Bats are pretty prevalent in Maryland, and due to their small size, it’s easy for them to sneak through the tiniest of spaces into your property. They only come out at night, which makes it hard to spot them. Having them on your property can bring about several challenges, and knowing these problems and how to identify their presence can help combat them.
Dangers and Problems Associated with Bats
There are ten species of bats in Maryland, and they play an integral part in the local ecosystem. However, that does not mean we should share a roof with them since they pose potential hazards to our well-being. If you suspect bats are living in your Maryland property, here are some of the problems you should be aware of:
Health risks
Bats rarely attack humans unless they feel threatened, and they do so by biting the person. This may end up infecting you with rabies, a dangerous disease that can cause brain inflammation. If bitten, it’s advisable to seek medical attention promptly.
Bats also defecate in areas they reside in, and their droppings contain harmful pathogens that can be inhaled and result in histoplasmosis.
However, bats are very helpful to our environment. While some bat species are harmless, they shouldn’t be handled without protective measures. If you spot bat droppings, call an animal control professional to help you do an extensive search and remove the bat.
Additional maintenance cost
The accumulation of urine and droppings can eat away the ceiling and ruin insulation. It can even lead to structural damage with enough stack, eventually leading to unplanned maintenance costs.
Bats harbor parasites
Although bats happen to be insectivorous, they also harbor parasites such as mites, bat bugs, and fleas. These parasites can spread throughout the house and afflict humans.
Nuisance
Bats’ constant rustling of wings and squeaking can become a nuisance over time, especially if you’ve had a long day and want some quiet time. Furthermore, if a bat dies, they end up decaying, leading to a foul smell in the house.
Signs of Bats in Your Home
One of the earliest identifiers of a bat’s presence is that you’ll notice them flying in their typical erratic manner near overhead exterior lights where insects swarm. If you also notice droppings or stains on the wall, you’re likely harboring bats in your house. In addition, you can hear scratching noises in the attic or within walls caused by the rustling of wings.
Have a Bat Problem in Maryland? Reach Out to Shumaker Animal Control Today
Knowing that you’ve bats on your property and where they’re, are two different things. If you suspect bats are claiming living spaces in your property, it’s advisable to contact a professional animal control to assist you.
Shumaker Animal Control can provide humane and safe animal removal solutions while ensuring your safety. We’ve over 25 years of animal control experience.
We’re happy to help you eradicate and protect yourself from bats. Call us at 443-854-8072 or fill out the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you promptly.