to humans and pets; and they are all potentially fatal if left untreated.

? Rabies

Rabies is a very well-known disease to the public. This infection is often associated with rabid dogs, raccoons, and rats; however, the truth is, bats are common carriers of the Rabies virus as well. A simple bat bite is all it takes to transfer saliva and bacteria into a person’s blood stream. Some bats are so tiny, a person or pet cannot even tell they were bitten. Once signs of illness begin to show, it is imperative to seek medical attention immediately if a person has been bitten or had contact with a wild bat.

Rabies affects the brain and nervous system, eventually causing death if untreated. Humans are required to get a series of painful shots to eliminate the threat of spreading the virus. Pets, on the other hand, are difficult to save once they become infected. The virus is often times unpredictable because its incubation stages can differ drastically. It can incubate in humans’ weeks and months before showing signs of contagion.

? Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is a disease that affects the upper respiratory system. It is caused by the fungus Histoplasma Capsulatum, which occurs naturally in warm, moist climates. It is widely spread by bat guano and other animal droppings. To become infected, the spores simply have to be inhaled. Common victims of this illness are homeowners with bat infestation problems, or miners and people that work underground or in cavernous environments. Treatment is available and death is entirely avoidable; however, if left untreated, it can be quite devastating to whoever becomes infected.

? Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is another common and potentially fatal infection carried and passed on by wild bats. IT is a bacterial disease that is spread through bodily fluids, usually urine. It is contracted the same way as Histoplasmosis, and usually by people in similar vocations, such as miners, meat workers, farmers, and veterinarians. It is also fatal if left untreated, but it is easily treatable if caught in the early stages.

? Mites and Parasites

Aside from the above-mentioned diseases, bats can spread a wide range of parasites, such as lice, ticks, fleas, and mites. Although not fatal, these outbreaks can be quite uncomfortable, unhygienic, and difficult to eliminate. Parasites like these are very common, and they grow at incredibly fast rates. If such outbreaks are not managed efficiently, it can take a lot of time, money, and construction to resolve. Practically all bat infestations cause some kind of parasitic outbreak, most often, bat mites. See our blog, “Is a Bat Mite the Same Thing as a Bed Bug?” to learn how to distinguish bat mites from similar pests.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control Near You

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 when you need prompt and professional Virginia bat removal and control you can afford. They serve all of Virginia, including Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and all of their surrounding areas.

Do Bats Have Lice?

Posted on January 31, 2020 by virginia

When it comes to finding a bat infestation within your home or building, one of your first concerns, aside from structural damage, is health. Are bats diseased? Do they spread contagious illnesses or parasites? The answers to these questions are very important, mostly because they are true. Fortunately, there are safe and effective remedies for cleaning up after a bat infestation, so long as you choose the right provider for the job.

Continue reading to learn which diseases and health threats bat infestations can pose to humans and pets, as well as, how to resolve one as soon as possible.

Bat Diseases

By far, the most stigmatized disease surrounding bats is Rabies. Although bats are known carriers of the deadly virus, it does not mean that all bats are actually infected. If they are infected, bats can spread the virus to both humans and other animals through blood, mucus, or saliva. Because the virus attacks the central nervous system, there is no cure, making it 100% fatal. For this reason, it is vital to keep pets properly vaccinated. If you find a dead, injured, or abandoned bat on your property, see our blog, “What To Do If You Find a Bat” for proper instructions.

Aside from the Rabies virus, bats can spread a wide range of parasites, such as lice, ticks, fleas, and mites. Although not fatal, these outbreaks can be quite uncomfortable, unhygienic, and difficult to eliminate. Parasites like these are very common, and they grow at incredibly fast rates. If such outbreaks are not managed efficiently, it can take a lot of time, money, and construction to resolve. Practically all bat infestations cause some kind of parasitic outbreak, most often, bat mites. See our blog, “Is a Bat Mite the Same Thing as a Bed Bug?” to learn how to distinguish bat mites from similar pests.

Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is a not an illness that is spread by infected bats, but rather, a result of an on-going bat infestation. Histoplasmosis is a serious lung infection that is caused by over-exposure to fungal spores that grow on bat droppings (guano). These Histoplasma capsulatum fungal spores develop on bat guano, and then become airborne. Upon inhalation, pets and people can become infected. Some people may experience more severe complications if it spreads to other parts of the body, known as Disseminated Histoplasmosis. It is especially serious for those with suppressed immune systems, such as babies and elderly folk.

Virginia Bat Removal and Cleanup Services

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 if you have bats in the attic or other area of your home. Our licensed and insured bat removal and control professionals offer full-service bat extraction and exclusion, as well as, comprehensive cleanup and restoration for bat damages. We serve all of Richmond, Virginia and its surrounding counties. Request a free estimate or advice, today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bat Removal and Control

Posted on April 20, 2018 by virginia

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Bats are an incredible species of mammal, and we are lucky to have them as a part of our surrounding eco-system. Their high metabolic needs and diverse diets significantly impact our ecological communities by playing a vital role in pollination, seed dispersion, crop fertilization, insect control, protozoan hosting, ecotourism industries, and more. But where there are advantages, there are also disadvantages.

You see, no matter how wonderful bats are to our environment, they are not the most desirable house guests to have. Nuisance bats are a common problems for both residential and commercial property owners, as they cause a large amount of stress and destruction, and pose a long list of health concerns and safety risks.

For this reason, it is important to treat a nuisance bat problem early on, before you are faced with a bigger one later on. The longer bats roost in a property, the more damage they will cause, which will require more time and labor to resolve. If you suspect that you might have a nuisance bat issue in or around your home, it is helpful to learn the basics surrounding bat removal and control. This may give you some direction and an idea of what to expect if you have bats in the attic or other area of your property.

Continue reading to review some frequently asked questions and answers about bat removal and control to get started.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

Do Bats Have Dangerous Diseases?

Bats are known carriers of the Rabies virus, but that does not mean that all bats are infected with rabies. Bats can be carriers, but not be infected. However, they can transmit the virus to another animal via their saliva or blood. The only way to accurately confirm that a bat is infected with rabies is to have their blood tested by a wildlife laboratory professional. Other than rabies, bats can pose several other health risks. Their guano can pose several bio-hazards, but largely, it can produce fungal spores that can cause a respiratory disease called Histoplasmosis, which is transmitted via inhalation. Furthermore, they can carry a wide range of parasites like lice, bat mites, and more.

How Can I Tell if I Have Bats in the House?

There are several distinct indications that bats are active in or around your property. Common signs include peculiar sounds coming from the attic area, walls, ceiling, or roof. In these same areas, you can also look for yellow and brown stains that come from bat urine and droppings. This is another common sign of a large bat infestation. A very telling signs is smelling foul odors from these particular areas. This often indicates an infestation as well.

Seeing piles of bat guano around windows, doors, or other areas of your property is another telling sign that bats are present. You can differentiate bat guano apart from other animal droppings because it looks crumbled and black, and typically contains bits of digested insects. You will commonly find guano in attics, on roofs, and around window seals. Also, if you see bats swarming or flying near your home or roof, you can definitely assume that they are tampering with your home.

Will a Bat Attack Me?

You must understand that bats are more scared of you than you are of them. They are tiny and vulnerable little creatures, and all they want in life is a dark, cozy shelter and a buffet of flying insects. So if you encounter one, whether on your property, in your house, or in nature, it is very unlikely that it will attack you. The only reason a bat might attack a human or pet is if it is rabid, dying, sick, or with it’s young, and it is provoked in some way. This is why dogs seem to get the brunt of all reported bat bites. If you see a bat, do not try to touch, catch, or harm it. If you follow these rules, a bat will likely never attack you.

What Do I Do If There is a Bat in the House?

If you find a bat in your house, do not do anything to provoke it or make it more nervous. Simply acting nervous yourself can startle a scared bat. Here’s what to do instead: First, you need to contact a licensed bat control company for emergency bat removal service. Next, you can try to isolate the bat to one area of the home. So if it is in the bedroom, simply shut the door and leave one all the windows open to encourage the bat to fly outside. Leave the room like this until our bat control specialists arrive.

Where Can I Find Trusted Bat Removal and Control in Virginia?

Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097

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 today for a free estimate.