When big brown bats begin roosting in buildings in Levittown, problems inevitably ensue. Although this species is beneficial to the environment, they can cause significant structural damage.
Big brown bats are protected by numerous government rules and regulations because they are prolific pollinators and because they eat large amounts of insects. This means that exterminators and property owners must act with caution when big brown bat infestations occur.
Pest management professionals go to great lengths to protect this vital species. Accordingly, when they receive notice that big brown bats are roosting in a residence or a commercial building, they do not plan to destroy the animals. Instead, they look for safe and efficient ways to allow the bats out of the building while also preventing them from returning to their indoor roost.
Once the bats have left the building, the pest management professional begins cleaning up the mess that the animals left behind. This may involve repairs to woodwork and other building components as bat waste products can cause these materials to decay.
With cleanup and repairs complete, the property owner no longer has to worry about the damage that may be caused by big brown bat infestations.
WHAT DO BIG BROWN
BATS LOOK LIKE?
Measuring between four and five inches, the big brown bat is the largest bat species in the region. Its wingspan stretches to approximately 12 to 14 inches, and the wing membranes, face, tail and ears all are black or dark brown. Similarly, the bat's body is covered in dark brown fur that may appear glossy. These bats may have lighter gray fur on their bellies. Experts may identify this species based on the fleshy lips, broad nose and rounded ears.
WHAT DO
BIG BROWN
BATS EAT?
Many pest insects that annoy people are regularly consumed by big brown bats. These species may include wasps, gnats, mosquitoes, beetles and flies. Many of the insects that big brown bats eat have aquatic or semi-aquatic lifestyles, which means that more bats may be found in areas where there is a river, pond, stream or problems with standing water.
WHERE DO
BIG BROWN
BATS LIVE?
Big brown bats are a thriving species that may be found virtually everywhere in North and South America. Adaptable to a variety of climates and landscapes, it is possible to find this beneficial species in an array of settings.
At any given time, big brown bats may utilize two or three roosts. These roosts each serve a specific purpose. One is for daytime roosting, another for nighttime roosting and a third for roosting during hibernation. Suitable roosting habitat may include caves, a woodpile or a rock pile. Man-made structures provide ideal habitat for roosting as long as they promise dark, quiet and seclusion. Attics, chimneys and fireplaces all are likely roosting spots. As long as there is even a small opening or crack in a building exterior, big brown bats will try to get indoors.
Even if they do not come inside, big brown bats may hang from the eaves or shutters of a building. While this may not seem hazardous, corrosive bat waste can still cause problems on exterior surfaces, and the bats may be seeking a way to come indoors.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY
BIG BROWN
BATS
By controlling insect populations and pollinating a wide selection of flowers and plants, the big brown bat is a desirable species within Levittown's ecosystem. However, it is preferable if these animals do not rely on man-made structures to provide them with shelter.
Bats have unusually high concentrations of uric acid in their urine and feces. When these waste products come into contact with materials like wood, brick, clay and masonry, they can cause building materials to begin to decay with alarming speed. Until the waste products are completely removed, they will continue to eat away at the building's structure. Bat infestations of longer standing may necessitate extensive repairs to address the damage.
Additional damage may be centered around the opening that the bats were using as an entrance to the building. It is common for these entrances to be contaminated with bat droppings that also need to be removed.
ARE
BIG BROWN
BATS AGGRESSIVE?
While big brown bats are aggressive hunters, these skills are used only on insects. Bats tend to fear and avoid people, which is appropriate for ensuring the survival of the species.
Nonetheless, many people are made uneasy by the idea of living or working with bats in close proximity. The reality is that most people will never have a close encounter with a bat. If they do, it generally occurs when a bat mistakenly comes into a portion of a building that is occupied by people.
Rather than swatting at the bat or looking for other ways to get it outdoors, it is recommended that people simply open up exterior doors and windows to enable the bat to use its echolocation abilities to find its way outdoors.
DO
BIG BROWN
BATS CARRY DISEASE?
This may be the thing that people fear the most about all bats. While it is good news that rates of rabies infections in bats are lower than most people realize, it also is true that it is virtually impossible to tell whether or not a particular animal is infected with this disease without capturing the bat and testing it.
This means that anyone who has been in a room with a bat or otherwise came into physical contact with a bat would be wise to seek immediate medical attention. Because the bat's teeth and claws and so small and extremely sharp, it is possible for them to wound a person without the victim being aware of it. Without immediate medical tests, the victim might develop odd symptoms weeks or months later that will need to be addressed and may be more difficult to treat.
A more common health risk associated with big brown bats is a fungal lung infection called Histoplasmosis. This disease arises from exposure to a fungus in bat excrement. Accordingly, it is critical that professional cleanup services from an exterminator be used in the wake of a bat infestation.
HOW TO DETECT
BIG BROWN
BATS
Signs of a bat presence include:
• The scent of ammonia in certain rooms • Bat excrement found anywhere indoors or on exterior building surfaces • Damage to attic vents • Squeaking and scratching sounds coming from behind walls or above ceilings
HOW TO PREVENT
BIG BROWN
BATS
To help prevent bat issues the following steps should be taken:
• Seal up all possible entrances • Install bat exclusion equipment • Correct water leaks and standing water problems • Ask an exterminator to regularly perform pest control services • Place a cap on all chimneys
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.
