One of nature’s most misunderstood creatures is the bat. We immediately liken them to vampires or disease-ridden flying rodents, but is this actually the case? We at One Man and a Lady Bug always strive to leave our customers with peace of mind when it comes to removing pests, but what if some of those “pests” were actually beneficial to the environment? Here’s what you need to know about bats and why they’re not be as pesky as we think!
It’s a common misconception that bats are terrible pests that must be eradicated immediately because they carry rabies. While they are one of North America’s most susceptible mammals to the rabies virus, it’s not possible for bats to harbour the virus without also being very ill themselves. It’s quite apparent when a bat is sick as it alters its behaviour dramatically. Being out during daylight hours, flying recklessly, or simply being immobilized on the ground are signs that the bat is probably suffering from the disease. The most common way that a bat transfers the virus to a human is improper handling of the animal or it’s droppings. If you find a bat showing these abnormal signs, do not approach it or handle it with your bare hands! Call a pest control expert or contact your local fish and wildlife department for assistance.
Contrary to popular belief, simply being in the presence of a bat does not mean you’re in impending danger. It just means you’re around a little critter that likes to eat insects! Bats are not aggressive towards people unless they’ve contracted the rabies virus and even then it’s very uncommon for a bat to come after you. And bats can be very beneficial! Did you know that one little bat can consume upwards of 6,000 insects a night?
If given the chance, bats can help with insect control in more urban areas too! While you’re more likely to contract rabies from a raccoon or a fox, it’s important to respect that bats are wild animals. Though they’re helpful when it comes to mosquito consumption, they still need their space. If you suspect that a bat has invaded your space, such as your attic or chimney, don’t hesitate to call your local fish and wildlife department to help you safely remove the little guy! If you aren’t sure where to start, give us a call at 403.262.1666 and we’d be happy to point you in the right direction.
If you’re dealing with rodents that don’t have wings, we’re here to help you discourage them from becoming your new roommates. We at One Man and a Lady Bug are passionate about keeping your home and office free of furry friends!
