What Makes Bat Guano Dangerous?
Bat guano is not all bad. Since it is rich in nutrients, it can serve as a fertilizer to help plants grow strong and healthy. Nevertheless, it is not recommended to handle bat guano for use in your yard or garden. It can provide a breeding ground for pathogenic microorganisms. Of particular concern are spores of a fungus that causes a potentially deadly lung disease called histoplasmosis. These spores may be released when the guano is disturbed. If bats have gotten into your home, pathogens may get into your air ducts and circulate through the HVAC system. Guano can also cause staining and damage of insulation, soffits, siding, and ceilings as it builds up over time, producing a bitter, unpleasant odor often detectable from both inside and outside the building.How Can You Identify Bat Guano?
Bat guano can occur alongside the excrement of other animals. It may be similar in appearance, but there are telltale differences. Unlike bird droppings, bat droppings do not contain any white, chalky material. Bat droppings are also similar to those of rodents, such as mice or rats. However, compared to rodent droppings, bat droppings are more elongated and segmented, while rodent droppings are hard and tapered.