Can the Bat Population Recover from WhiteNose Syndrome?

Bats are the world’s only flying mammal. There are a lot of myths surrounding bats, largely due to movies about vampire bats or dark, dangerous caves. Bats have also been portrayed as animals that purposefully fly towards humans to nest in their hair. Actually, when bats appear to swoop down to fly, it’s their flight mechanism kicking in. They don’t make nests like birds, but they do create colonies in attics and other buildings because the temperatures remain consistent. Learn more about bats, their biggest enemy and why a Milwaukee bat removal company is the best way to deal with bats in your home.

Why Should Homeowners Care About Bats?

Bats eat thousands of bugs every day. They are a natural pest controller. In the Great Lakes region, bats eat beetles, earworm moths, and other critters. One study estimates that farmers across the United States save a minimum of $3 billion USD annually on insect control costs because of bats. Like bees, bats are pollinators responsible for dispersing seeds. The forest ecosystem relies on bats to maintain its health. Although bats are often thought of as the enemy, they’re more important to humans than most people realize. Bats have one enemy that is killing them off: white-nose syndrome.

What Is White-Nose Syndrome?

While the white-nose syndrome is not currently proven to be dangerous to humans, it can be detrimental to the bat population. White-nose syndrome is a fungus that has killed over 6 million bats in the northeast United States and Canada since 2006. The fungus infects bats and causes them to wake up during hibernation. The bat starves and dies. One bat expert with the Organization for Bat Conservation calls white-nose syndrome “the biggest wildlife catastrophe in America in the last 100 years”.

What Is Being Done to Treat White-Nose Syndrome?

White-nose syndrome is a type of fungal infection from Europe that is now established in North America. There is no cure as of yet, but scientists are trying to stop the spread of the fungus through multiple tools that will help bats survive. Biological agents are helping reduce infection rates by weakening the effects of the fungus, and some research shows UV lighting may be effective in eradicating it. Researchers are providing heated bat boxes to help them survive when they’re coming out of hibernation. States are also educating cave tourists to prevent the spread of the condition. There are many concerns about the future of bats because the white-nose syndrome is killing off so many individuals and even destroying entire colonies. Some cities are replacing dead trees with bat houses to give bats a safe place to live.

Do You Have Bats in Your Home?

Bats are nocturnal creatures. It’s unlikely that you will see a bat during the day. However, if one (or more) has hibernated in your home over the winter, the warmer spring temperatures may bring them out when you least expect them. You may also hear scratching and squeaking sounds in your walls or ceilings at night or in the early morning. Most bats won’t wander into someone’s home at night because they’re more interested in finding insects for food. However, especially during breeding season, they can set up housekeeping in your home because it’s warm and cozy for their babies.

Why Does Humane Bat Removal Benefit Humans and Bats?

If you suspect that you have bats in your home, the entire colony needs to be removed. You don’t want babies left behind, nor do you want bats to keep finding their way into your home. You need a professional Milwaukee bat removal company to ensure that the situation is contained appropriately. Bats are protected under the law. It is illegal to kill bats and decimate bat colonies. Removing the bats humanely ensures that these animals keep doing their job, just without living inside your home. Humane removal also protects you and your family. Bats can carry rabies and other diseases. If you suspect you have bats living in your attic, contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control for removal.