Owners of residential and commercial buildings in Ewing frequently find that they are the victims of a big brown bat infestation. With the potential to cause massive damage to property and make people seriously ill, it is always a good idea to act quickly when these creatures roost in a man-made structure.
However, big brown bats are not the same as other pests that find a way to get inside buildings. Although bats do not belong indoors, they are a desirable species. Primarily, this is because this species and others all eat copious amounts of bugs. Thanks to this natural form of pest control, people have to deal with far fewer pests.
Additionally, big brown bats and other bat species are endangered. This has led local and state governments to pass laws and ordinances that are aimed at the protection of these animals. In accordance with these restrictions, exterminators and others are not permitted to kill or otherwise harm these animals.
People who do find big brown bats nesting in an attic or chimney are encouraged to contact a licensed pest management professional as soon as possible. These knowledgeable professionals are trained to deal with bat infestations in a manner that is at once humane and safe. Essentially, the bats will be allowed to leave the roost, and equipment will be installed to prevent their ability to return.
Such measures may only be put in place at certain times of the year as it is imperative to ensure that no babies are abandoned in the roost. It is restrictions such as these that make it unwise for people to attempt big brown bat control without professional assistance. Doing so may lead the property owner to break the law and risk repercussions.
Relying on a professional also ensures that the formerly infested space can be thoroughly cleaned and repaired before being put back into use.
WHAT DO
BIG BROWN
BATS LOOK LIKE?
Big brown bats are not especially large at lengths of four or five inches, but this size does make them the largest bats in the area. They have an impressive wingspan of just over one foot. The big brown bat is almost uniformly dark brown in color including its fur, ears, tail, face and wing membranes. The fur may appear glossy and smooth. Sometimes, the big brown bat's underside is gray rather than brown. Other identifying characteristics include rounded ears, a wide noise and large, fleshy lips.
WHAT DO
BIG BROWN
BATS EAT?
Their diet is what makes the big brown bat such a desirable species here and elsewhere. That is because these bats eat huge amounts of flies, mosquitoes, gnats, wasps, beetles and other pests. Many of the insect species that bats seem to prefer rely heavily on water. Accordingly, properties that have bodies of water or that are plagued by drainage issues are more likely to have a good supply of food and a large bat population.
WHERE DO
BIG BROWN
BATS LIVE?
Found across North and South America, the big brown bat can live in just about any environment. The area around Ewing is particularly attractive because it is relatively mild compared to other places.
Normally, a big brown bat will rotate the use of two or three roosts. Each one serves a purpose, with roosts being designated for use during the day, at night and during hibernation.
The natural roosting habitat for the big brown bat is a cave, but members of the species may be discovered nesting in a rock pile or a pile of lumber or firewood. Buildings can provide ideal conditions as they may boast several places that are dark and quiet. The most likely places to find bats in buildings include chimneys, fireplaces, attics and wall voids. Only a very small opening is required to let big brown bats come inside.
It further is possible that these bats will suspend themselves from the overhangs, eaves and shutters on a building. This may not seem as worrisome, but there is still cause for concern. Bat guano is incredibly toxic, and it will damage the exterior of the building.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY
BIG BROWN
BATS
These insect eating pollinators are overall a beneficial species. However, that only holds as long as the big brown bats are not roosting inside a man-made structure. When they do so, property damage is certain to follow.
An unusually high concentration of uric acid is found in the big brown bat's urine and feces. All of the common construction materials such as masonry, wood and brick can be heavily damaged by this uric acid. Unless the infestation is addressed soon after it begins, the damage can be widespread and difficult to repair.
The openings through which big brown bats enter and leave the building also may be significantly damaged with staining and bat guano, resulting in additional repairs being required.
ARE
BIG BROWN
BATS AGGRESSIVE?
These nocturnal creatures are shy of people and would prefer to avoid any encounters. Nonetheless, such confrontations do occur, and it is wise for people to be prepared for such an eventuality.
Most close encounters between people and big brown bats happen when the bats accidentally enter the portions of a building that are occupied by people. It is critical to remain calm in such an event. Simply open all of the exterior doors and windows to help the bat find its way outdoors.
DO
BIG BROWN
BATS CARRY DISEASE?
People are right to be concerned about the potential for becoming ill from a big brown bat infestation. Some of these animals are infected with rabies, so people are encouraged to seek medical help anytime they have been in close proximity with bats. The teeth and claws on bats are so tiny that it is not always possible for people to detect when they have been wounded.
While rabies may be transmitted to people by bats, Histoplasmosis is a more frequent concern. This fungal infection of the lungs is caused by exposure to a certain fungus that is commonly present in bat guano. If bats have been roosting in a residential or commercial building, it is imperative that all traces of this habitation be cleaned away so that the structure's human occupants are no longer in danger.
HOW TO DETECT
BIG BROWN
BATS
Signs of big brown bats issue include:
• Staining and bat guano around holes or cracks in the building's exterior • A strong smell like ammonia is detected indoors • Sounds of scratching and squeaking are heard behind walls • Attic vents exhibit damage
HOW TO PREVENT
BIG BROWN
BATS
To help prevent big brown bat problems the following steps should be taken:
• Make certain that all chimneys are equipped with caps • Have an exterminator take care of insect problems • Fix problems with standing water and plumbing leaks • Cover up or otherwise eliminate possible entrances in the building's exterior
HOW TO TREAT FOR BATS
Bat control can be complicated and potentially dangerous involving many procedures that are governed by state law. A licensed pest management professional should always be consulted to ensure safe and proper bat removal, decontamination, and prevention.
