Spiders, bats, owls, even black cats! As a pest control company, we find some humor in these typical Halloween decorations, but we get it! These guys can all be pretty creepy. However, the good news is that if you are educated about them, there is no need to be afraid of them.

In our last blog, we discussed one of the most feared household pests: spiders. Today, we’re going to talk about another misunderstood pest that gets a bad rap: bats.

Unfortunately, many people are afraid of bats simply because they do not understand them. The truth is that bats play an important role in our ecosystem. They are beneficial to controlling insect populations, pollinating plants, and spreading fruit seeds. Bats are not dangerous or aggressive, but, like any wild animal, they do carry some risk of diseases.

There are no vampire bats in Indiana. All of the bats here are insectivores, which means they eat only insects. Bats eat a tremendous number of insects each night in spring, summer, and fall, which can help homeowners control the insect population without using harmful pesticides.

It is a common misconception that bats are trying to attack humans when they swoop nearby. However, bats are blind and they search for insects using echolocation. Since insects are attracted to people, if a bat swoops near you, it is likely that it is just trying to home in on the insects around you. If a bat lands on you or touches you, it is purely by accident.

Bats are not aggressive and rarely bite humans. In fact, almost every person who gets bit by a bat does so because they pick up a sick or injured bat. Like any other wild animal, bats should never be handled, especially when found on the ground or in a home.

Although getting bit by a bat is unlikely, there is always the chance that a bat could carry a disease like rabies. A very low percentage of bats actually ever contract rabies, but if you get bitten or scratched by a bat (or any other wild animal), seek immediate medical attention.

Although bats are meticulous about their hygiene and grooming habits, they can carry parasites like fleas, ticks, and bat bugs, which are pests themselves and have been known to carry diseases.

The smell associated with bats is due to the accumulation of bat droppings, called guano, under their roosting areas. Guano can contain fungal spores that can cause histoplasmosis, a disease that attacks the lungs.

In Indiana, bats are a protected species. In fact, some types of bats are endangered, and others are of special concern. This means that it is illegal to catch, trap, harm, or kill an Indiana bat unless you are a licensed animal control technician that is licensed through the state.

Trying to trap or remove bats on your own can do more harm than good in many cases, and it is illegal. This is why it is crucial that you contact a pest control professional if you need bat removal.

Bats are useful and advantageous to our ecosystem and environment. They are misunderstood creatures that are actually intelligent and fascinating. They are excellent at insect and mosquito control, and the only mammal capable of true flight!

So, don’t sweat it next time you see a bat. Instead, just take a moment to appreciate their valuable qualities. Then, call YES Pest Pros for affordable bat removal in Columbus.

Call YES Pest Pros for professional and DNR licensed bat removal services in Columbus and Bloomington. We are highly trained and qualified bat removal and control specialists with years of experience in the industry. We provide a range of bat control services, such as removal, prevention, DIY advice, and more. Call us today to learn more about bat removal and control in Columbus and Bloomington.

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