Of all animals in North America, the bat is the most misunderstood. Many people consider bats to be pests, to be diseased and dangerous. However, bats are actually incredible animals and they’re a key part of our ecosystem. They make great neighbors because they provide a valued service: They eat flying insects like mosquitoes. 

wildlife technician holding a batBats only become a problem to humans when they enter manmade structures. Out in nature, bats have a multitude of options as far as places to nest. From mine shafts and caves to crevices and small out of the way hiding spots. When it comes to urban areas, bats have fewer options. This typically results in bats roosting in attics, walls and garages. Because they’re quiet and do little damage to the structures they’re in, they often go unnoticed for years.

In most cases the bat colony residing in your home will go unnoticed until one of two things happen: you will either notice a foul smell emanating from your walls or attic, or an accumulation of bat guano eventually by their main entry and exit point. Either way, these are both indicators of a potentially serious bat problem that should be dealt with as soon as humanly possible.

That terrible odor is caused by a bat perishing in the walls of the home. Often, bats, especially young bats, get lost, get stuck in walls and, unable to find their way out, they die there. As for the bat guano, it is imperative you contact a professional wildlife removal outfit to deal with the removal of the colony and the clean up of the droppings. Bat guano is extremely toxic and if disturbed and inhaled, can be deadly.

Out of all the common urban pests, a bat infestation is the most dangerous and should be dealt with immediately. Below we go over some of the main reasons you want to avoid having a bat die in your home.

 

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Risks to Your Health

A bat has died behind your wall. To prevent the stench of death from wafting through your home, and to prevent inviting hundreds of flies into your home, you might take action and attempt to remove the dead animal carcass and clean up the area on your own.

This is a mistake. Handling dead animals poses serious health risks. And more importantly, disturbing the dried bat guano can have deadly consequences. If you come in direct contact with a dead animal, you put yourself at risk of contracting diseases and parasites.

It is worth reiterating if you accidentally disturb bat guano (feces) in your attempt to remove the dead animal, the consequences can de disastrous. By disturbing bat guano, you can make Histoplasma Capsulatum spores go airborne. Then, you could breathe in these spores and contract a dangerous illness called histoplasmosis.

You can also end up spreading parasites by handling a dead bat. Most wild animals, including bats, carry parasites. Once the animal is dead, the parasites need to find a new host to survive. You don’t want to become that new host and spread parasites throughout your home. This can lead to an additional problem since parasites are known to be difficult to get rid of. It can also put your pets at risk.

Out of all the species we encounter regularly, bats are by far the pests with the most potential to cause health issues. Take any signs of bat presence very seriously and contact a professional wildlife removal company

Odors

homeowner  noticing foul smell from wildlife presence The biggest complaint homeowners have when it comes to dead bats behind walls is the terrible odor that comes next. For many families, this is also the first indication that there may be an issue. When a body decomposes, a noxious smell occurs. After death, the body releases a combination of chemicals, including benzene derivatives, sulfur dioxide, and methane. When these gases mix together, they lead to what is commonly known as “the smell of death.” It’s a very specific, very sickening smell.

If bats die inside your walls, you’ll be able to smell this decomposition for at least a week until the body does through the natural stages of decay. With time, the smell will get stronger. It will seem like your entire house smells. The location of the dead bat, as well as the temperature outside, could make the stench even worse. Although the smell will eventually desist, that does not mean the problem is fixed. It is very rarely a case of a single bat finding its way into a home and perishing. 99% of the time, it’s a sign that you have a colony of bats residing somewhere in your home. And ignoring this fact will lead to serious repercussions. 

Insect Problems

What is wrong with having bats die in the walls of your home? Nothing—if you love living with flies and maggots, that is. Unique types of insects known as carrion flies seek out dead and decomposing bodies in order to lay their eggs inside the decaying organic material.

If you have dead bats in the walls, you’ll probably also have swarms of carrion flies, such as blowflies, in your home, too. And soon, you’ll be dealing with maggots, beetles, and worms as well. Your walls could quite literally become carrion flies’ breeding ground.

 

Now you know what is wrong with having bats die in the walls of your home. Remeber, if you have signs of bat presence in or around our home, this is not the time to try your hand at wildlife removal. Bat removal should only be completed by trained professionals. 

Do you need wildlife removal services? Request a quote today!

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