Bat Removal in Salem, Oregon
There are 15 species of bats in Oregon, 8 of which are Conservation Strategy Species. Strategy Species are those having small or declining populations and are at risk. Bats are the only flying mammals and use echolocation to locate their prey. They can fly at speeds of 20 to 30 mph and live for a very long time for such small animals. Oregon’s population of bats is in danger, making them a protected species. Often not meaning to cause harm, people disturb their roosting sites, making the already at-risk bats even more vulnerable. Thus these beneficial and harmless animals have been killed or have been unable to reproduce enough to maintain their numbers.
Bats are one of the most misunderstood animals there are. These mammals play an essential role in pest control and pollination. Recent studies estimate that bats eat enough pests to save more than $1 billion per year in crop damage and pesticide costs in the United States corn industry alone. Bats also feast on mosquitoes, moths, beetles, crickets, and many more insects that may be buzzing around your home.
Bats take refuge in a multitude of locations like trees, caves, bridges, and even your home. In most cases, the bats are lost or confused when they enter your home and will eventually make their way out. However, bats could very possibly be roosting in dark spaces like attics, basements, chimneys, and crawl spaces where they can wreak havoc on your property.
Although bats have their benefits, they can also be a danger to your family and your home. Their droppings, known as guano, are a major health hazard to humans and pets. Piles of guano can accumulate in your home and release spores which can make you very sick. Not only does guano and urine corrode wood and metal, but the weight of all the bat guano can collapse the ceiling below the attic.
Because bats are a protected species, total removal is discouraged. Instead, it is best to exclude them from your home. However, bats can only be evicted from your home from September- May. With so many rules and regulations in place, it is best to leave bat removal to the professionals.
Who Can Remove Bats From My Property?
To remove bats from your home, you need to call a professional. Not only is it dangerous to try to remove a bat in the attic by yourself, but it is also illegal to kill a bat.
All bats are federally protected. It is best to contact a Wildlife Control Specialist to safely and humanely remove bats from chimneys, attics, churches, or any dwelling. Because bat roosting sites are so toxic, following safety practices is extremely important. Leather gloves, a respirator mask, and other personal protectant gear are necessary during the clean-up process. You never want to touch a bat with your bare hands, especially a dead bat. Although a dust mask provides some protection against dust, molds, and insulation fibers, it does not protect against viruses.
What Diseases are Spread by Bats?
Although bats can cause physical damage, the main issue they present is the diseases they can transmit to humans. Often these diseases do not make the animal appear sick but can cause serious illness in humans. Bats are carriers of many infectious agents, including parasites, bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When you share your space with a bat, it is a very real possibility that potentially fatal diseases could be spread and should be addressed.
Histoplasmosis
Histoplasmosis is a respiratory disease that is caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which is found in bat guano. This fungus creates spores that can become airborne and can infect humans just by inhaling them. This disease causes symptoms that are similar to the flu but can also affect vision, hearing, and your heart’s performance. The illness may further develop into a fever, blood abnormalities, pneumonia, and even death.
Rabies
The first symptoms of rabies may be similar to the flu, including weakness or discomfort, fever, or headache. After a rabies exposure, the rabies virus has to travel to the brain before it can cause symptoms. There is a period of time between exposure and when you start presenting symptoms called an incubation period that can take anywhere from weeks to months. Following flu-like symptoms, the affliction can progress to cerebral dysfunction, anxiety, confusion, and agitation. Once symptoms reach this phase, the disease is nearly always fatal.
Not all bats carry the rabies virus, but it is best practice to not put yourself at risk by trying to capture or handle them. Bats do not generally attack humans but may attack if they are threatened, especially if they are rabies or sick. If you or your pet has been bitten by a bat, seek medical assistance immediately.
Bat Prevention Methods
- Get your home inspected by a licensed wildlife control specialist
- Seal entry points to your home
- Perform professional-grade repairs
- Install vent, ridge, and roof guards
- Bat exclusion or release of the bats
Trust Wildlife removal & Pest Control to Solve Your Bat Problem
If you suspect that bats are inhabiting your home, give us a call. We are up to date on all bat regulations and work with state and local authorities to safely and humanely remove bats in the Salem, Oregon area. Contact us online or give us a call at 917-224-7870 today.